Hospice pays tribute to renowned Mayo fundraiser
Members of the Meehan family hold a a photograph of their beloved Ann at the unveiling of the memorial plaque in Swinford Hospice shop. Picture: Conor McKeown
Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation’s inaugural annual memorial mass took place on Friday, August 2 in Our Lady Help of Christians Church in Swinford. It was wonderful to see so many volunteers and support group members as well as family members of deceased volunteers.
Before the mass, there was an unveiling of a plaque in memory of Ann Meehan. Ann, along with retired Hospice CEO Cynthia Clampett, had the vision of opening a charity shop in Swinford and it became the first of 12 Hospice shops to open in Mayo and Roscommon.
Ann's husband Tom said:"Ann was a mighty woman and anything she set out to do she achieved it."
Ann’s daughters said: “Our mother was ahead of her time, a leader who lived to help people, enjoyed life, and was a people person, as well as a fundraiser extraordinaire. She was generous with her time and caring, creative, determined. She left a legacy in home and community, and achieved something wonderful and meaningful for the good of her community.
Martina Jennings, CEO of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, said:
“Remembering Ann Meehan in this way was very important to the Foundation. Ann was a true entrepreneur, as well as a team player, who only ever wanted the best for her community. Along with all our volunteers she has left an indelible mark, as without our volunteers and support groups we wouldn’t have a community palliative care service, or a hospice in both Mayo and Roscommon. We will always honour the volunteers, founders, staff and directors that have gone before us by ensuring we are building a service on the foundations that they laid, and future proofing this service for those that come after us. Last Friday's inaugural Mass in Swinford is a special way of remembering those that have gone before us, and appreciating all that volunteer for us."
