Princess Royal Opens Prison Service Memorial Garden

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal has officially opened the Northern Ireland Prison Service Memorial Garden.

The Memorial Garden, at Hydebank Wood, is a tribute to the work of the Northern Ireland Prison Service and in particular, marks the service and sacrifice of prison staff who lost their lives through acts of terrorist violence.

The Princess Royal laid a wreath in memory of the 32 members of the Prison Service who lost their lives in the course of duty, before taking the opportunity to meet their families.

The Princess Royal was accompanied throughout her visit by Director General of the Northern Ireland Prison Service, Ronnie Armour, who said: "It was a great honour to welcome The Princess Royal to our Memorial Garden today.

"This garden provides a space where we, as a Prison Service family, can come to remember relatives, friends and colleagues so cruelly taken from us and to reflect on the contribution they made as well as the service they gave. It is a place of tranquillity and a permanent acknowledgement of the heavy price paid by the families of our murdered colleagues.

"In addition, this garden serves as a reminder of the professionalism, commitment and dedication of Governors, Officers and support staff of the Northern Ireland Prison Service, past and present, in upholding and maintaining our justice system."

The Northern Ireland Prison Service worked in partnership with Historic Monuments to recreate the walled garden, which is one of only four of its type on the island of Ireland. The memorial stone, carved from mourne granite, stands at the north end of the garden and is flanked by six yew trees, representing all the counties of Northern Ireland. Six main yew-lined paths radiate from the central area between two water features with seats placed at intersecting intervals.

(MH/CM)