Sir, - The organisers of the Christmas Tree Project - erected in Pimlico Green near Thomas Court in the Liberties of Dublin in memory of young people who died from drugs misuse - would like to thank Sean Maloney of Dublin Corporation, Inspector Gerry Lovett of Kevin Street Garda Station, the St Nicholas of Myra Community Resource Centre and the South West Inner City Network. Without their help it would have been difficult to have gone ahead with the project. We are grateful also to resident/community groups (especially Meath Place) for their support.
We would also like thank the relations and friends of deceased young people for bringing along flowers, wreaths and photographs to the Christmas tree. It was a sobering experience to see young and old stopping and offering up a prayer, especially on Christmas Day.
When the lights were turned off on January 7th the flowers and wreaths were brought to St Catherine's Church, Meath Street, where Father Tadhg Crowley and Father Ivan Tonge concelebrated Mass. After the ceremony John Lonergan, governor of Mountjoy Prison, spoke movingly about the under-privileged in our society, many of whom end up in Mountjoy. He was applauded by all, including the priests. The Minister of State, Chris Flood, did a reading.
We intend to erect a permanent memorial in Pimlico Green in 1999. Anyone who would like to contribute or support the organisers in any way should contact us. - Yours, etc. John Gallagher, Marie Stanley,
South West Inner, City Network, Carman's Hall, Dublin 8.