A bereaved mum in Armagh is said to have “left in tears” after discovering that a baby memorial garden in the city had its plants ripped out and personal items damaged.
The memorial garden, located within the Palace Demesne, was established in 2023 as a reflective space for bereaved parents in the area who have suffered baby loss.
The initiative was approved by Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon (ABC) Borough Council after working alongside two local mums, Megan and Alisha, who brought the idea forward.
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It is currently used as a space for gatherings by Roots and Wings, a local bereavement support group.
The garden is located within the grounds of Archbishop’s Palace in Armagh PICTURE: DISCOVER NI
However, on Monday it was discovered that plants in the garden had been ripped out and some of the personalised ornaments damaged.
Speaking to The Irish News, Sinn Féin councillor Sarah Duffy said that she had been contacted by a parent who came across the damage and “left in tears”.
“As an elected representative we get lots of complaints about vandalism,” she said.
“This one has really hit me and has really hit the local community. This isn’t just any public space; it holds enormous emotional significance for families who’ve experienced loss.
“I often walk around the palace grounds and more often than not you see someone there to reflect and remember their babies and just find a small measure of peace.
“The impact of this vandalism really goes beyond the physical damage.”
Ms Duffy said that she was “shocked and heartbroken” to learn of the incident, which appears to have been intentional.
“Plants were ripped up, just discarded,” she said.
“Parents had made small little wooden hearts with their baby’s name on and they had tied it to the summer benches. They were ripped off.
“There’s no rational motive for that behaviour.
“These parents are already traumatised and going through immense grief. They really shouldn’t have to relive that again.”
Ms Duffy added that the community has responded offering support, donations and plants to restore the space.
She added that council had agreed to arrange re-planting and cleaning of the space.
A spokesperson for ABC council said: “Council officers are currently looking into reported damage at the baby memorial garden at the Palace Demesne and are working to restore planting, ensuring the garden continues to offer a serene sanctuary for bereaved parents.”
The PSNI said it had not received a report of the incident.
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