Pictured at the launch of the Rotary Club of Athlone’s annual Tree of Remembrance fundraiser were: Sean O’Laoide, Rotary, Daragh Byrne, Rotary, Maureen Wallace, Irish Wheelchair Association, Melanie Murphy, Dunnes Stores, John Conway, General Manager, Dunnes Stores, Tony Gannon, President-elect Rotary, Cllr Frankie Keena and Ivan Merrick, Rotary.

Athlone's annual 'Tree of Remembrance' now in new location

Adrian Cusack

Published: Wed 17 Dec 2025, 4:58 PM

The Rotary Club of Athlone has launched its annual 'Tree of Remembrance' Christmas fundraising campaign.

The initiative offers people a chance to write on a ribbon the name of a loved one they wish to remember during the festive season, with the ribbon then being placed on a Christmas tree in the town.

While the format of the fundraiser remains the same this year, the location of the tree has changed.

Instead of being situated outside the Civic Centre, it has moved to the pedestrianised area in front of Dunnes Stores in Irishtown.

The Irish Wheelchair Association is chosen beneficiary of the fundraising campaign this year. From mid-December up to Christmas Eve, the Tree of Remembrance is set to be decked with more and more coloured ribbons, creating a visual reminder of loved ones at Christmas.

A special Ecumenical Service with carols, to remember those family and friends who will not be with us this year, will be held beside the tree at 2pm on Christmas Eve. All are welcome to attend.

The Rotary Club of Athlone said members of the public can make a donation at a number of local collection points and write their message on a yellow ribbon to remember family and friends who will not be with them this Christmas.

Collection points and yellow ribbons will be available from: Dunnes Stores Irishtown, Dunnes Stores Montree, Mulligan's Service Station, SuperValu Monksland, SuperValu Ballymahon Road and Kilmartins Service Station N6.

The Rotary Club said the tree provides a wonderful opportunity for people to remember their loved ones - both living and those who have passed away - in the middle of the Christmas rush while also supporting a good cause.

"The tree offers a moment of reflection and a time to remember loved ones in a simple and special way," said Billy Nott, President Rotary Club of Athlone. He added that people are asked to donate only what they can afford.

Children from Athlone Mixed National School singing Christmas songs next to the Tree of Remembrance earlier today (Wednesday).

Organiser Tony Gannon said the new location of the Tree of Remembrance in the pedestrianised area of Irishtown reflects the success of this festive event which is now in its 16th year.

The Rotary Club of Athlone thanked the council and Dunnes Stores for their support in relation to relocating the new Tree of Remembrance, adding a special word of thanks to Fernhill Garden Centre which donated the tree itself.

"We are also very grateful to all the businesses who facilitated the collection points, and all the Rotary and Irish Wheelchair Association volunteers for their tremendous support in this wonderful fundraising campaign," the local Rotary Club added.

"We would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and thank you all for your continued support."