The Clonaslee St Stephen’s Day Slieve Bloom Walk launched its 30th walk in aid of the Laois Hospice Foundation in the Heritage Centre Clonaslee recently.
The walk was the brainchild of the late Donal Sweeney back in 1993 and there is no doubt that Donal and his walking companions would be very proud of the endeavours and successes to date.
Back in 1993, the first walkers collected £216 and they have since accumulated a total collection of just over €1.030 million.
Sheila Bourke, Coordinator of the walk, welcomed all present, including, Fr O’Reilly, members of the Laois Hospice Foundation, Mary Delaney Chairperson, Irene Murray and Mary Finley Treasurer, Jennifer McKay Secretary and Dr Anna Gullane Medical Director of Laois Hospice Foundation.
The committee were delighted with a special message from the out going chairperson Seamus Donoghue.
He was unable to attend the launch on the night but sent thanks and good wishes to everyone in Clonaslee for all the friendships he made over the years that he has been attending the Clonaslee St Stephen’s Day Walk.
Chairperson Mary Delaney addressed the crowd and said she had big shoes to fill taking over from Seamus Donoghue who was 22 years in the chair.
She thanked the Clonaslee community for their loyalty to Laois Hospice over the last 30 years and for all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes not just on St Stephen’s Day.
She thanked the great contribution made by the community of Clonaslee to Laois Hospice and reminded us that Laois Hospice is a voluntary organisation and that every penny raised on St Stephens’s Day goes to Laois Hospice to provide palliative care nursing in a home environment, for those people who wish to live out their lives in their own home.
One of the highlights on the night was the announcement that this year the committee will be back serving their famous refreshments in the community centre after the walk.
This is a high point for walkers who look forward to the cup of tea and chat upon their return to the community centre.
Walkers will once again have the option of a ten mile long walk or a three-mile short family walk.
Donations can be made on the day or through our just giving page.
People were advised to keep an eye the Clonaslee St Stephen’s Day Facebook page for updates or contact Sheila Bourke on 087-6339540.
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