Honouring beloved Mayo girl Saoirse with 'one last wave'

THE legacy of a young Mayo girl who passed this summer is to continue making waves.

Little Saoirse Duggan, from Spotfield, Bekan, Claremorris, died last month following a long illness, bravely borne.

Now her spirit and memory is embarking on a global journey on the high seas, ending at the Northern Lights.

Saoirse’s name has become part of a global remembrance initiative called the One Last Wave Project, founded by Dan Fischer after the loss of his own father. Dan turned to surfing to cope with his grief and heal through the transformative power of the ocean.

Three years ago he opened his journey to everyone to join and what began as a simple gesture has turned into a global movement and supportive community that has been helping bring peace to families all around the world.

The project brings together the names of loved ones - many of them children - and places them on custom surfboards, which are then taken out into the ocean to symbolically carry their memory across the waves.

Its mission is to harness the healing power of the ocean to help grieving families coping with the loss of a loved one.

Saoirse’s name is one of approximately 1,400 from around the world featured on the most recent board, including some of her little friends who, heartbreakingly, also passed away.

Before the board begins its journey to the Northern Lights, it will first be surfed in South Africa - a moving tribute to each name it carries.

Eventually, the board will travel to the Northern Lights, where it will be kept in a place of remembrance, available for families to visit and reflect.

It’s a profoundly beautiful way to honour their lives - full of motion, light, and connection.

Saoirse's family, mum and dad Tommy and Martina, along with sister Éabha, have spoken of their little girl's laughter and great spirit. And while Saoirse’s time with them was far too short, her impact was 'immeasurable'.

On this new chapter, they say: “We believe this new journey speaks to something deeply human and hopeful - about remembrance, community, and love that travels far beyond us.”

The One Last Wave Project sees boards built from scratch by a professional surfboard shaper, with each name carefully etched on, one by one.

Find out more about the project at onelastwaveproject.com.