People Brave Storm Desmond To Raise Over €9,000 In Memory Of Mike

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At the presentation of the proceeds of a fundraiser for Kerry Hospice in memory of Mike Dillon at O’Riada’s Bar were, front from left; Kathleen Dillon, Micheál Dillon, Dan Galvin (Kerry Hospice), Sean Dillon and Mary Shanahan (Kerry Hospice). Back from left: Maureen Duggan, Eilish Lyons, Anne Marie Dillon, Eileen Walsh and Mary Lynch. Photo by Dermot Crean

THERE may have been a Status Red Rainfall Alert, but that didn’t stop throngs of people packing into O’Riada’s Bar back in early December to honour the memory of a Lyreacrompane man.

The huge crowd turned out during Storm Desmond on Friday, December 4 to support Kerry Hospice in memory of the 10th anniversary of Mike Dillon’s passing from cancer.

Mike Dillon was diagnosed at the age of 36 with a rare form of cancer called multiple myeloma. At the time he was one of the youngest men in Ireland with the disease. He fought the illness with great courage and always remained positive. He passed away in December 2005 at the age of 44.

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At the cheque presentation to Kerry Hospice on Thursday night – which would have been Mike’s 55th birthday – the Dillon family expressed their gratitude to all those who supported the worthy cause.

“It was packed and that was the night of the big storm, so it was a great turnout,” said Mike’s son Micheál. “At the start of the night we were expecting a small crowd because of the weather, but in fairness then people showed up. So a big thanks to everyone who made the effort, to Spáilpín who provided great entertainment and to Mary and John from O’Riada’s,” said Micheál who, on behalf of the family, also thanked those who donated or sponsored prizes at the event.

As Spailpin played in the bar, the raffles and auction were a huge success with everyone digging deep on the night to raise a total of €9,045  for Kerry Hospice.

Dan Galvin, Vice-Chairperson of the Kerry Hospice committee expressed the organisation’s gratitude for the Dillon family’s gesture.

“The funds are vital as we’ve started Phase 2 of the Palliative Care Unit which, overall, will cost around €6m. We don’t have all that funding yet but, thanks to the efforts of all the fundraisers throughout the county, we’ll get there by the time the building is finished in 12 months time. We’re delighted with the Dillon family and all they’ve done over the past few months in raising this money,” said Dan.

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