President joins families in hope at memorial

As he stood on the banks of Lough Ree in the heart of Ireland’s Lake District, President Michael D Higgins gazed skywards to watch a bright rainbow of balloons swirl and soar to the heavens, each one a visible reminder of loss and heartache — but also a symbol of hope.

He and his wife Sabina, who have four children, were there to witness the annual Balloon To Remember release by Anam Cara, the national support organisation for bereaved parents. President Higgins accompanied families from across Ireland in releasing thousands of balloons, each one dedicated to the memory of a son and daughter who have died throughout the island.

Taking place on All Souls’ Day, President Higgins, accompanied by his wife as well as Anam Cara ambassador Miriam O’Callaghan, a mother of eight, gathered with 51 families at the Hodson Bay Hotel in Athlone, Co Westmeath.