Tallaght man Joe Kavanagh wins Hospice Hero Award   

Our Lady’s Hospice & Care Services (OLH&CS) has awarded Hospice Hero Community Fundraising Awards to deserving members of the community at a recent ceremony on August 29 in Our Lady’s Hospice & Care Services, Harold’s Cross attended by staff, family and friends.   

Now in its third year, the Awards acknowledge the significant contribution of community fundraising events in supporting OLH&CS’ delivery of vital care across the communities it serves. 

OLH&CS is Ireland’s largest provider of palliative care and serves a catchment area of a million people from its bases in Harold’s Cross, Blackrock and Wicklow.  

This year’s recipient of the Hospice Hero Community Fundraising Award was Joe Kavanagh form Castle Park in Tallaght. 

A Special Recognition Award was also given to Ger Kelly (Kilkenny).  

Joe Kavanagh has supported OLH&CS for the last 20 years, in which has raised almost €30,000.   

He started compering shows for OLH&CS’ events in the Cuckoo’s Nest in Dublin and with the help from a group of friends organised annual Christmas Darts Competitions at the Penny Black Tavern in Tallaght.   

Many people at these events had an association OLH&CS through relatives and friends and were keen to give back in any way they could.   

Joe is always pleasantly surprised with the great support for his events which regularly raise over €3000.   

Sadly, some of the friends who have helped Joe with fundraisers have themselves needed OLH&CS care in recent years, which motivated Joe to continue his efforts to ensure his friends could receive the best care and support.  

Speaking after receiving his award, Joe Kavanagh said: “The services of OLH&CS are so important to everyone in the community.   

“This really hit home when my own family and friends were receiving care and support from the hospice in Harold’s Cross.   

“It’s such an important place and relies so much on local support and fundraising.”  

Mary Flanagan, Interim CEO of Our Lady’s Hospice & Care Services said: “These awards are a way to recognise very special people in our community who dedicate so much of their own time supporting our work through fundraising and advocacy efforts.

“As well as our incredible staff, local supporters are the lifeblood of our work and help us continue the work we do across Blackrock, Harold’s Cross and Wicklow.

“We thank all of those who support us in this way, as we rely heavily on donations from the community to support our services and develop our facilities.”