The fundraising event to launch My Story, the inspirational diary by the late Pat O’Brien, was a great success and very well attended.
The event took place in The Clock in Ballyhaunis last Friday night and all proceeds were donated to the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation. Martina Jennings, CEO of the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation and recently announced Mayo Person of the Year for 2020, was in attendance, along with many of Pat’s friends, neighbours, classmates and relatives.
The event was held to coincide with the sixth anniversary of Pat’s passing, following a brave battle with cancer. Shortly after his death, it was discovered that Pat had been keeping a handwritten daily journal outlining his struggle with illness and his hopes for recovery. Shining through the pages of this special piece of writing is Pat’s determination to recover, his faith in God, his concern for other patients and his gratitude to all who visited and cared for him during his illness.
Pat’s friends felt that the diary deserved a wider audience and decided to publish the document in booklet format and host a fundraising event in aid of the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation. The organisers of the launch were very pleased at the huge turnout on the night and the very many donations and messages of support received from Pat’s friends throughout the country and abroad.
Copies of the diary were distributed following weekend masses at St Patrick’s parish church in Ballyhaunis. The organisers have extended sincere thanks to Fr Stephen Farragher and his parishioners for their support. Thanks were also extended to Pat’s close friend, Tom Eagney, of Eagney Insurance, who made a very thoughtful donation to the Mayo SPCA in memory of Pat and his beloved pet dog Grouse. Pat and his faithful childhood companion were inseparable. A plaque in memory of Pat and his best friend will be unveiled at the Mayo SPCA Pattenspark in the coming weeks.
The high level of support for this special fundraiser may be seen as a testimony to the high esteem in which Pat and his entire family were held by the local community. Pat’s late parents, Paddy and Theresa, and his late brother John and sister Elizabeth (Bibi ) would have been so proud of their youngest son and brother. May their gentle souls rest in peace. Members of the Fundraising Committee: Tommy Caulfield, Eavan Webb, Robbie Herr, Aiden Hill, Brendan Morrissey, John Durkan, Tom Eagney, Eamon Murren.
Copies of the special booklet are available from Herr's Shop Knox St, Curley's Bar, Clare St, Phillips' Bar, Main St, Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, Knock and Tommy Caulfield, Annagh.
