Lily Walshe, Elphin, is exhibiting a selection of her paintings in Creeve Community Centre, on Saturday, June 13th at 7.30 pm, opening with Cheese & Wine reception.
Lily said, “I have had five successful exhibitions since 2013, four in aid of Mayo/Roscommon Hospice and one for St Francis’ Hospice, Raheny.” She experienced the care and support given by Palliative care to her husband, Marty and all the family, during the weeks prior to his untimely death in August 2005 at 64 years of age, and again in 2015 when she stayed with her sister, Maureen, in her Dublin home, before she was transferred to St Francis’ Hospice, where she passed away peacefully shortly afterwards at 71 years.
Very few families have not been touched by cancer and helped by Mayo/Roscommon Hospice and local Palliative Care. The support given by this team is amazing, as they visit homes, where the patient is treated as a friend, with dignity and kindness.
Lily said, “I took up painting as a hobby when I retired from teaching. I discovered Stephanie Cuddy Cullen’s School of Art in Antogher Road, Roscommon in 2011. I have attended a class per week, every term since then. Stephanie teaches, guides, supports and advises all of us – working in various mediums – oil, acrylic, watercolour, charcoal etc. I enjoy her classes. When painting I leave my cares and worries outside! I enjoy the company, exchange of ideas and the chats. I highly recommend her classes to anybody wishing to escape the stress and strain of day-to-day living.
In this exhibition you will find over 50 pieces in oil and watercolour, professionally framed, reasonably priced and ready to hang. I know many of you, my friends, colleagues and neighbours have supported my past ventures, which is appreciated, but please come along, have a look, offer criticism or encouragement!
In recent years we witnessed the opening of a 14-bed state of the art Hospice in Knockaphunta, Castlebar and an 8-bed Hospice in Roscommon. Do you know that both were developed and paid for by fundraised income? A combined €15.5 million.
During Covid I made face masks and sold them in Glancy’s Elphin. I donated the proceeds, €250, to Mayo/Roscommon Hospice. In an acknowledgement letter I was assured that ‘all funds we receive go directly to funding local palliative care services’.
We often give donations at funerals so this is a happier occasion. Any donation, no matter how small, is welcome.
