THE SPIRIT OF BREDA STILL BURNS SO BRIGHTLY IN HOSPITAL UNIT
Kilsaran woman is still giving back to others two years after saying final farewell
IT’S hard to lose someone you love, who has been such a special part of your life and your world.’
The words, printed under a banner bearing the image of Breda and Anthony Geraghty, helps to paint a picture of a remarkable woman who touched so many lives.
Breda Geraghty from Kilsaran, and a proud Flanagan from her native Monasterboice, passed away two years ago after a battle with breast cancer.
But it was a journey of discovery and hope for those that travelled with her, even now, so many months later, her very presence and spirit still echoes around the inspirational Oncology Unit at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda.
Last January, her husband, Anthony, and friends, organised ‘Breda’s Charity Ball’ in Bellingham Castle.
The aim was a fundraiser for the unit that had done so much for Breda. The tickets sold out, the sponsors were magnificent, the event was a masterclass in organisation.
A total of over €14,700 was raised and last week, the cheque was handed over to the unit.
One of the biggest prizes on the night was a signed Dundalk jersey, donated by Mary and Gerry McLoughlin, bringing in a fine sum.
But others were not found wanting, every prize you could imagine was raffled, from Drogheda to Dundalk, Dunleer to Blackrock, businesses rose to the task.
Anthony with Dolores McKeown, Niall, Sheila and Pat Kierans from Priesttown, Geraldine and Kevin Lynch, Liam and Patricia Doran and Kathy Smith from Drumcar all helped in the organisation.
As Liz Summersby accepted the cheque, she recalled the type of selfless woman Breda was, someone who left a lasting impression.
‘‘It was never about Breda, she was that type of person,’ she stated. ‘She was warm and caring and very engaging. She had a difficult journey, but brought a lot of happiness and hope.’
Breda was famous for her baking skills and would feed both the staff and fellow patients! - but her primary concern was always husband Anthony and how he’d cope.
‘She was very unselfish and I never met anyone quite like her before,’ Liz admits.
Breda trained as an interior designer and worked as a Design Consultant with Wogans of Dunleer, Reilly
Interiors, Eddie’s Interiors and Murtagh Interiors in Drogheda, during her career, and as a result visited many homes right around the county.
She was diagnosed in 2010 and a year later staged her famous Mad Hatters Tea Party, bringing in thousands for the oncology service.
She would bring her own indestructable spirit with her when she visited the unit and was always immaculate in her appearance.
‘She had a bond with us,’ Liz adds. ‘Even when her hands became sore, she’d get others to do the baking and bring in the stuff to us!’
When the idea of a charity ball came up, Anthony knew it had to happen. ‘ She deserved it,’ he stated.
Breda’s Charity Ball is booked in again for January 2018 in Castlebellingham and tickets are going to be sought after again.
‘ The reaction of people to the ball was incredible and just showed how people loved her,’ Anthony states.
Anthony at 0862701580, Niall 0876149765, Dolores 0861626256, will all help with tickets.
Breda’s anniversary mass is in Kilsaran church on July 7 at 7.30pm.