Best Daffodil Day total in Athlone in decades

Athlone had its best Daffodil Day in decades raising over €42,000 for the Irish Cancer Society.

Mary Fagg, who has been involved in the Athlone Area Daffodil Day Committee for the last 20 years, has hailed the effort as the best ever fundraising total in the town in her time, up from over €39,000 in 2023.

The final figure raised this year came to a whopping €42,314.30, and on behalf of the committee she extended her sincere gratitude to all the volunteer collectors who selflessly gave up their time, energy and commitment to staff the collection points on Daffodil Day on March 22 last.

Their remarkable involvement over the years continues to amaze us and we could not have done this without them, she commented.

“It's the best ever, in the 20 years since I got involved,” Mary Fagg said on Monday, “It's a great figure given the cost of living pressures,” she added, thanking all the retail managers who made this possible by allowing the collection points at their premises.

There was also a very special thank you to Robert Troy, TD, whose coffee morning gathered a fantastic €9,340.

Of course, the true heroes of the day are the wonderful people of Athlone and the surrounding areas who donated in person or online.

“We are overwhelmed by your generosity.  Your financial contributions allow the Irish Cancer Society to provide vital support services to cancer patients and their caregivers. Your donation makes a real difference to the lives of those who need our support,” the Athlone Area Daffodil Day Committee said in tribute.

The group continued that it is heartwarming to see the entire community come together to support each other in this great cause.  The daffodil bloom represents hope and new beginnings and that is precisely what the group is working towards, a brighter future for those affected by cancer.

The Athlone group said there are many volunteers whose work is never seen and whose work extends beyond Daffodil Day. "Your contribution is invaluable to us and we are humbled with your dedication and hard work.  You played an essential role in our success and we could not do it without you," Mary, on behalf of the Athlone committee added.

“I want to express our deepest  gratitude to everyone who contributed, donated or volunteered. Your unwavering support over the years has touched the lives of many and has made a difference  to them,” Mary Fagg concluded.