The sun beat down on Ballina on Sunday as family and friends gathered to remember the late Gerry O'Donnell. Anniversary Mass was celebrated in St Muredach's Cathedral and friends from all across the country were vsible in the congregation.
Afterwards, a beautiful event was held in Mount Falcon Estate where a tree-planting ceremony took place. Alan Maloney, owner of Mount Falcon hosted the event and in a few well-selected words, explained how the tree would quietly stand in memory of Gerry, a man who gave so much to so many.
Members of the O'Donnell family and some great friends took turns to place clay around the tree roots before Ray Collins stepped forward and read the Seamus Heaney poem, Digging, a creation which speaks about the value of hard work – which was very fitting for Gerry O'Donnell.
Gerry will be always remembered fondly by all fortunate enough to have met him, and the new tree in Mount Falcon will stand as a fitting memento to a wonderful man.