‘The heart always finds its way home’

The untimely death of a young man from North Tipperary and the love he had for his adored dog was a heart-rending story portrayed through the artistic talents of his mother at the Nenagh Christmas Tree Festival.

Just one year on from the death of Mervin Crawford (45) of Ballingarry, a Christmas tree displayed at the festival by his mother, Sylvia, won the hearts of the judges who awarded her one of the top prizes for her work of art.

Sylvia’s winning tree was a tribute to the incredible bond that existed between her son, ‘Merv’ and his chocolate Labrador, Maddy.

Her Christmas tree entry for the festival, staged at Saint Mary’s Church of Ireland, was titled, ‘It’s a Long Way to Tipperary: A Story of Love, Loss and Loyalty’.

MOVING STORY

Sylvia, in her own words, best reveals the truly heart-breaking story that inspired her winning entry.

“Last Christmas, my family faced the unimaginable,” she says.

“My son Mervin, living in Australia, was diagnosed with terminal cancer at just 45-years-old.

“From the moment we heard the news, my heart ached to bring him home to Tipperary.

“Mervin, however, had one heartfelt request: he wouldn’t leave Australia without his faithful companion, Maddy, his beautiful chocolate Labrador.

“She had been his constant source of comfort and joy, his shadow through life’s most difficult moments.

“With love and determination, we made arrangements to honour his wish and bring Maddy to Ireland. Mervin arrived home, but time was not on our side.

“After just one night at home, he was admitted to hospital. For three weeks, surrounded by love, he fought bravely until he passed away on December 12, 2023.

“Maddy arrived the day after his burial. Although they never reunited, it was as though she instinctively understood her new purpose.

“From that moment, Maddy became my steadfast companion, bringing warmth and comfort when I needed it most.”

Sylvia says her winning tree is a tribute to the incredible bond that existed between her son and his dog.

Her tree, as she describes it, is “adorned with symbols of their journey, heartfelt ornaments, and reminders of Tipperary”.

It also “celebrates love and loyalty that transcended distance”.

Sylvia says her entry was “a testament to family, the healing power of companionship, and the enduring legacy of a son who brought his faithful friend home.”

Sylvia hopes that those who viewed her winning tree were reminded of “the lengths we go for love and the comfort found in a loyal companion.”

She concludes: “Maddy’s journey from Australia to Tipperary proves that the heart always finds its way home.”