A FUNDRAISER held at a local pre-school in memory of a local man who passed away in 2018 has raised €1,653 for Breakthrough Cancer Research.

The Tom Quirke ‘Hearts & Flowers’ Memorial Fundraiser was organised by his family in honour of the Casement’s Avenue resident who sadly passed away from Pancreatic Cancer in August 2018.

The fundraiser was launched on Monday, May 24, at Mounthawk Montessori & Busy Bees Nursery, a date which has particular significance for the family.

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“We chose this date to coincide with the 25th birthday of our eldest granddaughter Caroline Crowley who is a teacher in The Green,” said Tom’s wife, Maureen Quirke.

“We are overwhelmed by the generosity and support that we received from our community for Breakthrough Cancer Research; the parents and families of children attending our settings at Maureen’s Pre-School, led by our daughter Director Liz Quirke, poet and teacher, , Mounthawk Montessori & Busy Bees Nursery owned by our daughter Susan Quirke-Crowley and teacher with Kerry College, as well as the families attending The Guitar Grove Music School owned by our oldest grandson, teacher John Crowley,” said Maureen.

“Our dad as many of you will know , celebrated life, success of others, love of family , the joy of nature, the beauty of flowers and above all else the importance of friends and of all of you in our lives,” said Susan Quirke-Crowley.

The team at Breakthrough Cancer Research from the initial support call from Eoghan, supported us more than anyone could know.

This was swiftly followed by the amazing love and support from the wonderful Team at the Mercy Hospital .

“Dad was here for our first fundraiser in 2018, so to honour him our family will keep up the good work to raise awareness of Pancreatic Cancer and to support the wonderful work that Breakthrough Cancer Research do to help families every day. In the words of Tom Quirke himself ‘The show must go on ” and we intend to do this,” said Susan.

The staff teams led by Helena Wallace Dowling, were delighted to bring some joy to the children with our event.

“All children received a ‘Hearts and Flowers’ Certificate and personal portrait and each parent received a flower to mark our special occasion,” said Liz.

“It was truly amazing for our family to have our dad honoured in this way .We want to thank everyone for getting behind our fundraiser and thank everyone for their donations from all over the World including family in the USA,” she added.