It has been three years since the doors first opened at Roscommon Hospice. On February 13th, 2023, the Roscommon Palliative Care Unit opened as an eight-bed inpatient unit with full daycare facilities, run in partnership with Roscommon University Hospital. It was developed on a site purchased by the Foundation, coming in under budget at €6.3 million, and built entirely from fundraised income.
Over the last three years, the Roscommon Palliative Care Unit has provided invaluable care and support to so many patients and their families from all across the county. Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation is so incredibly grateful to all the supporters, volunteers, fundraisers and donors, and to the Roscommon University Hospital for their incredible work over these three years.
In an Irish Times article in December 2025, journalist Patrick Freyne spoke of the warmth and compassion that envelops the facility, pointing out that therapy dogs, reflexology and ‘cuddle beds’ for families are all part of the care offered in Roscommon Hospice. On his visit to the facility, Patrick spoke to patients, families and staff in the Hospice and was evidently moved by the whole experience. “Everyone I speak to talks about what a privilege it is to do this work,” he explained.
The characters he encountered, the homely feel, the amazing facilities, the laughs shared among everyone present, the birthday celebrations, and the hugs on the corridors all have a place in Patrick’s story. And it’s all of this, and more, that makes Roscommon Hospice such a truly special place.
Marking the third anniversary of the facility in February, Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation CEO, Martina Jennings, paid tribute to everyone who played a part in bringing the project to fruition, and all those who continue to ensure the smooth running of the facility. “It is the day-to-day fundraising carried out in local communities that keeps the Hospice functioning. We are committed to continuing to fund, support and develop this, along with funding our community palliative care service,” she explained.
Having funded and built hospices in both Mayo and Roscommon, the Foundation is now on this journey again. This time, the goal is to build a children’s hospice to serve eight counties along Ireland’s Western Seaboard.
“With The Sunflower Children’s Hospice, we aim to achieve the same success in fundraising, delivery and excellence in palliative care. We are committed to delivering this project, with the support of our loyal community, and in partnership with the Health Service Executive,” continued the CEO.
