Marymount anniversary: Underfunded

Some institutions become so embedded in the community they serve that a single word identifies them.

Marymount is one of those.

The hospice, one that has helped nearly every family in the south of Ireland at one stage or another, yesterday unveiled a sculpture to mark 150 years of service.

Founded by the Sisters of Charity, Marymount continues to provide palliative and elderly care services to many in the South of Ireland struggling with life’s final challenges.

This boon, this unquestioning comfort in the darkness cannot be underestimated. Yet, it seems we do.

Without volunteers and endless fundraising the institution could not continue with its humane mission.

Those at yesterday’s unveiling heard that the hospice needs to raise around €10,000 a day to continue with current service levels.

Government funding of this vital service is inadequate.

This is another indication, one of too many, that we need to reevaluate so many things about how we use public funds and how we are so reluctant to be more assertive when we tax behemoth institutions and the tiny minority controlling vast wealth.