Former Taoiseach visits site of Daisy Lodge in Mayo

Former Taoiseach Enda Kenny visited the site of Daisy Lodge, which is located on Lough Corrib near Cong in Mayo.

Due to open in Spring 2027, the charity’s second Daisy Lodge will allow Cancer Fund for Children to offer even more families the opportunity to spend quality time together in a safe and supportive environment. 

Preparation of the 30,000 square foot site began in 2024, and full construction commenced in summer 2025.

The former Taoiseach visited the site today (Friday, April 3) as part of Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Week, dedicated to raising awareness of the reality of a cancer diagnosis for young adults and the need for Cancer Fund for Children’s services.

During his visit, Enda Kenny met with Phil Alexander, CEO at Cancer Fund for Children, and Siobhan Hanley, Director of Development and Communication at Cancer Fund for Children, to learn more about how this facility will support children and young people impacted by cancer in the years ahead.

Phil Alexander, CEO at Cancer Fund for Children, expressed his thrill at the Daisy Lodge development.

“We’re into the final year of construction, and things are moving at a great pace. We currently support over 1,000 families every year, but we need to do more. Over 4,000 families across the island have experienced a short break at Daisy Lodge, Co. Down, yet demand remains far greater than capacity.”

At the site of Cancer Fund for Children’s new Daisy Lodge therapeutic short break facility in Cong, Co Mayo, are, from left: Phil Alexander, CEO, Cancer Fund for Children; former Taoiseach Enda Kenny; Siobhan Hanley, Director of Development and Communications, Cancer Fund for Children; Caroline McGroary; and Robin McCormack, Cancer Fund for Children Board Of Trustees. Pic: Michael McLaughlin

“Every week brings us closer to opening our doors in Co. Mayo and expanding our support for families impacted by childhood cancer,” she added. 

Enda Kenny, Cancer Fund for Children International Ambassador, said the development of this new facility in Cong will be truly life-changing for countless families.

“Thank you to the team for the opportunity to visit the site, and to all who have contributed to making this important vision a reality for families in Mayo and beyond,” he added.

Caption for main pic: Former Taoiseach Enda Kenny gets an unexpected shower during a visit to the construction site of Cancer Fund for Children’s new Daisy Lodge therapeutic short-break facility on the shores of Lough Corrib near Cong, Co Mayo, as trustee Caroline McGroary enjoys the moment in the background. Pic: Michael McLaughlin