Five years ago I had the privilege of meeting Jane and Brendan McKenna, two of the most courageous people I have ever met.
Jane and Brendan lost both of their daughters within 20 months of each other, Laura aged 14 and Lynn aged 4. They went out over the next five years and raised € 10 million and built Ireland’s first hospice for terminally ill children called Laura Lynn House.
In the house there is a room called the Butterfly Room where the children pass from this life. It has every medical requirement needed but is also a beautiful space for the children, their families and the wonderful staff at Laura Lynn House.
I was at Jane’s book launch in Dublin a few years back and decided that I wanted to do something that would help Jane and Brendan and honour the memory of their two beautiful daughters.
At the time I was working down on Sheeps Head, West Cork in a place called Kilcrohane and “Eileens” was our local pub. She had a large overgrown area at the side of the pub which was perfect for a garden. The idea to develop it came about one evening in the bar and we have been working on it since, on a voluntary basis.
It comprises of curved Gaudi seats to seat 120 people, a stage and dancefloor and a large covered area. It is a music venue in a Butterfly garden. A large lawn to the back of the seating area will be surrounded by a planting scheme to attract butterflies.
There will also be an outdoor bar, a sunken firebowl and a childrens play area.
Over the coming months we will finish the garden and are looking for help and materials. Any of the following would be greatly appreciated:
- Broken colourful tiles
- Roof slates
- Topsoil
- Timber
- Plants
- Lots of manpower
Any musical acts would also be very welcome.
For donations etc. phone Dominick on 085 7820736
