€2,400 from family re-union for palliative care

The Reillys from Drumheel, Ballinagh, held a Christmas jumper night in memory of family members that passed away in the last years. Coming together as a family celebrating life, they raised €2,400 for palliative care.

The money was presented to Jimmy O'Donnell from Cavan Monaghan Palliative Care by members of the family after an enjoyful day out.

It was a response to years of loss: Georgina Mc Caffrey said the idea of a family gathering emerged after the family realised that as a group they were meeting almost exclusively at funerals. Over the past decade, the family lost several close relatives, beginning with Georgina’s uncle Brian Reilly, followed by her aunt Kathleen, her father George and cousin Peter. “At this point, we were sick of funerals,” Georgina said. “It was the only time we were seeing each other.”

Determined to change that, the family decided to organise a get-together purely to enjoy one another’s company and celebrate life. After a summer barbecue failed to suit everyone, they settled on 13 December, in honour of the first anniversary Mass of Peter Junior. “Then his father Peter died a month ago and we nearly cancelled it, but we decided no, we needed to go ahead, have a bit of fun and celebrate life together,” Georgina said. “It turned out to be a brilliant day. We had so much fun.”

The result was a memorable day attended by 61 family members, most of them living in Ballinagh, Kilnaleck and Crossdoney. Only Peter’s daughter Trish travelled from the United States. A festive theme was added, with everyone required to wear Christmas jumpers or buy a round. A friend even created a personalised donation box featuring the family crest – featuring a Christmas jumper of course.

The funds raised were donated to the palliative care team of Cavan/Monahan, in recognition of the care provided to family members over the years. Georgina recalled how, when Brian died, he was never left alone during his wake, highlighting the closeness of the family.

Now, the Reillys plan to make the gathering an annual tradition. Though Georgina is now a McCaffrey by name, she jokes that her husband has “become a Reilly” - showing the family bond, not just in sorrow, but in joy.