Laois Slieve Blooms pays poignant tribute to the deceased

The community and parish in Rosenallis paid a poignant tribute to their loved ones over the festive season, especially those who passed away in 2025. 

Rosenallis Tidy Towns organised a memorial tree at St Brigid's Church where families could add a bow in remembrance of their loved ones.

Fr Tom Walshe blessed the tree in December, and on January 4 an ecumenical service was led by Fr Walshe and Reverend Leslie Robinson for all the loved ones remembered in the parish.

It was described to the Leinster Express / Laois Live as a lovely occasion of remembrance where candles were lit for the 24 members of the parish who sadly passed in 2025.

Photos were provided by Rosenallis Facebook page who compiled a memorial video tribute on December 31.

They explained that in 2020, they started creating the memorial due to COVID restrictions which meant families could not hold funerals with local community support.

It was a way of supporting local families experiencing grief, the response was so positive they continued to create the video each year since. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

Last year was a particularly difficult year for Rosenallis, with over double the deaths than in the last five previous years and with some families having lost more than one family member.

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Chairperson Bernie McMahon and Rosenallis Tidy Towns volunteers who lightened up the village with Christmas lights and the memorial tree, donated by Slieve Bloom Christmas Trees, were thanked for organising the service of rememberance which was appreciated by all.