A ceremony was held in Tralee on Sunday morning to remember those who have died during the COVID-19 pandemic and to acknowledge the role of individuals and organisations in responding to the crisis over the past two years.

The Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Jimmy Moloney led the ceremony at the Ashe Memorial Hall on Denny Street, which was attended by a wide range of statutory and community organisations involved in dealing with the pandemic over since March 2020. Cllr Moloney laid a wreath in memory of the over 120 Kerry people who have died.

“The grief of those who lost loved ones was compounded by the absence of that most Irish of customs – the sharing of sympathy at funerals. Instead, so many were faced with closed churches, closed funeral homes and closed coffins. Today we stand in solidarity and sympathy with all of them,” he said.

“The toll on so many others remains – be that in terms of physical health or mental health which was so impacted by limitations on normal human activity. Those challenges continue for so many of our citizens.

“But Kerry came together as Kerry always does. If there is any positive to be taken from these dreadful times, it is the extraordinary community spirit and resilience shown by our people at a time of such adversity. In remarkable ways, the people of Kerry and the community and voluntary groups came together to respond, to be proactive and to show support. As Kerry’s first citizen, I say thank you, on behalf of the people of Kerry for all you that you have done and continue to do.”

The event was addressed by representatives of the HSE, An Garda Síochána, and business and community organisations. The flag at the Ashe Memorial Hall was lowered to half mast in memory of those who died and in tribute to those who continue to suffer the effects of the pandemic.