St. Francis Hospice was delighted to honour Fr. Michael Shiels as their 2026 Hospice Hero for his many years of fundraising service on behalf of the hospice.
Fr. Michael, affectionally known as Fr. Mick, received the award from Hospice Sunflower Days Ambassador, Miriam O’Callaghan, at a special ceremony in St. Francis Hospice, Blanchardstown, last week to coincide with the Hospice Sunflower Days 2026 campaign launch.
Fr. Mick along with 12 others from all across the country were honoured with the title of ‘Hospice Hero’ at the event.
Fr. Mick coordinates the Hospice Sunflower Days campaign collections and the Christmas collections for St. Francis Hospice at Charlestown Shopping Centre each year.
He is also the collection coordinator for the Finglas area which helps to raise much needed funds throughout the year for the hospice.
Fr. Mick is deeply admired and respected by both his own community in Finglas and the St. Francis Hospice community for all his support and dedication.
This year marks the 36th year of the Hospice Sunflower Days campaign with the on-street collections taking place from Thursday, June 11 – Saturday, June 13.
Volunteers will take to villages, cities and towns all across the country to help raise vital funds for hospice & palliative care services and every euro raised locally, stays locally!
You can also show your support by donating to your chosen hospice online via the website, www.sunflowerdays.ie
Speaking at the official ‘Hospice Hero’ ceremony, Miriam O’Callaghan, said, “I am delighted to get involved once again with Hospice Sunflower Days.
“This is a very worthy cause and with all funds raised locally staying in the local area, it really offers a great opportunity for people to make a difference for their local hospice or specialist palliative homecare service.”
Fintan Fagan, CEO, St. Francis Hospice, commented, “We are thrilled to be able to acknowledge Fr. Mick’s hard work & dedication to St. Francis Hospice by honouring him as our Hospice Hero here today.
“We are calling on everyone from the region to join Fr. Mick to help us to raise vital funds for the hospice during Hospice Sunflower Days 2026.
“Every little donated really does make a big difference!”
Together for Hospice, The National Hospice Movement, represents 24 Hospice and specialist palliative homecare providers supporting patients and their families across Ireland.
These services provide free-of-charge care and support to those living with a life-limiting illness, while also offering assistance to the patient’s family members.
Hospices nationwide need to raise approximately €20 million each year to provide their patient centred care and as our population ages, demand for specialist hospice and palliative homecare services continues to grow.
Fundraised income is used by local hospice services to fund new buildings, refurbishment of existing buildings, staff, extra comforts for patients and their families, and innovative patient care projects nationwide.
Funds raised through Together for Hospice campaigns support some of the core services funded by the HSE.
That is why fundraisers such as Hospice Sunflower Days are so important to hospices and homecare services throughout the country.
If you would like to volunteer to help St. Francis Hospice with their on-street collections this June please contact the fundraising team today on 01 832 7535.
For more information on the Hospice Sunflower Days campaign or to make a donation today log onto www.sunflowerdays.ie