The late Ann Meehan was remembered fondly at Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation’s inaugural Annual Memorial Mass this month. The celebration, which took place in Swinford, also saw the unveiling of a special plaque to honour Ann’s memory.
Back in 2000, Ann Meehan and Cynthia Clampett realised their vision with the opening of the first ever Mayo Roscommon Hospice charity shop. Located in Swinford in East Mayo, the shop was the first of 12 stores to open across the two counties. At this month’s ceremony in Swinford, Ann’s family and friends gathered to remember her in a very special way.
Tom Meehan, Ann’s husband of 54 years, described his late wife as “a mighty woman”,
noting that “anything she set out to do, she achieved”. Agreeing, her daughters said their mother was ahead of her time. They described her as “a leader who lived to help people, enjoyed life, and was a people person, as well as a fundraiser extraordinaire”. Continuing, they said Ann was very generous with her time, as well as being caring, creative and determined.
“She left a legacy in home and community, and achieved something wonderful and meaningful for the good of her community,” they added.
The plaque was unveiled in the Hospice Shop in the town, ahead of the inaugural Memorial Mass in Swinford Church. Many volunteers and support group members, as well as family members of deceased volunteers, were in attendance. Martina Jennings, CEO of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, said remembering and honouring Ann was very important to the Foundation. “Ann Meehan was a true entrepreneur, as well as a team player, who only ever wanted the best for her community,” she began.
Praising the volunteering community in both Mayo and Roscommon, she said Ann and the many other volunteers have left an indelible mark. “Without our volunteers and support groups, we wouldn’t have a community palliative care service, or a Hospice in both Mayo and Roscommon,” continued the CEO.
“We will always honour the volunteers, founders, staff and directors who have gone before us, by ensuring we are building a service on the foundations that they laid, and future-proofing this service for those who come after us. Our inaugural Mass in Swinford was a special way of remembering those who have gone before us, and appreciating all who volunteer for us,” she added.
