Getting back to damsons, there's a hedging version called Shropshire Prune, a heavy fruiter with, I'm told, beautifully scented blossoms; if it's grown on Pixy rootstock it'll make a fine hedge for the garden, and then produce delicious fruit, which personally I make into jam; I've yet to try one recipe which includes walnuts.
I got presents of damsons and made them into jam this year; didn't try the damson gin, but if I do in some future year I'll do it without adding sugar (or pricking the fruit - the gin will get in there anyway). Made sloe gin a couple of years, with no sugar, and it was very good.
Charmian, deepest sympathy. Ar slí na fírinne anois é.