Mayo stars bring Sam Maguire Cup to Mayo Hospice

Mayo manager Andy Moran and Mayo footballers Jack Coyne, Aidan O’Shea, Cillian O’Connor and Matthew Ruane brought the Sam Maguire Cup to Mayo Hospice today (Friday), where they spent time with patients, their families and staff celebrating Mayo’s historic All-Ireland win.

They were welcomed by Martina Jennings, CEO of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation. Mayo manager Andy Moran previously worked with the Foundation as its Community Development Manager. Together with Mayo footballer Aidan O’Shea, he is also an ambassador for the Sunflower Children’s Hospice, funded by Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation.

The Sunflower Children’s Hospice will be the first children’s hospice to be built outside Dublin, providing specialist care and support for children with life-limiting illnesses and their families across eight counties on Ireland's western seaboard. Construction is expected to begin on the site beside Mayo University Hospital in Castlebar before the end of the year.

Martina Jennings, CEO of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, said: “Mayo’s All-Ireland victory has brought immense joy to the people of Mayo, and we were delighted to welcome Andy, Jack, Aidan, Cillian, Matthew and Sam to Mayo Hospice today.

“Their visit meant so much to our patients, their families and to the dedicated staff who provide compassionate care every day. The Hospice is a place where lasting memories are made, and today's visit will certainly be one to treasure.

“I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Andy and the Mayo footballers for taking the time to be with us. It was so special to bring a little bit of the excitement and celebration into Mayo Hospice.”

During the visit, patients, families and staff had the opportunity to meet Andy, Jack, Aidan, Cillian and Matthew and have photographs taken with the Sam Maguire Cup and share in the celebrations following Mayo's All-Ireland success.