New memorial to Covid-19 unveiled in Kildare

Naas General Hospital today unveiled a new Covid‑19 Memorial Sculpture, created by Kildare artist Brian O’Loughlin.  The sculpture honours all those affected by the pandemic—patients, families, healthcare workers, and the wider Kildare and West Wicklow community.

Crafted from bog oak sourced in Kildare, granite from West Wicklow, and steel, the sculpture stands as a striking testament to the resilience and unity shown throughout the Covid‑19 crisis. The artwork depicts male and female hands raising a heart, symbolising how community members and healthcare staff lifted one another through a time marked by challenge, loss and extraordinary collective effort.

The memorial has been placed directly at the hospital’s main entrance, a deliberate choice to signify its importance, ensuring that everyone who arrives at or leaves the hospital is reminded of the solidarity that carried us through the pandemic.
Speaking at the unveiling, Kieran McDonald, General Manager, said:

“This memorial is a space for reflection, a place to remember those we lost and to honour the courage of those who cared. It stands at the entrance of our hospital as a reminder of a time when our community and our staff came together in an unprecedented way.”

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Sister Mary, Former Chaplain of Naas General Hospital, described the meaning behind the design:

“The sculpture depicts the strength found in unity. The hands represent people supporting one another, and the heart symbolises the compassion that carried us through the pandemic. Using materials rooted in the local landscape reinforces that this memorial belongs to the community and healthcare workers alike, who lived this experience together.”

Frontline staff were also acknowledged for their commitment during the pandemic.

Linda Rogers, Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Palliative Care said:

“Every person here felt the weight of those years, patients, families, and staff alike. Having a dedicated place to pause and reflect means a lot to all of us.”

Following the unveiling attendees took part in a two-minute silence, a time to reflect, and to honour those who lost their lives during the pandemic.  

The sculpture now stands at the main entrance of Naas General Hospital, offering a permanent place for remembrance and gratitude.