There was a very special event in Castletown over the weekend as a memorial bench in honour of Laois’s first Special Olympic medalists was unveiled.
Bernadette (Bern) McRedmond, from Knockanina in Mountrath, died peacefully on January 14 last year.
Bernadette was one of 11 children belonging to the late Bernie and Sheila McRedmond – coming seventh in the family.
Born in 1967, Bernadette went on to live a remarkable life and became the first person from Laois to win a medal at the Special Olympics.
In 1978, she was chosen on the Ireland team that competed in New York.
This would be the first time that Ireland ever competed at the games and Bernadette went in the 200 metres – winning bronze.
To mark her incredible life, one year after her passing, her family decided to unveil a seat in her memory.
The event, which took place last Sunday, began with mass in Castletown which was celebrated by Fr Brian Griffin.
After mass, those in attendance gathered outside the chapel where Fint Cuddy acted as MC for the unveiling.
Bernadette’s family would like to thank him and Ray Goode for all they have done to help bring this memorial to a reality.
Laois County Council Cathaoirleach Barry Walsh and Fianna Fail Councillor John Joe Fennelly were also in attendance.
Members of the Laochra Laois with Leinster Regional Development officer Meadhbh McHugh and Kathleen and Michael McRedmond presented Liz and Kizzie Clear with the Bernadette McRedmond Perpetual Cup.
Linda McGill and Aisling Mulhall also performed two of Bernadette’s favourite songs.
The event finished with a performance from the Timahoe Male Choir who sang ‘Lovely Laois’.
Photographer James Fennelly captured some wonderful pictures from the day.
Check them out below:
SEE ALSO – Concern raised after armed and masked man attempts to enter property in Laois
