€17,000 Raised in Memory of the late Michelle Craven

The Abbey Hotel in Roscommon played host to a monster fun table quiz and raffle in memory of the late Michelle Craven earlier this year. What began as a simple fundraising idea soon took on a life of its own and on January 31st last, a staggering 56 quiz tables were filled, with the event raising a massive €17,000 for the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation

For almost 20 years, Michelle lived in New York, where she was very involved with the Roscommon GAA Club there, serving as Secretary for a number of years, and helping to co-ordinate one of Roscommon’s Championship visits to the Big Apple. She was very supportive of young Roscommon people who travelled to New York in search of adventure, helping many to get settled with jobs and accommodation.

Michelle was an avid darts player, and a member of various teams in New York. It provided a wonderful social outlet; something she really loved. She spent many years in hospitality there, working in different bars, many with Roscommon connections. Her social, outgoing, easy-going outlook on life made her a natural for the industry, earning her great popularity and many good friends. She was well known both in New York, and at home in Roscommon, where she had returned about 10 years ago.

Late of Knockcroghery and Roscommon Town, Michelle sadly passed away in November 2023. She had bravely borne her illness and was surrounded by her loving family when she slipped away, in the devoted care of the staff at the Roscommon Hospice.

Michelle’s family were extremely grateful to the Hospice team for the help and support they received while Michelle was in their care and, in return, they wanted to support the Foundation. The idea of a fun quiz, in memory of Michelle, was mooted late last year, and discussions and conversations developed before and over the Christmas period. Eventually, Saturday January 31st was chosen for the fundraiser, with jobs delegated among family and friends. Some were tasked with raising sponsorship and donations; others with organising the quiz itself; more were asked to liaise with Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation; while the logistics of venue and requirements for the night fell on other capable shoulders. Alongside all of this, an iDonate page was established, publicised, and very generously supported.

Several weeks of phone calls, emails, and meetings ensured everything was in place for the event itself and The Abbey Hotel was decked out in balloons in the Roscommon colours. With the quiz logistics taken care of, sponsors for cash prizes lined up, and tables borrowed from Roscommon CBS across the road, an optimistic 60 tables were set out that day. Of course, nobody really believed they’d all be needed, but expectations were soon surpassed, with 56 teams taking part.

Family, friends, fellow parishioners, quiz buffs, and supporters turned out in huge numbers, and a thoroughly enjoyable night was had. It was all about fun and fundraising. There was a relaxed atmosphere, much sharing of answers, and a certain amount of Googling…allegedly! By the end of the tie break round, there was white smoke, with first, second and third places all determined.

For those not so lucky with the questions, there were plenty opportunities to win in other ways, with more than 20 raffle prizes up for grabs. Members of the Craven family spoke before and after the quiz, thanking everyone for their kindness and generosity, and commenting on how proud Michelle, the socialite, would have been to see such a crowd enjoying a great night. Sponsors and those who donated raffle prizes were mentioned and thanked, while the Abbey Hotel got a special mention for generously donating the use of their function room for the event.

Once the dust had settled, and all the money collected and counted, the Craven family were thrilled to realise that the remarkable sum of €17,000 had been raised for Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation.