Mayo Roscommon Hospice make commitment to build children’s hospice

THE Mayo Roscommon Hospice is planning to develop a hospice facility for children and young adults in the west.

CEO Martina Jennings confirmed their new focus as the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation hosted its 30th anniversary fundraising ball in the Round Room at the Mansion House in Dublin.

She commented: “We’ve built two hospices in the last five years and our focus is now on developing services for children and young adults in the west of Ireland.

“There are 90 families in the west with nowhere to go outside of Dublin for respite or inpatient palliative care. We are committed to making this dream a reality.”

Since its inception, the foundation has been dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals facing life-limiting illnesses. Since 1993, the organisation has offered vital palliative care services, hospice care and support to over 20,000 patients and their families in the Mayo and Roscommon regions.

Said Ms. Jennings: “We are thrilled at the turnout to our 30th anniversary fundraising gala ball and I’d like to thank everyone who came and everyone who has supported us over the last 30 years. It’s with the support of our community and the public that we can provide vital services to those in need of hospice care and palliative care.”

Entertainment at the ball was provided by All-Ireland winners Pipers Cross Ceili Band, Liam O’Connor and The Kilkennys. MC Barry Murphy of Après Match hosted the famous ‘Just A Minute Quiz’ with Joe Brolly and Pat Gilroy, with Pat crowned champion.

A charity auction saw an exclusively designed ring by Nigel O’Reilly who has spent the past decade creating masterpieces for some of the world's most luxurious jewellery houses. He is also the resident jeweller at Ashford Castle.

All funds raised during the evening will go directly towards sustaining and expanding the foundation's mission of providing comfort and care during life's most challenging moments.

Mike Smith, chairman of the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, said: “We are immensely proud to celebrate our 30th anniversary. This fundraising ball is an opportunity for our community to come together, show their support, and help us continue making a significant difference in the lives of those who need it most.”

Anyone who wishes to make a donation to Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation can do so by logging on to www.hospice.ie, by phoning (094) 9388666 or by calling to the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation office on the Main Street in Knock.