Tipperary woman who died recently raised almost €1 million for charity

The death of Eileen Boland (née O’Keeffe) of Lisnatubrid, Ballypatrick, Clonmel has been widely mourned.

Only a short while ago Eileen, who passed away at Tipperary University Hospital on Tuesday of last week, was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA) to recognise over 20 years of fundraising for the association, following the death of her husband Charlie in 2003.

The 82-year-old great-grandmother raised the staggering amount of almost €1 million for the IMNDA.

Her last fundraiser was a sponsored headshave in March, which generated almost €10,000.

She had abseiled from the roof of Croke Park and taken part in skydives, sponsored walks and mini marathons to generate funds for the IMNDA, which she says was a tower of strength when her late husband Charlie was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease at the relatively young age of 48.

She was also actively involved with Moyle Rovers GAA club, serving as juvenile secretary for many years and was club President at the time of her death.

Pre-deceased by her husband Charlie, grandson David and brother Jimmy, she is survived by her sons Michéal, Charlie and Brian, daughters Catherine (Delahunty), Aileen (Norris) and Fiona (Ryan), her special friend Bridie (Burke), grandchildren Dara, Shaun, Peter, Jack, Danni, Michael, Colin, Rachel, Anita, Shane, Laura, Katie, Áine, great-grandchildren, brothers Paddy, Michael and Sean, sisters Mary (White) and Anna (Flaherty), sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family and friends, to whom sincere sympathy is extended.

Requiem Mass was celebrated at St John the Baptist Church, Powerstown, last Sunday, after which Eileen was buried in the adjoining cemetery.

May she rest in peace.