Westmeath Woman Honoured With National Award For 30 Years Of Hospice Fundraising

Marie Kiernan has been a pillar of support to North Westmeath Hospice. A Mullingar woman has been honoured with a national award for her tireless efforts supporting her local Hospice. Marie Kiernan has been a rock of support to North Westmeath Hospice since its foundation over 30 years ago. She was a recent recipient of a Together for Hospice National Super Host Award, recognising her 'outstanding ingenuity, leadership, community spirit and unwavering commitment to the hospice's fundraising efforts'. And on August 12, with the Delaney Cup taking pride of place, the mother-of-two held another fundraiser at her home to mark the 34th year of Ireland's Biggest Coffee Morning for Hospice, which officially takes place across Ireland on September 24. 'I'm very honoured to be even thought about, it's very emotional,' said Marie. 'Years ago, myself and a friend were asked by another lady to come to a meeting setting up the (North Westmeath) Hospice, we got roped in and I've been involved since then! 'I've done a lot of work for them, I was always there to help out.' Marie thought of unique ways to raise funds for the Hospice, co-ordinating an annual coffee morning and swim at the diving board at Lough Owel. Two years ago, with permission from Irish Rail, she organised a coffee morning at Mullingar train station, which continues yearly. While she has not had any personal connection with Hospice care, Marie lost both her sister Corina and mother Kathleen to cancer four years ago, which fuelled her fundraising efforts for those with life-limiting conditions. 'I always thought hospices carried out a great service for people,' she said. 'They are angels, they are so good, anyone who needs it gets the help.' Margaret Claffey, Chairperson of North Westmeath Hospice, who accepted the award on Marie's behalf at a ceremony in St Francis Hospice in Blanchardstown, Dublin, said: 'Marie became a volunteer for hospice over 20 years ago, when North Westmeath Hospice was just getting up and running. 'Over that time, she has demonstrated great creativity and commitment in her fundraising efforts, hosting coffee mornings in a variety of unique and welcoming locations, including the diving board at Lough Owel, the local railway station and the Parish Community Hall in Kilbeggan, thereby drawing support from a wide catchment area. 'Marie has been a dedicated member of NWH fundraising committee, actively supporting and participating in the annual coffee morning held in the Market Square in Mullingar every year. 'Ireland's Biggest Coffee Morning for Hospice, one of our longest and most-loved fundraisers, is now in its 34th year raising funds for Hospice in-patient and community services around Ireland. 'No matter where you live in Ireland, we are asking everyone to celebrate our countless coffee morning hosts, who give so selflessly of their time and energy in their local communities. 'This support is invaluable and funds vital services and quality initiatives, greatly improving care for patients with life-limiting illness.'