'Positivity in the face of adversity' - Mayo town collects €10k for charity

A Mayo town has shown incredible community spirit. During Crossmolina's St Stephen's Day swim last year, a total sum of €10,699.50 was raised for charitable purposes.

"It's a real community day, a community gathering. And it's lovely. Some people want to participate in this and some others just want to go and support the ones going in, or just to stand and have a chat," says Ann Mulhern, who helps organising the charity event.

Ann has been affected by suicide in her family. Her son Brian took his life in February 2023. 

"Knowing that we're doing good in the community, give our hearts a little bit of joy. But it will never take away the devastation and the tragedy that befalls a family when a suicide happens, because it is an awful, massive loss. It's a tragedy."

Ann describes the charity fundraiser as 'positivity in the face of adversity', and opens up saying: "It's lovely to get this  positivity out of the death, that Brian hasn't died in vain, that we're doing good things to help other people."

The cheques of €3,550 each have now been handed over to the three chosen charities: The Mayo Suicide Bereavement Liaison Service (MSBLS), which is based at the Family Life Centre on Chapel Street in Castlebar. They provide support to people in the aftermath of suicide.

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A second cheque went to Meals on Wheels, and then the last one is for Cancer Care West, who provide accommodation and support to people going through their cancer journey, or their families as well.

The Crossmolina St Stephen's Day Swim used to be a well received annual event but until a few years ago participation had dipped a bit. But following Brian's death, Ann Mulhern's husband Kieran and other community activists brought the event back in his memory.

"Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. An awful cross for people to bear but we move forward positively always with Brian in our hearts and do good work in his name," says Ann Mulhern. 

She stresses that the charity swim is a community event and everyone loves to get involved and participate and it's a lovely day out.

"It's very good to focus on something that other families may be able to benefit from."

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