Hospice unveil plaque to Mayo volunteer Ann Meehan

A PLAQUE has been unveiled in memory of Swinford woman Ann Meehan who was instrumental in the opening of the first Hospice Shop in Mayo.

The unveiling took place in Swinford before the celebration of the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation’s inaugural annual memorial Mass in Swinford Church, attended by volunteers and support group members as well as family members of deceased volunteers.

Ann, along with Cynthia Clampett, had the vision of opening a charity shop in Swinford and it became the first of 12 Hospice Shops to open in Mayo and Roscommon.

Tom Meehan, Ann's husband of 54 years, said: “Ann was a mighty woman and anything she set out to do, she achieved it.”

Ann’s daughters said their mother was ahead of her time, 'a leader who lived to help people, enjoyed life, and was a people person, as well as a fundraiser extraordinaire'.

“She was generous with her time and caring, creative, determined. She left a legacy in home and community, and achieved something wonderful and meaningful for the good of her community,” they said.

Martina Jennings, CEO of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, said: “Remembering Ann Meehan in this way was very important to the Foundation. Ann was a true entrepreneur, as well as a team player, who only ever wanted the best for her community.

“Along with all our volunteers, she has left an indelible mark, as without our volunteers and support groups we wouldn’t have a community palliative care service or a hospice in both Mayo and Roscommon.

“We will always honour the volunteers, founders, staff and directors that have gone before us, by ensuring we are building a service on the foundations that they laid, and future proofing this service for those that come after us. Last Friday's inaugural Mass in Swinford is a special way of remembering those that have gone before us, and appreciating all that volunteer for us.”