The last two years have been tragic for many families.

Now that it is once again safe to gather in numbers, a Ceremony of Remembrance and Reflection will take place in Cork City Hall to remember those who lost their lives during the Covid 19 pandemic.

Hosted by the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Colm Kelleher and Cork City Council Chief Executive Ann Doherty, the ceremony will take place on Sunday, March 20th, 2022 at 12pm and will broadly reflect the national event, with a tree planting and wreath-laying ceremony on the grounds of City Hall.

Harpist Fiachra Ó Corragáin has composed a specially commissioned piece and the Barrack Street Band will also perform. There will be a poetry reading by local poet Tom McCarthy and the ceremony will feature contributions from the Health Service Executive, representatives of Cork’s new communities, senior citizens and youth, as well as addresses from the Lord Mayor and Chief Executive.

“This ceremony is an important opportunity to recognise and reflect on the impact the last two years have had on us.” said Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Colm Kelleher.

“There is no denying it has been difficult, traumatic even, for many of us. We have lost much but we have also gained much, we have been changed and marked by our experience of the pandemic and this is our chance to confront and acknowledge this.

“The pandemic truly showed us the power of the human spirit, and the extent of our resilience, the admirable way we managed to pull together while staying apart.”

Members of the public can attend by booking free tickets on Eventbrite.