A Fundraiser for the Mayo/Roscommon and Galway Hospices held in Killeen's Taughmaconnell on Saturday night December 2nd totted up to more than ?40,000.

A Committee of six set about a Charity Auction in aid of the Hospices and were overwhelmed by the support they receive as the local community and businesses donated a huger assortment of items for auction, ranging from bags of turf, oil, hampers, vouchers, sand, meats and the most expensive item on the night a Roscommon Jersey signed by the current All-Ireland Minor Champions.

On Saturday night last (December 9th) the committee members, Michael Brooks, Tim Farrell, Dermot Killeen, John Kelly, Peter O'Connor and Fr. Sean Neylon were delighted to hand over a cheque for ?44,277 to John G. Healy (Galway) & Cynthia Campett Mayo/Roscommon.

The committee who deserve great praise and gratitude themselves gave particular thanks to all who donated items for auction, cash donations and especially those who turned up on the night to support the very worthy cause. Particular gratitude was paid to the four local Auctioneers, Liam Connaughton, Con Dermody, Ollie Moore and Stephen O'Beirne, MC on the night Sean Cleary and to Pat Joe Guinnessy who organised the sound system.

Local Ladies Michelle Brooks, Mary Farrell, Eymard Killeen and Mary O'Connor were also thanked for all their work in composing and producing the auction booklets and recording sales on the night.

Gratitude was also paid to Killeen's Bar for hosting the auction and the generous bar staff who donated their nights wages and tips to the charity.

Fundraiser for the Mayo/Roscommon and Galway Hospices
The photo shows the organising committee:
Left to Right: John Kelly, Peter O Connor, Mike Brooks, Tim Farrell, Dermot Killeen, Sean O' Healy, Cynthia Clampett (Chief Executive Mayo/Roscommon Hospice Foundation) and Fr Sean Neylon.

Photo By Gerry Stronge Ballinasloe.