St Mary’s Day Care Centre was established when Dick Roche the then Minister for Environment, Local Government and Heritage, cut the red ribbon on the Haughney Green premises. With volunteerism at its core, the centre is a hive of activity and caters for many people, most in their senior years. Two days out of the seven, residents and visitors alike can avail of a wonderful lunch, followed by some social activities. The centre also provides a menu of bingo, community singing, and yoga. And now there is something new. Following a chat between some of the volunteers at the centre, talk about patients at St Lukes hospital sparked a desire to help those who were going through a difficult time.
Mary Corcoran, a long time volunteer takes up the story. “We discovered that amongst our volunteers, many of us enjoyed knitting”, said Mary. Mary went on to say that there was a strong desire to help those who were going through a tough time while in hospital. “We decided to put our talents to work and so the idea of making blankets was born” concluded Mary.
Margaret Ryan (end of life co-ordinator at St Luke’s)said she was delighted with the offer from St Mary’s and was thrilled with the quality of the work.
“St. Luke’s General Hospital is a Hospice Friendly Hospital, committed to embedding hospice principles within acute hospital care to ensure that patients and their families receive compassionate, high-quality end-of-life care”, said Margaret. Ms Ryan said that this is particularly important given that approximately 43% of people in Ireland die in acute hospital settings, making hospitals a key environment for the delivery of dignified, person-centred end-of-life care. Thanking the group of ladies at St Mary’s Day Care, Margaret commented: “Through the generosity, creativity, and dedication of the ladies of St. Mary’s Parish Centre, a collection of hand-knitted blankets has been created for patients on a palliative care journey. These blankets will be gifted to patients, bringing warmth, comfort, and a tangible expression of compassion at the bedside during a significant stage of life”.
Speaking to the Kilkenny Observer , Terri Butler manager at St Mary’s Day Care said that the whole idea of doing work for those on Palliative care was supported all the way. “ We were only too happy to help out”, said Terri.
Beyond their practical purpose, the blankets represent a meaningful connection between the hospital and the community it serves. Through the shared act of creativity and kindness, this project strengthens community engagement, supports the Compassionate Communities ethos, and demonstrates how simple acts of care can provide comfort, dignity, and human connection at the end of life. Take a bow St Mary’s Day Care Centre.
