Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Dublin-based Olympic sailor Eve McMahon joined forces to encourage the entire country to get brewing for Bewley’s Big Coffee Morning for Hospice.
This year’s fundraiser on September 25, co-ordinated by Together for Hospice, aims to raise over €2million for hospices nationwide.
Mr Martin and World Sailing Number 1 Ms McMahon from Howth, met staff and patients at St Francis Hospice in Dublin’s Blanchardstown, with which Eve’s family has a deep connection, and paid tribute to the dedicated care staff who keep hospices operating throughout Ireland.
Speaking at the event, the Taoiseach said: “Bewley’s Big Coffee Morning for Hospice is one of the most outstanding charity partnerships in the country.
“Hosting or simply attending coffee mornings in your home, local GAA club, workplace or community hall, can have a massive impact when one considers the number of people who embrace the fundraiser annually.
“I hope the same energy and enthusiasm is generated this year to help Together for Hospice reach its target.
“The often unseen work of hospices, enveloped in values of respect, compassion and dignity, only becomes apparent to many of us when we need their services ourselves or for a family member.”
UCD student Eve, 21, the world’s top ranked sailor in her category and a bronze medallist at the World Championships in May, said her family’s strong links with St Francis helped her to appreciate the ‘incredible’ work hospices undertake.
“That contribution to society depends on the goodwill of those who come out year after year to host and support fundraisers so that this work can continue,” said the Paris 2024 Olympian.
“While the official Bewley’s Big Coffee Morning for Hospice takes place on September 25, people can hold or support one at any time, so I’d love to see the whole country get behind this amazing, collective effort for our hospices.”
Register to host a coffee morning on Thursday, September 25 – or on a date that suits – at hospicecoffeemorning.ie or call 0818 995 996.
If you cannot host or attend a coffee morning, donate at: hospicecoffeemorning.ie/donate