A decade of great effort and reward

A DECADE has passed since Friends of St. Raphael’s Centre in Youghal was founded.

By any yardstick it is a story of extraordinary dedication and today the quality of life for St. Raphael’s 160 residents and 40 community members reflects this great effort.

In that time the Friends have raised over 100,000. Under the chairmanship of John Roche, together with his brother and councillor Gene who is secretary, treasurer John O’Donnell, and an active committee their endeavours have brought about a multiplicity of improvements at the centre.

Each and every one of the seven units has benefited.

“We endeavour to make St Raphael’s as much a home from home as is humanly possible,” said Gene Roche. “We have always enjoyed a wonderful level of co-operation from management and that has been of paramount importance in our success story over the past ten years’.

He said the level of local sponsorship from businesses, and the support of the entire community in Youghal, has been “phenomenal.”

The director of nursing at St. Raphael’s, Angela O’Loughlin, said every member of management greatly appreciates the trojan work the Friends of St. Raphael’s. “They have done so without seeking personal kudos of any kind, and they are a shining example to any and every community’, she added.

The biggest single annual fundraiser is the St. Raphael’s Open Day and that takes place next Sunday.

“As in past years we are looking forward to another huge turnout to swell the coffers in our ongoing efforts to improve the lot of everyone at the hospital,” Gene Roche said.

In February St. Raphael’s celebrates its centenary, and already The Friends are planning for that special milestone. A milestone they will have played a major part in bringing about.