Remembering Mamie: The Long Good Friday Hospice Walk To Go On-line

The late Mamie O’Sullivan (left) pictured at the River Island Hotel as one of the regular Sunday night card school. The presentation in this photograph was to Kerry Hospice Foundation. With Mamie were: Catherine O’Connell, Tadhg Scannell, Michael O’Sullivan, Michael O’Connell and John McMahon. ©Photograph: John Reidy 6-6-2010

The Good Friday Walk has not only been a major fundraiser for the Kerry Hospice Foundation but it has also been a big part of communities throughout Kerry for over 20 years.

Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 restrictions, the walk did not take place last year.

A year later and the foundation is facing the same issues. However, members have decided to do something different this year.

Keeping Tradition Alive

Determined not to let the tradition of the Good Friday Walk go, but mindful of the fact that people cannot come together at this time, they are asking that you to take to the roads and walk within your five kilometres, adhering to all the government guidelines at all times of course.

The Long Good Friday Walk as it is being called, can be undertaken any time between St. Patrick’s Day and Good Friday.

Remembering Mamie

Local and Kerry chairperson, Jack Shanahan, says that this year, Castleisland members will be remembering one of their own when completing the walk,

“This year we want to especially remember Mamie O’Sullivan, one of the founding members of the Castleisland branch of Kerry Hospice.

Mamie passed away last St. Stephen’s Day and, even through her long illness,  she always encouraged and supported us,” he said.

Countywide Support

The Good Friday walks are greatly supported throughout the county and have raised much needed funds over the years.

The foundation is encouraging participants to tag Kerry Hospice on social media or to send in photos of your walk.

Remember, all funds that are raised by Kerry Hospice will stay in Kerry and Kerry Hospice Foundation is very proud of that fact. All fundraisers are volunteers.

Range of Services

The foundation is currently entering year three of the five-year pledge, in which €500,000 must be raised annually.

Funds raised are put to good use in the running costs of the Inpatient Unit, the Day Unit and the services provided there.

It also helps to fund the wonderful Home Care services.

How to Donate

As a collection bucket is not possible this year, a donation page has been set up on iDonate.

This can accessed through Kerry Hospice social media outlets and website, kerryhospice.com or at www.iDonate.ie/LongGoodFriday

Alternatively donations can be made by contacting your local branch members or can be handed in to Shanahan’s Haven Pharmacy, Castleisland.

For further information or inquiries please contact Jack Shanahan on 066 71 41225

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