January 24th, 2010 was a very sad day for North Tipperary Hospice "In Home Care" Movement. Matty Ryan the chairperson of the Fundraising committee of North Tipperary Hospice Movement died suddenly and unexpectedly on Jan. 24th, 2010. Our dear friend and colleague devoted himself as chairperson for 20 years since we started in 1990. "Mr Ryan who was an internationally renowned jeweller and jewellery designer, will be best remembered, over the past number of years, for his momentous work in promoting the North Tipperary Hospice " In Home Care" Movement." A spokesperson for St.Mary’s Famine Museum here in Thurles, of which Mr Ryan was a life time patron stated:
“In his passing the people of Thurles have lost an irreplaceable influential friend, charitable community activist and supporter of all things artistic and his beloved Thurles.” We have lost a real jewel who fundraised tirelessly for the provision of an in home care service in North Tipperary. Matty was involved from its inception and he was thrilled to accept patronage of the new cancer support centre "Suir Haven" Clongour Rd., opened in Thurles in November, 2009. We will never be in a position to replace such a wonderful person, Matty Ryan R.I.P. who believed in making hay when the sun shone. You will never be forgotten Matty. Not how did he die, but how did he live?
Not what did he gain, but what did he give?
These are the units to measure the worth
Of a man as a man, regardless of birth.
Not, what was his church, nor what was his creed?
But had he befriended those really in need?
Was he ever ready, with word of good cheer,
To bring back a smile, to banish a tear?
Not what did the sketch in the newspaper say,
But how many were sorry when he passed away. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam Thank you to all the people who sent messages of sympathy and donations in memory of Matty R.i.P. We sincerely appreciate your generosity. It is now twenty years since the foundation of the North Tipperary Hospice "In Home Care" Movement and the Accounts show once again that all the hard work of the fundraising committee continues to bear fruit. The cost of running the services currently undertaken by the company amounted to €222,000 for the year. This is a quite a high expenditure and underlines the necessity for continued fundraising. Now that North Tipperary Hospice Movement has expanded it's services there is further pressure on fundraising. The great work of the fundraising committee and it’s various local branches is greatly appreciated. There are branches in Nenagh, Roscrea, Templemore, Drom/Inch and Thurles. We are indebted to all who give so generously to this very worthy cause. All fundraising is done on a voluntary basis. The aim of the Movement and the fundraisers is to improve the quality of life of patients and their families facing the problems associated with life threatening illness, through the prevention and relief of suffering by means of early identification and impeccable assessment and treatment of pain and other problems, physical, psychosocial and spiritual in the North Tipperary area. It provides an in home care service for patients who wish to die in the comfort of their own homes surrounded by their families and friends. This company engages and pays for the services of Milford Hospice, the Carers association and the Larcc Respite Centre in Mullingar. It supplies equipment e.g specialized beds, mattrasses, pillows, oxygen and syringe drivers to homes of patients. There are palliative care beds in the following: - St. Conlon’s Community hospital, Nenagh
- Dean Maxwell Community Hospital , Roscrea
- The Community Hospital , Thurles
To date there are three homecare nurses in the North Tipperary area. North Tipperary Hospice Movement are constantly striving to increase and improve their services. As stated voluntary fundraising and deposit interest is the sole income of the Company. There are many diverse fundraising activities undertaken throughout North Tipperary and we are very grateful to all who promote and undertake these activities. There are few families unfortunately who have not been touched by cancer and everyone is so generous in their donations to the Movement. We hope our fundraising committee will continue to be so totally dedicated and generous with their time. As each year the entire Board of Directors resigns at the Annual General Meeting the following directors were elected for the current year: Josie O Grady, Maria McGrath, Dorothy Bradish, Nigel Foxton, Marie Collins, Joan Maher, Mary Callanan, Kay O Donoghue, Lelia Kelly, Dr. Miriam Tuohy, Rosemary Young, Paddy Caddell. Finally, the Board of Directors wish to thank sincerely all those who support, co-operate with and fundraise for the North Tipperary Hospice “In Home Care Movement” and look forward to your continued association. North Tipperary Committee- Chairperson: Josie O Grady
- Secretary: Maria McGrath
- Treasurer: Dorothy Bradish
- P.R.O. lelia kelly
- Committee Members:
Lelia Kelly Kay O Donoghue Bernadette Slattery Dr. Miriam Tuohy Nigel Foxton Rosemary Young Marie Collins Joan Maher Eileen Costigan Paddy Caddell
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