Man behind unique County Roscommon memorial garden set to hand it over to community

A man behind a unique memorial garden in Fairymount, which he describes as a labour of love, now wants to formally hand it over to the local community to safeguard it for future generations.

Michael Gilligan has spent many years developing the distinctive garden, which has become a popular contemplative space for its many visitors.

The garden is a little oasis of calm and peace where members of the parish are remembered, historical and public figures are honoured and unsung heroes, including frontline healthcare workers, are also celebrated.

Currently situated on a half-acre site, the garden, containing beautiful shrubbery, walkways and seating, is close to Michael’s home in the townland of Mullaghnashee near Fairymount village.

The retired mental health nurse now has more plans to expand and develop the garden across a total area of two and a half acres. When that expansion is complete, he then wants to formally hand it over to the local parish.

Michael, who lives in Roscommon Town, believes that putting the garden’s ownership on a formal footing will help access relevant funding for further development.

“I am looking for support from Roscommon County Council and the local community. The plan is to vest it into the parish of Fairymount, Frenchpark, Tibohine and Ballinagare. We will have a committee and put it on a legal footing,” he explained.

Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr Liam Callaghan, who visited the garden recently, said the local authority would support Michael’s plans in any way it could.

“The garden is a great focal point for the local community. If Michael can get the community involved and it is community led, it would be a great opportunity to develop this garden into a tourist attraction here in Fairymount.

“Well done to Michael, and Roscommon County Council will give him every support possible for this venture,” said Cllr Callaghan.