Limerick family to donate proceeds of in-calf heifer to Milford Hospice

ONE of the nicest descriptions of Milford Hospice this reporter has heard came from young Sarah Collins who commented: “This is like a hotel for sick people”.

The Collins family, from Ardagh, have helped to raise thousands for Milford in conjunction with St Kieran’s GAA club’s annual road hurling event for charity.

Richard and Michelle Collins and their children Sarah, aged 11, Grace, 9, and Padraig, 7, donated the proceeds of the sale of a Belgian Blue in-calf heifer.

Richard said they wanted to show their appreciation for the wonderful care Milford gave to his late mother, Maura Collins, who passed away on January 2, 2021.

The in-calf heifer was sold in Newport Mart over the festive period as Maura was originally from Towerhill, Cappamore and it is the only mart in the country that has a sale between Christmas and New Year.

Richard, who is a dairy farmer, said the in-calf heifer sold for the big price €2,710 on the day.

“Arrabawn gave 40 bags of beef ration to the highest bidder which was a great gesture by the co-op,” said Richard.

Over €1 million allocated to Limerick to help communities

He told FarmLeader that his mother was in Milford twice and also received care at home through the Palliative care team.

“They are brilliant inside there. It was the first time we were there - Sarah was only eight at the time. We were walking down the hall. She said, ‘Dad, this is like a hotel for sick people’. She even copped the fairy doors on the skirting boards.

“We really appreciate the wonderful care in Milford. When you see someone in pain and they come in and relieve it you think a lot of it.”

As well as donating the proceeds of the heifer, the Collins family sent out donation buckets far and wide.

“People were so generous. I saw some people put in fifties,” said Mr Collins, who also thanked James Lee of Newport Mart.

The money will be pooled with St Kieran’s GAA club’s annual road hurling event for charity over the festive period.

David Woulfe, chairman, said the fundraiser is going from strength to strength.

“Despite the inclement weather, we again had a huge number of participants, of all ages and a huge number of walkers too. We had several groups from outside our catchment area, especially from Knockaderry.

“The atmosphere at Neary’s was something else that night. There was a lot of singing, a lot of dancing and a lot of money invested in our novelty auction!” said David, who has no doubt the final figure including the sale of Collins’ heifer and bucket collection will be over €8,500