A terminally-ill North Galway cancer patient was so impressed with the care he received in Galway Hospice that he began organising a fundraising event for the organisation – unfortunately he passed away before he had the opportunity to do so.
But the family of 45-year-old Kevin Geoghegan from Lavally, Tuam, who lost his battle with cancer on November 1 last, are now carrying out his wishes and have organised a massive music and auction this Sunday afternoon in his memory.
Funds raised at the event, which will be held in his brother Martin’s pub and nightclub on High Street, Tuam will go towards both Galway Hospice and Tuam Cancer Care.
Kevin was diagnosed with cancer four years ago but during the last 18 months of his life, his health deteriorated and he was admitted to Galway Hospice. He passed away surrounded by his wife Edelle, son Dylan and daughter Sadhbh as well as his extended family members.
But in the weeks leading to his untimely passing, he was so impressed by the care he received from the nurses and staff in Galway Hospice that he was determined to organise a fundraiser on their behalf and spent his days there planning what he was going to do.
His brother Martin Geoghegan said that Kevin was so determined to organise this, that he had ‘every one of us on our toes’.
“Unfortunately, he left us before he had a chance to achieve this so we were determined to carry out his wishes,” Martin added.
So this Sunday, local musicians are giving of their time to perform in Geoghegan’s in Tuam and these include Paul Keating, who is organising the music acts, Matt Keane, Mike Stewart along with several local bands.
The evening’s entertainment will also include an auction which will have a diverse range of items from a car to suck calves, lambs along with signed jerseys from Galway’s All-Ireland winning teams of 1998 and 2001 and several sought after Connacht jerseys.
“All of the items that will go under the hammer have been donated to the cause. Since word went out about this event being organised, the support we have received has been astounding and we cannot thank people enough.
“I think Kevin would have been very proud of what has been organised and it is an awful pity he is not around to see it. But we all know he will be there in spirit to ensure everything runs smoothly,” Martin said.
He said that the mention of hospice is unnerving for some people but added that Kevin found it ‘a home from home’ as he couldn’t believe the attention, the relief and the respect he received during his time there.
Tickets for the event are €10 and the music kicks off at 5pm on Sunday.
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