The Chair of the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation Board, Mike Smith, has paid tribute to the amazing work of the palliative care teams across both counties.
The Roscommon man, who has served four of his five-year term as chairperson, said the nurses and care teams are at the centre of the wonderful work being done by the organisation in Mayo and Roscommon.
“We have such a brilliant team across all areas – from our staff and volunteers to our excellent fundraisers, and from those who run and work in our shops to our Board who give their time so willingly.
“Thankfully, Cian made a full recovery,” said Mike, adding that his son is now married with three children and is back working in the family business.
Chief among these, however, is our palliative care teams in Mayo and Roscommon because we absolutely could not do what we do without them,” he said.
A well-known auctioneer in Co Roscommon, Mike hails from Boyle, where he and his wife Mary raised four boys – Cian, Ronan, Donie and Enda. The latter pair are best known for their football prowess, regularly togging out with the county’s senior football team.
Mike first got involved with Mayo Roscommon Hospice some 13 years ago, when he was approached by a friend to join the Board. He was aware of the great work being done by the organisation across the two counties and was honoured to be asked to get involved.
“Like almost all families, we have had our own experience with cancer. In 2009, our son Cian developed throat cancer when he was just 18, and while he received his treatment in Dublin, we could see the brilliant work being done at home in Roscommon and, indeed, the need for greater services. When I was approached, I didn’t think twice about getting involved,” he recalled.
In 2019, Mike was appointed Chairperson of the Board of Mayo Roscommon Hospice and is now entering his final year in the role. “Since I first got involved, there have been some huge milestones, and my time as Chair has been particularly exciting and rewarding. We have built and opened two new Hospices in Castlebar and Roscommon at a cost of more than ¤15 million, and we have done so without any loans or borrowings. That’s a fantastic achievement for the organisation,” he added.
“We have a brilliant team and really amazing support across the region, and of course, we are incredibly lucky too in our CEO. Martina Jennings has led us through two builds and has been a joy to work with. Her energy and enthusiasm knows no bounds,” said Mike.
Continuing, the chairperson paid tribute to his fellow Board members. “We have a fantastic Board in place, who all bring their own unique skill set. We are all volunteers, and each and every member is so generous with their time and efforts. I am so proud to have led the Board for the last four years on what has been a really brilliant journey. I look forward to my final year as Chair and hopefully to many more years working with Mayo Roscommon Hospice,” he said.
