The Lodge at Ashford Castle played host to the sold-out Ladies Lunch fundraiser for Mayo Roscommon Hospice in late April, and the weather didn’t disappoint. A picturesque setting across all seasons, the lakeside venue was particularly stunning on the sun-drenched Friday afternoon as friends and families gathered for a wonderful event filled with love and laughter.
It was the first time the fundraiser had taken place since 2019, and by all accounts, it was a very welcome return. The afternoon began with a drinks reception in glorious sunshine, giving guests a chance to enjoy the fabulous Cong scenery, while chatting with old friends and new. A delicious lunch followed in the ballroom, punctuated with a host of great speakers, a fashion show from Carraig Donn and Catwalk Model Agency, and some amazing entertainment by The Galway Tenors.
Special guests on the day included RTÉ broadcaster Miriam O’Callaghan, Dr Mary Ryan, Niamh Ryan from Ella & Jo, and Mayo Person of The Year, Rita Casey. The Ladies Lunch was MC’d by the ever-brilliant Laurita Blewitt.
Martina Jennings, CEO of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, said she was thrilled to bring the Ladies Lunch back to the annual events calendar, and noted that so much had been achieved since the last event in 2019.
“It’s wonderful to see so many of you here this afternoon at this, the first ladies lunch since 2019. In the last five years, we have built and opened our two new hospices in Mayo and Roscommon. This is all thanks to
fundraisers like this, as well as support from the communities across both counties in Mayo and Roscommon,” she beamed.
“We are committed to continuing to fund, support and develop palliative care services in our communities, and we are so grateful for the support we have received to date and that we continue to receive,” added the CEO.
The Ladies Lunch sold out in record time this year and was thoroughly enjoyed by all in attendance. If you would like to attend next year’s event, make sure you keep a close eye on our socials. No doubt 2025 will be another sell-out!
Photos by Conor McKeown
