This year’s fundraiser will take place on September 25, aiming to raise more than €2 million for hospices across the country.
Mr Martin and Ms McMahon are encourage the public to get brewing for the annual event, as they met staff and patients at St Francis Hospice in Blanchardstown in Dublin.
They also paid tribute to the dedicated care staff who keep hospices operating throughout Ireland.
Last year, Bewley’s Big Coffee Morning for Hospice raised more than €2.2 million in 2,500 events, helping to care for 19,000 patients and their families.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin speaking with patient Janet Holmes from Lucan, Dublin, at St Francis Hospice in Blanchardstown. Picture: Conor McCabe.
Speaking at the event, Taoiseach Micheál Martin described Bewley’s Big Coffee Morning for Hospice as “one of the most outstanding charity partnerships in the country”.
“Hosting or simply attending coffee mornings in your home, local GAA club, workplace or community hall can have a massive impact when one considers the number of people who embrace the fundraiser annually,” he said.
“I hope the same energy and enthusiasm is generated this year to help Together for Hospice reach its target.
“The often unseen work of hospices, enveloped in values of respect, compassion and dignity, only becomes apparent to many of us when we need their services ourselves or for a family member,” he added.
World’s top-ranked sailor in her category, Eve McMahon (21), who is also a UCD student, said her family has a deep connection to the St Francis Hospice in Blanchardstown.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin and champion sailor Eve McMahon, pictured at St Francis Hospice in Blanchardstown, Dublin, are encouraging the public to support Bewley’s Big Coffee Morning for Hospice on September 25. Picture: Conor McCabe.
The Paris 2024 Olympian and a bronze medallist at the World Championships in May said her family’s strong links with St Francis helped her to appreciate the “incredible” work of the hospices.
“That contribution to society depends on the goodwill of those who come out year after year to host and support fundraisers so that this work can continue,” she said.
“While the official Bewley’s Big Coffee Morning for Hospice takes place on September 25, people can hold or support one at any time, so I’d love to see the whole country get behind this amazing, collective effort for our hospices,” she added.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin and champion sailor Eve McMahon, pictured at St Francis Hospice in Blanchardstown, Dublin, are encouraging the public to support Bewley’s Big Coffee Morning for Hospice on September 25. Picture: Conor McCabe.
The fundraiser is co-ordinated by Together for Hospice, which is the national hospice movement representing 24 hospice and specialist palliative home care providers, supporting patients and their families across Ireland.
The raised funds are used by local hospice services to fund new buildings, refurbishment of existing buildings, staff, and extra comforts for patients and their families.
The public can make donations or register to host a coffee morning on Thursday, September 25, or on a date that suits them, at the Hospice Coffee Morning website or by calling 0818 995 996.