A new memorial garden has opened at Fort Dunree in Inishowen as a tribute to the late Dermot McLaughlin.
Mr McLaughlin a former Buncrana Councillor and wildlife ranger, played an intrinsic part in the development of the iconic site.
Following his sad passing in April 2022, the Fort Dunree board hatched a plan to create a special place in memory of their former Director.
The garden is an ode to Dermot’s love of Inishowen wildlife and provides a serene place for people to relax, chat, or take in the atmosphere of the fort.
Donegal Minister Charlie McConalogue officially opened the garden on Saturday last and paid a glowing tribute to his former Fianna Fáil colleague.
Speaking at the launch, John McCarter, Chairman of the Board said the garden was a fitting tribute as Dermot was one of the instigators of the nature walks at Fort Dunree. John recalled how Dermot would seek out and explore peaceful places of natural beauty wherever he went.
Dermot served over 40 years in Buncrana Town Council and was Chairman, and Mayor nine times during that period. He retired from the Wildlife Service in 2003 but kept up this huge interest by becoming a founder member of the Inch Wildfowl Reserve and Wild Inishowen.
Mr John Mc Carter , Fort Dunree chairman speaking at the opening
Fort Dunree Caretaker Kieran Brosan has been highly praised for his work on the memorial garden.
“Kieran has developed and built this garden largely single handed keeping it natural and making it sheltered to allow the flora and fauna to grow and mature in harmony with nature itself, in the way Dermot would have approved of,” John said.
John compared the seat in the centre of the garden to Dermot’s qualities – robust, strong and reliable.
“In its position, it surveys an area of natural peace and serenity offering rest and solitude to all those who visit here. All of these qualities I can readily associate with Dermot Mc Laughlin, who was our colleague, relative, friend, co-director better-known to us all simply as Dermot.
“We miss him, but we proudly remember him.”
Friends and family at the event
The garden is a place for people to remember the work and dedication Dermot generously gave to Fort Dunree and its associated organisations. It will be carefully maintained as it blooms over the years to come.
Dermot’s brother Danny is also remembered at the site. The Danny McLaughlin Viewing Area, which opened in 2015, looks out over Lough Swilly and honours Danny’s work preserving the rich history and heritage of Fort Dunree.
