‘Student Trees’ planted in memory of Derry pupils Reuven and Sebastian

PICTURED ABOVE . . . TREE PLANTING IN MEMORY OF REUVEN AND JOSEPH. . . .St. Columb's Park on Saturday saw the planting of three trees in memory of two young men from the Kerala community, Reuven Simon and Joseph Sebastian, who died after getting into difficulty at Enagh Lough in Derry in August, 2022. The tree planting, oganised by Enagh Seniors Group saw the Mayor, Lillian Seenoi-Barr join the families, local clergy and former school friends of the boys from St. Columb's College. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)

trees were planted in St. Columb’s Park in memory of two teenage boys who tragically lost their lives while swimming in Enagh Lough in August 2022. The event was held recently by Enagh Seniors Group to mark Drowning Prevention Week.

The city and district’s Mayor, Lillian Seenoi-Barr was also on hand to help plant the trees and show support for the families of the two boys and Fr. Michael Canny also said a blessing after the trees were planted.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Robert Murtland, Enagh Seniors Group paid tribute to the families for taking time to attend and sympathised with them in their sad loss.

"Unfortunately for the parents of Reuven and Sebastian this is not a celebratory event but I think it is important to mark their young lives by planting these three trees in St. Columb’s Park in their memory. We at Enagh Seniors Group share the grief and sorrow of losing dear ones in that when young folk venture out we always hope they will return home safely. We also have children, grandchildren, some of us even great-grandchildren. They are so important to us in our lives.

"In this case, the two boys were on a light-hearted venture to celebrate their exam results. Who knows what the future would have held for these two bright boys, maybe university and then becoming doctors or engineers."

The three ‘Student Oak Trees’ were planted – one for each of the boys, Reuven and Sebastian and the third for their companions on the day who struggled bravely to rescue them. Indeed, it’s a tribute to see some of their fellow St. Columb’s College students in attendance.

Dr. Murtland continued: "These trees are young and can live for 200-300 years in normal circumstances. The oak tree, in particular held immense significance in Celtic culture. It was seen as the ‘King of Trees’ and was associated with strength, wisdom and the power of the Druids, the Celtic spiritual leaders, a fitting tribute to these two gentle souls who lost their lives so young."

Joseph's father planting the tree in memory of his son who tragically lose his life in August, 2022 at Enagh Lough. On right is Fr. Michael Canny.

The Mayor, with the help of Mark Durkan, MLA planted the first tree, followed by Mr. Sebastian on behalf of his son, parents and the Kerala Community; and the third by Dr. Robert Murtland.

Paying tribute to the families, Mayor Seenoi-Barr also paid tribute to the families of the two boys and praised them for their courage and dignity in taking part in the event.

Dr. Robert Murtland plants the third tree at St. Columb's Park for the companions who tried to rescue Reuven and Joseph.

At the closing ceremony, refreshments were served in the St. Columb’s Park café.