Lights of hope for the hospice
Nenagh Christmas house attraction raises over €3,000
Pat and Patricia Ahern would like to sincerely thank everyone who supported their Christmas 2024 fundraiser, the proceeds of which were presented to North Tipperary Hospice last week.
The Aherns have been decorating their home at Yewston, Nenagh, with a truly spellbinding array of lights every Christmas for more than 30 years. For the last 20 years, they have been inviting those who come to see the lights to leave a donation for the hospice.
The initial switching on of the lights is greeted with a party involving music from Nenagh Brass Band and a visit from Santa. The lights are left up until January 6.
Last Christmas saw a total of €3,030 raised in donations for the hospice. The money was gratefully accepted by members of the hospice committee last week, who pointed out that they still need to raise around €400,000 every year in order to fund services.
North Tipperary Hospice has a number of key projects in train, including the provision of a third cancer support centre in Roscrea to complement Suaimhneas in Nenagh and Suir Haven in Thurles. There is also the building of an extension to Suaimhneas. These projects are funded by donations raised mostly by initiatives such as that of the Aherns.
Pat and Patricia wanted to thank everyone who supported their most recent fundraiser, and in particular the following local businesses: Clare St Pharmacy, Ryan’s Pharmacy, JKC’s, Hibernian Inn, John Hanly & Co Woollen Mills, DK Travel, The Thatched Cottage, A Sportsman’s Dream, Frances Ryan, Philip Mulqueen, Tesco, Lidl, Aldi, Dunnes Stores, Collins Bakery, Lisa Baker, Cleary’s Garage.
Thanks also to the Nenagh Guardian, Bridget Delaney, Tipp FM, Nenagh Brass Band, Santa (Liam Maloney), Phillie Ryan, Liam Leamy, Liam Shinnors, Kevin Liston, neighbours, friends, family and the Ukrainian community in Nenagh.
A special mention goes to Sylvie Laurenee and Laurence Descousse, who came all the way from France to switch on the lights on November 29. Great fans of Shane MacGowan, they first visited Nenagh for his funeral in December 2023 and returned again last year on the first anniversary of his death.
Last but not least, Pat and Patricia wanted to thank everyone who left a donation at the house. They said many who visited this year did not have cash with them at the time, but they came back later to make a cash donation.
“Special thanks to everyone who supported us,” Patricia said. “Without all the donations, we could not support the hospice.”
The couple are looking forward to holding another festive fundraiser for the same cause next Christmas.