Edenderry suicide memorial vandalised

Gardai in Edenderry have appealed for information after a tree planted recently in memory of local people who died by suicide was vandalised.

The Tree of Hope was planted in JKL Street next to Edenderry Harbour by local mental health activists in conjunction with the Edenderry Tidy Towns committee. However, last week members of the committee discovered that the tree had been deliberately damaged.

Speaking to the Offaly Independent, Cllr Noel Cribbin, who is a member of the Tidy Towns committee, said that it was “disappointing” that someone would damage a memorial.

“It was only put about of month. It was put up in the harbour. We were asked by group could we locate a site. We thought this was a lovely site, which it is looking onto the street and people pass it everyday and could see it growing. It wasn't there four weeks when it was interfered with.

“It's very disappointing. There's a sign there to say what the tree is, it's not just left there. You think whoever did it might respect it but obviously not.

“We have pruned it back, so hopefully it will grow again. The top was broken off. The group that were involved [with the planting of the tree] are very disappointed as well.”

If anyone has information they are asked to contact Edenderry on 046973 1290.