Town Mayor, Cllr. Frankie Keena, was fulsome in his praise of the South Westmeath Hospice committee and all those who supported the coffee morning in Athlone GAA clubhouse on Saturday last.
“I want to congratulate a fully committed South Westmeath Hospice committee who ran an immensely successful coffee morning in Athlone GAA generating funds to assist as they continue with their strong campaign to keep the Hospice open. A great support team rallied around this committee and provided ample assistance during the event.
“The public response to this was phenomenal with large numbers continuously streaming through the doors to show their support for the cause and to outline their total dissatisfaction with this unwarranted HSE proposal.
“From talking with people during the coffee morning, I felt an overwhelming volume of support for the cause with members of the public vowing to take to the streets in protest if needs must,” Cllr. Keena remarked.
The Town Mayor was effusive in his praise for all the support received on the coffee morning in what was a united community event.
“The venue was perfect and thanks to all Athlone GAA club members who helped out so much on the day. To those who provides the cakes, the spot prizes, the balloons and signs I say thank you.
“Special thanks to everyone who came along and to PJ Stacey and the Henshaws for providing great music and songs. This was a massive success and has clearly sent a strong message to the HSE and the Government to keep their hands off the South Westmeath Hospice,” Cllr. Keena continued.
Cllr. Keena urged the local public to continue with their support for the Hospice cause by attending the protest rally due to take place on Saturday, October 19.
“We need to send a stronger message to the decision makers. I can’t stress enough that the proposal to close the Hospice building in Athlone is still a live issue so please get your banner ready and join the protest,” Mayor Keena emphasised.
