Last push to fund statue of Mother Mary Martin
The committee behind the drive to get a statue of Mother Mary Martin erected in Drogheda is urging all those opposing the name change at the Lourdes Hospital to put their money where their mouths are.
First mooted in 2009, It’s been over two years since fundraising actually began to put a commemoration statue to the hospital founder on the green across from the facility, and barely half the total has been raised.
Secretary Jimmy Nash says he is convinced the name change at the hospital will take place, and this could be the only way her name will be remembered in the town.
“I feel the people of Drogheda and the local businesses have let us down badly, and although we appreciate there is a lot happening, with the Fleadh etc, the hospital is a place we all visit on occasions, and I see others being commemorated, and Mother Mary Martin needs to be rewarded with a statue to recall what she has done for the town,” says Jimmy.
“I applaud all those who are keeping the pressure on the HSE, but we need all those people who are taking to the streets, or giving out on facebook, to put their hands in their pockets and donate, even €5 per person, to get the project over the line.”
€12,000 is needed to pay for the sculpting and installation of the life-size statue in Boyle O’Reilly, but there is a balance of €6,200 outstanding, which the group hopes to raise in the near future so the memorial can proceed as soon as possible.
“The statue by Donore artist Paul Haggins is half finished so we implore people to donate what you can, as this is the same woman you are trying to remember in the hospital,” adds Jimmy, son of local Senator Ged Nash.
“She started the hospital for everyone in Drogheda, and religion wasn’t taught there – she always said people were the most important part – and all denominations were treated equally.”
“We are relying on the goodwill and generosity of the peope of Drogheda, so we can remember Mother Mary Martin for years to come.”
If you would like to contribute to the fund, the Bank of Ireland account number is 29909365 or IBAN IE55EOFI90332229909365.