ABC Council unveils memorial to Covid victims
The lives of people from the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough who lost their lives to Covid 19 have been commemorated in a special memorial project by the council.
The initiative includes the planting of hundreds of trees along the Portadown to Newry Canal towpath, at three locations – Scarva, Moneypenny and Pontzpass.
More trees have been planted and dedicated benches placed at the Civic Centre Garden in Craigavon, the Palace Gardens in Armagh and Solitude Park in Banbridge.
Lord Mayor of ABC Borough, Alderman Stephen Moutray was joined by Deputy Mayor, Councillor Jessica Johnston, Alderman Gordon Kennedy and Councillor Mary O’Dowd for the unveiling of the memorial bench at the Palace Gardens in Armagh.
Ald Moutray said: “It is very important that we put together this memorial project to remember those who died from Covid 19 and also recognise the severe impacts the pandemic has had on so many families across our borough.
"We hope that the benches will provide an opportunity for people to quietly reflect on the pandemic and the planting of the trees is a positive way of remembering those who are no longer with us.”
Covid restrictions had a devastating impact on bereaved families across the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon area who, along with people in other parts of Northern Ireland, were not able to hold normal funeral services and gatherings following the passing of their loved ones.
Cemeteries across the borough were also closed to the public, apart from for burials. At the time, ABC Borough Council acknowledged the government legislation as “upsetting and hugely impactful on many in our community”.