Tipperary man has poem unveiled on plaque in Tipperary memorial garden

Martin Quinn's poem 'In St Mary's Garden' has been added as a permanent feature to St Mary's International Garden of Remembrance

A poem by Martin Quinn titled 'In St Mary’s Garden', has been given a special place in that same garden in Thurles.

On Remembrance Sunday, November 9, a plaque with the words of the poem was unveiled by Martin in the company of the many guests who were present including the Ambassador of Kuwait and the Deputy Ambassador of Korea.

Prior to the unveiling, a special Remembrance Mass was offered in the Cathedral celebrated by Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly.

The Mass and Ceremony in St Mary’s Garden was organised by the Durlas Eile Memorial Committee, led by its hard working Chairman, John Wort.

Speaking at the ceremony in St Mary’s, Martin Quinn said that the Memorial Garden was more than a place of memory and was in fact a place of hope.

“Each memorial, each name, each flower and each moment of silence reminds us that peace must be protected and nurtured, like a flame that can never be allowed to fade.

As we stand together in remembrance, let us make this promise; to build bridges where there is division, to sow understanding where there is conflict, and to keep alive the belief that a better world is possible,” concluded Martin.

Martin was invited to unveil the plaque by John Wort, and he then read the poem for the attendance.

The poem reads:

Beneath the quiet arch of sky,

In St Mary’s hallowed ground,

The Whispers of the past reside,

In the flags that fly unbound.

Each stone a tale, each name a song,

Etched deep in the tender grace,

And here we come to sit, reflect,

In this sacred, gentle place.

In silence or in spoken word,

Their spirits linger near,