Armagh remembrance bench vandalised as plaque dedicated to suicide-affected families disappears

A commemorative bench in Armagh dedicated to people affected by suicide has been vandalised, and the plaque attached to it has been removed.

The bench was erected by Armagh Men’s Shed as a quiet place for reflection and remembrance. The damage has prompted an appeal for the missing plaque to be returned so the memorial can be repaired and restored.

Appeal from Armagh Men’s Shed

Posting on social media, Stiofán Mac Cleirigh, from Armagh Men’s Shed, said members were “very sad and angry” about what had happened.

“Very sad and angry to report that the commemoration bench erected by Armagh Mensshed and dedicated to those affected by suicide, has been vandalised and the plaque is missing,”

Mr Mac Cleirigh said the plaque had been dedicated to those affected by suicide and was now missing from the bench.

He asked anyone who finds it to leave it at 18 Drumarg, where members can arrange repairs to the bench.

“If you find the plaque please leave it at 18 Drumarg so we can repair the bench,”

Memorial intended as a place of reflection

The bench was installed to provide a quiet setting for remembrance and reflection for people impacted by suicide. The reported vandalism has affected a memorial created for that purpose, while the missing plaque means its dedication is no longer in place.

Armagh Men’s Shed is now seeking the return of the plaque as the next step towards restoring the bench. No further details about when the damage occurred or who was responsible were provided in the report.