Esther Cuffe and Bernie Moran of Ballymore Community Centre, South Westmeath Hospice recipients, receive their Together for Hospice Hero awards at Bewley’s Café in Dublin, with, Cól Campbell (left) and Felix Campbell of Bewley’s. Photo: Robbie Reynolds

Ballymore women recognied for work supporting hospice

Published: Thu 11 Sep 2025, 10:06 AM

Last updated: Thu 11 Sep 2025, 10:17 AM

Ballymore Community Centre Committee members Esther Cuffe and Bernie Moran have hosted a Bewley’s Big Coffee Morning for Hospice at the centre for more than 20 years. This year’s event is on Sunday September 28 (noon-3pm).

Esther and Bernie say there is great joy to be had from the social element of the event.

Their work was honoured recently at Bewley’s Grafton Street Café, where they both received Together for Hospice Hero Awards.

They were initially encouraged to get involved by their late friend and Hospice fundraiser, Mary Connaughton. The coffee morning continues to uphold a tradition started by Mary of inclujding a sale of local arts and crafts.

Esther says it is satisfying to see the support of the people of Ballymore for South Westmeath Hospice. “It is such a wonderful cause. We know people who have been helped. You never know what may be coming to your own door,” she said.

“There is great satisfaction in it, and huge support from the people of Ballymore.”

According to Bernie, the event is a fixture on the local social calendar. “It is all about meeting up with people you might not ordinarily see, day-to-day. So many get involved.

“When people hear the event is the Bewley’s Big Coffee Morning for Hospice, they are so willing to help out.

“What I get out of it most is the interaction. I love talking to people.”

Dr Rose Kirby O’Hanlon, a founding member of the South Westmeath Hospice Board, established in 1994, with the aim of enhancing palliative care services for the people of South Westmeath, was also honoured with a Together for Hospice award.

Her dream was realised in 2009 with the opening of the four-bed hospice located on the grounds of St Vincent’s Hospital, Athlone.

Dr Kirby O’Hanlon served on the Board of the South Westmeath Hospice for two decades. “Bewley’s Big Coffee Morning for Hospice is not merely about money,” she said.

“It is also about the value of people of knowing the care is there. Awareness of the work the hospice does in the community, for the community, is critical.”

Together for Hospice, The National Hospice Movement, represents 24 Hospice and specialist palliative homecare providers supporting patients and their families across Ireland.

Fundraised income is used by local hospice services to fund new buildings, extra comforts for patients and their families, and innovative patient care projects. Funds raised through Together For Hospice campaigns support some of the core services funded by the HSE.

Register to host a coffee morning on Thursday September 25, or on a date that suits you, at hospicecoffeemorning.ie or call 0818 995 996. If you cannot host or attend a coffee morning, you can donate at: hospicecoffeemorning.ie/donate.