By Dan Walsh at Kilmuckridge Sunflower Field
After last year’s successful event, which drew thousands of visitors from all over Ireland, Kilmuckridge Sunflower Field officially opened at a ceremony in the village this evening (Friday).
Joanne O’Connor and Karen Loughran performed the opening ceremony, sharing their experiences and praising the role of the HOPE Cancer Support Centre in their rehabilitation and after-care. They asked people to consider making donations.
Cllr Mary Farrell, who also acted as master of ceremonies, said the project has grown into something far beyond a fundraiser. “Looking back on last year and speaking to the volunteers, the overwhelming feedback was that visiting the sunflower field was a cathartic experience creating a feel-good factor that became contagious,” Cllr Farrell told WexfordLocal.com, and she added; “We welcomed visitors from Donegal, Galway, Cork, and beyond, all happy to support our cause and take away a sunflower as a symbol of hope.”
Cllr Farrell paid tribute to all who contributed to this year’s Kilmuckridge Sunflower Field and called for continued support for the HOPE Cancer Support Centre at Enniscorthy.
Event organiser and volunteer, Anne Marie Hammel stated that “we thank the committee for thinking of us, the event is a great success and we wish everybody associated with the Sunflower Field the best of luck.”
This year’s field has been lovingly tended since January and has flourished under the recent sunny weather, bringing an earlier-than-expected bloom and plenty of colour to Kilmuckridge.
The field is located behind Hammel’s Centra in the village, and visitors are warmly invited to stop by, pick a sunflower, and make a donation as a token of appreciation. All proceeds will go directly to The Hope Cancer Support Centre, which provides invaluable services to those affected by cancer and local community groups.
The Kilmuckridge Sunflower Field is a community-driven project, inspired and supported by families who have been touched by cancer. It is a place of reflection, positivity, and togetherness—where every sunflower picked helps make a difference.
WexfordLocal.com 