Killeshin tea party in memory of much-loved Siobhán raised €12k
The Galligan family at the afternoon tea party, in memory of Siobhan Galligan Photos: Jane Emily Photos
THERE were many bittersweet moments when a special afternoon tea party was held in Killeshin village in memory of a beloved local resident who passed away from cancer last year.
Friends of Siobhán Galligan, who died last July, organised a lavish tea party to remember her and the work she did as a volunteer in getting Killeshin Community Centre refurbished. The event was also a fundraiser for Carlow Hospice, with a staggering €12,000 raised in one sitting.
“Siobhán (59) was secretary of the community centre from 2014 to 2023 and then stayed on with the committee.
Siobhán led the refurbishment of the community centre, always working away in the background, never looking for attention,” said committee chairperson Laurence Phelan.
“She was a great woman. She’s irreplaceable, that’s the bottom line.” Siobhán (née McDonald) was married to Martin Galligan and was mother to Niamh, Emma, Kealan and Evan, and was a key member of Killeshin’s community.
Her three friends Trisha Lowry, Mary Hennessy and Edel Brennan organised the sold-out tea party in her honour and such was the respect in which she was held that the event was a huge success, with the money raised donated to Carlow Hospice.
“It was full to the rafters, they did a fantastic job. We’re fortunate that we’ve got good people in our community, they pull together,” said Laurence.
