Tree of hope destroyed

LOCALS in Ballymun were shocked last week when vandals destroyed a tree planted in Poppintree Park as a symbol of support to those affected by suicide and depression.

The tree was planted last January at the request of locals including Cllr Noeleen Reilly (SF) who donated it for the community.

However, Cllr Reilly was devastated when she learned the tree, which offered solace and hope to those impacted by the loss of loved ones to suicide, had been broken by vandals.

“There really are no words. I’m heartbroken this morning,” she posted on Facebook.

“The tree was targeted by some who clearly have no consideration for others and what they may be going through.”

Hundreds of Trees of Hope have been planted around the country and are generally respected by local communities as a landmark that people visit to grieve.

Tree of Hope founder Noeleen Fulham, expressed solidarity with locals on Ballymun on behalf of the group.

“We are really upset to see this happen,” she said.

“It meant so much to the people that came to this planting too. The sad part is the people responsible for this are the very ones who will probably need support themselves down the road.”

Cllr Reilly has vowed to beat the vandals who showed no consideration for the tree or the local park.

“We will be planting the tree again and again if need be,” she said. “I will finalise a date in the coming weeks.”