THE TAOISEACH’S wife Mary Cowen took a rare step into the limelight yesterday when she released thousands of balloons in memory of children who have died.
She said she was humbled and honoured by the invitation to take part in the first Anam Cara Balloon to Remember ceremony on All Souls Day in Tullamore, Co Offaly. “I usually shy away from launches and leave the speeches to my husband, but giving one’s support to Anam Cara was very easy, especially as a parent,” she told the gathering.
Ms Cowen said she could only imagine how painful the loss of a child would be. “Only people who have themselves experienced such pain could be a true anam cara, or soul friend, to these parents.”
The event attracted parents, grandparents and siblings from around Ireland.
The balloons, each in memory of a late child, were released in five bundles to comply with aviation regulations.
TV sports presenter Jimmy Magee, who lost his son Paul to motor neurone disease 18 months ago, said: “It’s a day of sympathy, but most importantly empathy.”
Anam Cara has a book of condolence online at www.anamcara.ie