“This event is a chance for all of us to celebrate our planet, to raise awareness about environmental conservation and to encourage action for a healthier and more sustainable future,” according to Jenny Dowling, Director of Nursing, Sacred Heart Hospital, Carlow.

Speaking at an event where two apple trees were planted in the garden of the Sacred Heart Hospital, Jenny, and all gathered, were among those marking Earth Day across the globe in recent weeks.

Residents and staff at the hospital were delighted to be joined by the Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, Andrea Dalton, at the ceremony.

Every year in April, Earth Day is celebrated across the globe, marking the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement.

The mission is to diversify, educate and activate the environmental movement worldwide.

Donated by Colm O’Brien in memory of his mother Kathleen, the two apple trees were planted by residents Ann Ryan (along with her husband Tom Ryan), and Jim MacAssey. They were supplied locally by Topline Doyle’s.

Welcoming everyone to the event, Jenny said she was “delighted to have guests with us for Earth Day, including our residents and their family members,” adding that they were also delighted to be able to share refreshments with all gathered in their day room after the ceremony. 

Activities Co-ordinator at the hospital, Deirdre Hilliard, further outlined how “Sacred Heart Hospital is a 63-bed residential care centre facility, with accommodation arranged in three interconnecting units (the Sacred Heart, St  Clare's and St James’s units)."

"Our garden is an important feature for residents here. They also enjoy our ongoing activities programme. Everyone associated with the hospital – staff, residents and families – have been looking forward to this occasion here today. We extend our thanks to those who donated the trees and all who came along to share Earth Day with us here.”

Deirdre concluded: “It’s very much in the spirit of the Earth Day message, in that together we can make a meaningful impact and create a more sustainable world.”