St. Oliver’s recognise immense support of Dowdallshill GFC
THE incredible 60 years that members of Dowdallshill GFC have been involved in the Christmas morning run to St Oliver’s Community Hospital was recognised recently.
Former county councillor Seamus Keelan was invited to switch on the tree lights at the unit’s festive party for residents in acknowledgement of the immense contribution by the club over the decades.
Acting Director of Nursing, Marie Butler, paid a special tribute to the ‘unbelievable’ tradition of having runners make the journey from the Newry Road-based club to St Oliver’s for 60 years.
She said: ‘ The runners and the group of musicians who give their time on Christmas mornings bring the joy, laughter and true meaning of Christmas to St Oliver’s.
‘ The club has also given many generous donations over the years which have been used for furnishings and equipment which bring comfort to our residents’.
Ms Butler also thanked ‘all the staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to improve the quality of life for our residents throughout the year’.
She highlighted those who provide pastoral care, the musicians and entertainers, Norma Darcy and Carol Wallace who deliver the weekly reminiscence and art programmes, as well as the staff and pupils of Bay Estate school who delight residents with their ongoing intergenerational work and visits to the hospital.
There was sincere appreciation, Ms Butler said, for the work of the canine handlers – Kate, Kevin and Mary – as well as Norma Darcy and Michael McCormick’s ‘creative and original’ work decorating the units for Christmas.
There was a special word of thanks to all those who raise funds for the Friends of St Oliver’s Hospital, under the chairmanship of Anne Campbell and the incredible fundraising of Jim Hoey, who raised over €6,000 this year, was also noted.
Voluntary and community groups who support St Oliver’s residents were also esecially thanked,
These including the Society for the Old and Underprivileged Children, the Order of Malta, the Lions’ Club and St Vincent de Paul.
Ms Butler said: ‘I also want to thank all the wonderful staff here at St Oliver’s, from every department. Their hard work and commitment to the residents has certainly not gone unnoticed. We sincerely appreciate all your work throughout the year’.