In 2008 Kathleen sourced a large piece of local limestone and commissioned local forge craftmaster John Lehane of Gallaun Forge to create a Maltese Cross bearing the number 343 for installtion on top of this rock. The Maltese Cross is a badge of honour and protection for firefighters and indicates that, if necessary, they will lay down their lives to save others as demonstrated so bravely by the 343.

Jerry Aherne is a retired Cork City Fire Brigade firefighter who served for 31 years. Jerry is a keeper of the garden and has met many of the families and friends of the 343 when they come to visit the garden. In February 2008 Jerry prepared the foundation for the large piece of limestone and it was set in place with the help of his two Crosshaven coast guard friends; Victor Shine and Vincent Farr. The Maltese Cross was then installed onto the limestone rock by John Lehane.

Jerry became good friends with Veronica Roberts following the September 11th attacks. Veronica’s son, Michael Edward Roberts (Engine 214), is one of the 343. Veronica presented a steel cross which was cut from the steel remains of one of the world trade centre towers and a piece of granite from the foundation of the towers to Jerry in late 2007. Jerry installed the steel and granite in the base of the Maltese Cross Memorial in February 2008 when the limestone rock was being installed.