Tribute: Longford's Seanie Reilly has sensory garden named in his memory in Drumlish

St Mary’s National School in Drumlish opened its new sensory garden on Friday, which has been named ‘Seanie’s Space’ in memory of the late Seanie Reilly, who died in 2023. The father of four died tragically following a road collision and he is being posthumously remembered for his years of fundraising.

In attendance at the opening ceremony were the sixth class pupils, which included Seanie’s daughter Katie. Also in attendance was Seanie’s widow, Sinead, and Katie’s grandmother, Mary, along with members of the Devils Disciples Motorcycle Club, which Seanie was a member of. They sat in the new sensory garden which included picnic benches and flower boxes, as well as a wheelchair ramp at the side so all the children could access it.

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Katie’s parents were commended for fundraising for the last six years, reaching up to €21,000. The event included the cutting of a red ceremonial ribbon to officially open the garden. The family’s donations have brought a massive change to St Mary’s, as those with additional needs now have access to better resources, which were not as available in the years prior.

The ceremony took place in the school playground. The sensory garden has been placed to the right side, beside the hedgerow, making it a cosy, welcoming space for students to feel comfortable to go to.

Sixth year pupils made comments about the garden being “a place where you can relax,” as well as “somewhere to cheer you up.” Many of the pupils had plenty to say about the positive attributes that the garden will bring.

Katie herself said: “I love the way you can sit and chat with your friends.”

During the speeches, Katie said a few words about the garden: “Thank you for all the work you’ve done,” she said. “I love outdoor places.”

PICTURES | St Mary's NS opens sensory garden in memory of Longford's Seanie Reilly

She went on to follow up with compliments towards the staff.

The principal, Deirdre Hannifin, followed up by thanking Sinead, Mary, family and friends for everything, as well as acknowledging how the Reillys’ fundraising gave “inclusion” to the school and pupils.

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Ms Hannifin also mentioned future work underway for the outdoor sensory area to include sensory pods, and roofing. There is a long-term dedication to make a lasting difference.

“It was a true privilege to have Sinead and the late Seanie see the value of all children,” she added. “It is rare and speaks volumes.”

Katie, her mother and grandmother officially cut the ceremonial ribbon together, leading to a round of applause from the staff, friends and classmates. It was followed by the presentation of a bouquet of flowers to both Sinead and Mary, presented by Katie and a fellow classmate.

By the end of the event, with the weather being bright and warm, St Mary’s school supplied refreshments inside for those who had attended. The principal also offered to show where the fundraising had gone towards over the years to improve the lives of many classmates who require additional assistance.

Seanie and Sinead’s charitability to make the school a better place for all children to thrive has led to Seanie leaving a wonderful legacy. His generosity and kindness has led to St Mary’s being better equipped and educated on how to help children with mental or physical needs. The event was a celebration of his life, as well as the meaningful difference that the sensory garden has brought.

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The memory of Seanie Reilly, an auto electrician specialist from Longford town, certainly lives on through his family.