Friends of Gorey Hospital to act as grand marshal
The Friends of Gorey District Hospital have been chosen to act as grand marshal of the 2017 Gorey St Patrick’s Day Parade
The news was announced at a special function in the hospital last Friday evening, that the volunteer committee will lead this year’s parade.
A warm welcome was extended to those present by parade chairman Robert Kinsella, while parade secretary Claire Urquhart paid tribute to the Friends and all at the hospital. She said that the hospital offers wonderful care to patients and their families in the local area, and that the Friends have done tireless work for many years. The parade sash was presented by Maeve Fitzpatrick.
The Friends of Gorey District Hospital were formed in 1997, at the instigation Ann Coakley, the present director of nursing.
The founding committee members included Sydney Stephens, Maura Doran and the late Tom Darcy among others. Fundraising events such as dances, tea on the lawn, golf classics and donations allowed them to provide special beds, reclining chairs, televisions, new mattresses, and more.
More recently, the Friends supported the €175,000 refurbishment of rooms to accommodate two en-suite rooms and a family room. They also supported the creation of a secure garden within the grounds. All this was made possible by the continued support of the public.
The committee will celebrate 20 years with an open day later this year and looks forward to the completion of the €3.5 million renovation and extension work by the HSE worth €3.5m.
The closing date for parade entries is Friday, March 10. Enter at www.goreyparade.com or call to Halford’s Hair Studio.