Hospice supporter continues work in honour of his late wife

This day last week, the Bewley’s coffee morning for the hospice was taking place, and a main centre of activity was the Market Square in Mullingar.

Many of the people who volunteer their services for that event, and throughout the year with the North Westmeath Hospice Fundraising Committee, are well known.

One man who provides an important service remains in background, but this year the committee wanted to recognise the contribution he makes.

That man is Dominic O’Sullivan, who late wife, his wife Ann was a prominent and active member of the North Westmeath Hospice Fundraising Committee.

Margaret Claffey, chairperson of the committee, told the Westmeath Examiner last week: “On coffee morning, Anne would be the first person down here, with her husband, setting up the gazebo and getting us all ready for the day.

“Sadly, Ann passed away just over a year ago, and Dominic, in her honour, has been loyal to the North Westmeath Hospice, and comes down here and does anything that we ask him to do, and we are indebted to him for that.

“We don’t have a gazebo of our own, and we can’t afford to buy one, so we’re delighted to have Dominic on board, and today we want him to be acknowledged for the great work he does.”

A softly spoken gentleman, Dominic didn’t put himself forward but when asked to say a few words, said: “I’m delighted to be able to help the hospice, because of the great work they do.

“I’m helping the best I can with the gazebo, and I’ll keep doing this as long as I can.”