Menlough memorial garden blooms
A BEAUTIFUL garden celebrating the memories of a beloved teacher has been setup on the grounds of Garbally National School in Menlough.
Paula’s Garden is a living memory created to honour late Paula Shaughnessy, who passed away in April 2022. She had been a teacher in the school for 20 years.
The garden was officially opened on Wednesday, June 24 by Monica McHugh, Chair of the school’s Board of Management, in presence of the staff, pupils and Parish Priest Rev. Fr Karl Burns.
“Paula was a treasured teacher, an amazing colleague and was fantastic with the children,” Principal Carmel Hoade told The Tuam Herald.
“After her passing, we all wanted to create something living in her memory. So, the staff came up with idea of setting up a garden.”
The memorial garden is designed by one of the past pupils Fiona Carroll, who is big into gardening, while the works from preparing the grounds to planting trees and garden beds have all been done by the pupils, staff, parents and other members of the community.
“We have been doing bits and pieces over the last two years, but the actual plan was only drawn up this spring and that’s when we really put our foot down,” explained Ms Hoade.
Image 1 of 2
AT the opening of the Memorial Garden in Garbally NS were Monica McHugh, Chairperson BOM; Fr Karl Burns PP, Margaret and Claire Shaughnessy and Principal Carmel Hoade.Image 2 of 2
AT the Memorial Garden opening were Monica McHugh, Chairperson BOM; Fiona Carroll, Margaret and Claire Shaughnessy and Principal Carmel Hoade.“The pupils who completed sixth class this year were the last link with Paula, and they helped a lot in planting the beautiful flower beds,” she added.
The garden features several cherry trees, raised flower beds, buddy benches for kids, a sand pit, and a bug hotel, providing a space for children and adults in the community to sit down and enjoy the nature.
Ms Hoade called the garden an “evidence of community support” and thanked everyone who did their best to set it up.