Health Minister visits Mayo Cancer Support Association

On Monday, November 17, the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, visited the headquarters of Mayo Cancer Support Association at Rock Rose House in Castlebar, as part of a full day of engagements across Co Mayo.

During the visit, the Minister praised the charity for its recent achievements, including securing full membership of the Alliance of Community Cancer Support Centres (ACCSC). 

Rock Rose House has also undergone significant refurbishment in recent months, funded by a €25,000 Community Recognition Grant awarded by Mayo County Council in 2023. The upgrades have enhanced the organisation’s ability to provide psychological and emotional support, such as counselling, complementary therapies, and group activities, for people affected by cancer.

Minister Carroll MacNeill was briefed by CEO Orla Gillespie and members of the Board of Directors, led by Chairperson Joan Fitzgerald, on the charity’s Strategic Development Plan for 2025–2029. The team outlined how the success of the “Brave the Drop” Croke Park abseil fundraiser will help accelerate key objectives to support the county’s growing cancer-support needs.

Speaking after the visit, Minister Carroll MacNeill said, “Visiting Mayo Cancer Support Association, I got to meet the excellent team to thank them and to see the very valuable services they provide. When this Government was formed, we made it clear that we want to support and expand cancer survivorship services delivered in the community. I wish Mayo Cancer Support every success in the years ahead as they deliver this vital service to cancer patients and their families.”

Chairperson Joan Fitzgerald expressed the organisation’s appreciation for the Minister’s visit. “We are honoured that Minister Carroll MacNeill made time to visit us on Monday. Achieving full ACCSC membership is a proud moment for our staff, volunteers and service-users, and the refurbished Rock Rose House facilities offer a much-enhanced environment for people to access our services.”

CEO Orla Gillespie added that the new Strategic Development Plan builds on years of dedicated work.

“Our Strategic Development Plan for 2025-2029 builds on the landmark achievements that have been delivered by past and current Board of Directors members, staff and stakeholders of Mayo Cancer Support Association in recent years.” She said.

“We welcome the opportunity to have met Minister Carroll McNeill to discuss how, together, we can ensure that people across Co Mayo continue to receive high-quality, free cancer-support services into the future.”

Pictured above is Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill and local Government representatives joining Mayo Cancer Support Association’s CEO and Chairperson to discuss the charity’s ambitious Strategic Development Plan (2025-2029). Included are: Senator Mark Duffy, Minister Alan Dillon, Orla Gillespie, Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Joan Fitzgerald, Minister Dara Calleary and Deputy Keira Keogh, TD. Pic: Alison Laredo.