Mother’s bid for tree in memory of son refused

Mother’s bid for tree in memory of son refused

3 July 2019

A REQUEST from a grieving mother to plant a fruit tree in Newcastle in memory of her son who took his own life has been refused by Newry, Mourne and Down Council.

Mary McManus lost her only son, Dean Murray, on May 13, 2013, just three weeks before his 21st birthday.

The Dundrum mother says that she takes little comfort from visiting his graveside and that planting a fruit tree for everyone to enjoy would have been a positive way to remember Dean.

“I really don’t like going to Dean’s grave. I know a lot of people do find comfort in graves but going there just torments me,” she said.

“I wanted to go somewhere more positive where I could sit and remember him.

“I wanted to plant an apple, plum or pear tree somewhere like Islands Park where I know children play. I would have paid for it and maintained it. I wanted a tree that lives on and produces something like fruit for everyone to enjoy.”

Ms McManus’ idea has sparked a lot of support locally on social media.

The mother of two said: “I posted some comments about my disappointment with the council’s decision on Facebook and I know that a few other people wanted to do the same. If I had have planted a plum tree and somebody then planted an apple tree, that’s free fruit for kids when they are brought to the park. I thought that everyone would just look after their own tree.

“It wasn’t like I wanted a park named after him or an orchard. I just wanted a tree with a plaque that would show that he had been here and his life meant something.

“I just love nature and living things and have an apple tree and plum tree in my fruit garden where the neighbours and children can take the fruit anytime.”

A council spokesperson told the Recorder yesterday: “Newry, Mourne and Down District Council would like to express its sympathies to Mary McManus and her family for the loss of their son.

“The council receives a number of requests from the public who wish to commemorate or memorialise a deceased person, or family, on council property. 

“Requests regarding the planting of trees on council-owned property fall under the scope of the council’s policy on naming facilities. Unfortunately, the council is unable to facilitate this request or similar requests submitted from the public.”

Mournes councillor Willie Clarke has pledged to ask for the council’s policy to be reviewed.

Councillor Clarke said: “I have raised this matter with the chief executive, Liam Hannaway, and requested the policy for naming facilities after deceased relatives and friends is reviewed. 

“The good relations committee had decided not to allow any naming because of the issues and sensitivities in dealing with legacy. 

“However, there should be a criteria to allow families to honour loved ones who have passed away.”

He described Ms McManus’s idea to plant some trees in the Newcastle park as “a positive request”.

The Sinn Fein man added: “It is important young people should be allowed to remember their friend, along with the family. 

“There does not need to be plaques, just a small name plate. The planting of trees will also benefit the environment and will also allow us to increase reforestation.”