Sarah O’Reilly’s untimely death on 1st May 2007 was a shock to the whole Ringsend community. Sarah was an untiring worker for the Parish of Ringsend, the primary schools and many local charities.

Tom Sheridan said that Sarah was truly unique: “It is no exaggeration to say that the contribution she made to our church and parish, and to the many people’s lives she touched, is immeasurable.”

To commemorate Sarah’s life. the Headmaster of St Patrick’s Girls National School and a whole host of local people got together to transform a barren place into Sarah’s Garden.

The garden sits on solid concrete and removing it was never going to be an option, however it provided an instant and solid foundation for the raised beds.

It took many months of hard work and a great deal of good luck for the garden to come to fruition. The children have planted flowers, trees, fruit and vegetables and the Garden was opened on 20 June by John Gormley TD.

Headmaster, Martin Lynch, said “The garden is dedicated to Sarah O’Reilly in appreciation of her lifelong work for the Parish. We now have a primary resource and amenity that bodes well for our children’s appreciation of nature and our environment for many years to come.”

Pictured above are Tom Sheridan with Sheila Delaney, Phyllis Byrne and Mary Egan.