Tag Archives: Sláinte an Chláir

TWO local cancer charities have benefited from an epic cycle undertaken recently by members of a Clare cycling club. On the last Saturday in August, members of Riverside Cycling Club Ennistymon undertook the huge challenge of cycling from their home town all the way to Croagh Patrick in Westport, Co Mayo. As if the total distance of around 175km wasn’t enough, the group then went on to climb Croagh Patrick in the same day. All this was in aid of some very worthy local cancer care charities – Cancer Care West, and Sláinte an Chláir, that have greatly helped some of the club’s past and present members. One member in particular had a very important and relative story to tell to highlight his appreciation for both organisations with his recent health scare in 2020. Tony Shannon spoke very candidly in advance of the event on Clare FM about his own struggle with receiving the bad news that he had prostrate …

OVER €60,000 was raised for two cancer charities by the recent South for Susan and Antoinette Malin to Mizen cycle. Presentations of €30,390 each were made last week to Kilnamona-based Sláinte an Chláir and Cancer Care West, both of whom provide cancer support services to patients undergoing treatment and their families. The cycle was undertaken in early June, in memory of Susan O’Neill from Ballyea and Antoinette Pender from Quilty, both of whom died from cancer-related illness last year. Upon receiving Sláinte an Chláir’s share of the fundraising, spokesperson Marie Phelan, said, “The amount received this evening means a huge amount to our charity and will enable us to continue supporting cancer patients and their families in practical ways while they undergo treatment for cancer.” Dave O’Donnell, Head of Fundraising and Communications at Cancer Care West said, “We are full of admiration for the Trojan efforts put in by the cyclists and support team during the trip from Malin Head …

A HARDY group of Clare cyclists will travel the entire length of the country next week, raising funds for cancer charities and commemorating two women who passed away in 2021. In July of last year Ballyea’s Susan O’Neill died having battled cancer, and then in November Quilty’s Antoinette Pender also passed, having fought the disease bravely. The cycle, entitled ‘South for Susan and Antoinette’, is in their memory and funds are being raised for Sláinte an Chláir and Cancer Care West. The group of cyclists will make their way to Donegal this Sunday, before setting off from Malin Head on Monday morning on a gruelling challenge. The Monday will see them cycle from Malin Head to Donegal Town; on Tuesday it’s Donegal to Claremorris; Wednesday is Claremorris to Ballyea; Thursday is Ballyea to Blarney and finally on Friday the cyclists will make their way to Mizen Head. The starting point is Ireland’s most northerly point and the finishing its most …

A FUNDRAISING cycle from Malin Head to Mizen Head will take place during the first week of June in memory of two women who spent many years cycling and fundraising before passing to their eternal reward during the second half of last year. On July 20, 2021, Susan O’Neill, from Ballyea, died from cancer and on November 11, 2021, Antoinette Pender from Quilty also died having contracted cancer. Both women had fought bravely before finally succumbing and the fundraising cycle is titled ‘South for Susan and Antoinette’. A limited number of cyclists will undertake the journey from Malin Head to Mizen Head between June 6 and 10. Overnight rest points are scheduled for Donegal Town, Claremorris, Ballyea and Blarney. Susan’s husband Michael O’Neill and Antoinette’s husband Jamsie have commenced training in preparation for the once-off event. Both are experienced cyclists and the long miles are not likely to be too daunting to them. Other cyclists who have volunteered for the …

A TULLA-based oncology nurse, and ovarian cancer survivor, is urging women not to ignore the warning signs of gynaecological cancers. Anne Murphy, who is a member of the team at Clare Cancer Support, said that research shows many women are not aware of symptoms and don’t seek medical advice in time. “Early diagnosis is so important for a good prognosis,” Ms Murphy said. “I myself was diagnosed with early stage ovarian cancer in 2012.” The call comes ahead of World Gynaecologic Oncology Day on Sunday, when a number of buildings, including The Rock of Cashel and The National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG) will light up in purple. “Clare Cancer Support are delighted to participate in this World Awareness Day,” Ms Murphy said, which is about raising awareness of gynaecological cancers, cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal and vulval. Womens’ gynaecological cancers are poorly represented in the public arena and this needs to change. Most gynaecological cancers have symptoms but research has …

The founder of a well-known cancer support centre has been awarded the inaugural Ennis and District Soroptimist Woman of the Year award. The award was presented to Mary Heuson, who has worked tirelessly with her team of volunteers and staff over the last six years without any fanfare. Slainte an Chláir, which is located at Tir Mhuire, Kilnamona about  five miles outside of Ennis, promises to be a “home away from home” for people who need assistance trying to cope with cancer. The centre was set up in May 2010 after 400 people turned up for a public information meeting at the West County Hotel in February 2010. The centre doesn’t receive any funding outside of what it raises itself, including ventures such as its craft fair, which will be held in the Maria Assumpta Hall beside the Cathedral in Ennis this Saturday from 10am to 2pm.  Handmade crafts at the centre will be on offer, along with a bake …

A LOCAL cancer centre is continuing its expansion with the launch of two new services. Actress Aoibhinn Garrihy was on hand last Friday to officially open a new hair and beauty salon at Sláinte an Chláir, Kilnamona and was impressed with the free services that are available to cancer patients at the centre. A spokeswoman for Clare Cancer Support explained they encourage patients to shave their hair once it starts falling out, as it can be distressing to see it happen in stages. Once their hair starts to grow back, patients are invited back to the centre where they will get a free style or colour. Women can also have their make-up done or a nail manicure. “It can be traumatic for anyone who starts to lose their after chemotherapy. Getting their hair and make-up done in a relaxing environment at the centre provides a great boost to women who have cancer. “It gives them a chance to put their …

STAFF members in St Joseph’s Hospital are planning a ‘crew cut’ for a fundraising event in memory of their former colleague, Anne Fox, who lost her battle with cancer in September 2013. Three of Anne’s former colleagues are stepping forward for the short back and sides by hairdressers from K&G Hair Salon on Parnell Street, at the function in O’Keeffe’s Bar, Lifford, on February 27. But that’s not all. The group, and the 10-year-old niece of one of the volunteers and the daughter of another, will then hand over their tresses to the Rapunzel Foundation to make into wigs for children and adults who suffer from alopecia. Tommy Guilfoyle, Deirdre Allan and her daughter, Mary, who works in Ryan’s Centra, and St Joseph’s colleague, Nuala Casey haven’t had a haircut since last April or May. Tommy’s niece, Ava Burke, aged 10, a pupil in Gaelscoil Micheál Chiosóg, has never had more than a trim. Now she’s prepared to have 14 …