Offaly girl donates hair to honour late grandmother
By Rebekah O'Reilly
Belmont native Ellie Rose Clancy has marked her 10th birthday with a moving tribute to her grandmother, the late Rosemarie Kearns.
The 10-year-old took the plunge to cut her gorgeous locks on Wednesday, July 30, in aid of The Friends of Midlands Regional Hospital Tullamore.
She also donated her hair to the Laura Lynn foundation, which will go towards creating a wig for a child in need.
"Ellie Rose was incredibly close with her nanny," said her mum, and Rosemarie's daughter, Anita Kearns Clancy. "The children spent everyday with her, she was like their second mother really."
Rosemarie Kearns died in April of this year, just a month after celebrating her 70th birthday on March 2. She was a key member of staff at Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore, where she spent 32 years of her career as a staff
Her granddaughter's fundraiser had amassed more than €5,000 in donations for The Friends of Midlands Regional Hospital Tullamore as of Wednesday of this week, far surpassing the original target of €200.
"I was telling her how proud we are of the kind little girl she is, and Ellie Rose said, 'I want to be kind like nanny was, and I just want to give back so that somebody else's nanny might not die so suddenly'. It just shows how much she has thought about it, and reflects the values of kindness and compassion that we have in our family, which nanny Rosemarie played a big role in giving to our children," Anita added.
An online page for Ellie Rose’s fundraiser reads: "To us, she was Nanny. A loving, gentle, and joyful grandmother who cherished her grandchildren with all her heart. Her warmth, laughter, and unwavering love will live on in us always. Nanny was a retired proud and dedicated A&E nurse at Midlands Regional hospital Tullamore, where she spent many years caring for others with extraordinary compassion and grace. She was deeply respected by her colleagues and loved by countless patients whose lives she touched with her kindness and quiet strength.
"Nanny’s compassion extended far beyond the hospital walls. She was a true pillar of our community, someone people turned to in times of need, and who always showed up with love, support, and an unwavering strength. Her sudden passing left not just our family, but the wider community, in deep shock and sorrow, a testament to the countless lives she helped and hearts she touched.
"We are deeply grateful to all the staff at Midlands Regional hospital and to The Friends of Midlands Regional Hospital for the care and compassion shown to our family, especially during nanny’s time and final days in Tullamore hospital. Their kindness brought great comfort during the most difficult days of our lives, and we will never forget it. This is my birthday wish to honour Nanny’s memory and give back to the hospital that nanny gave so much to, a way of continuing Nanny’s legacy of kindness, caring, and quiet love for others in need."
Rosemarie was known far and wide for her tireless dedication to her community, and played a key role in the development of the A&E unit in Tullamore. Her legacy was shown following her passing, as countless people paid their respects.
"Her passing sent ripples of shock through our community. Thousands passed through our home since," said Anita. "She played a huge role in the lives of so many, and we are only hearing those stories now."
Midlands Regional Hospital Tullamore will honour Rosemarie by hanging one of her paintings in a place of pride in the hospital.
Anita added: "People don't know that about her, she was an incredible artist. We made a donation to the hospital after her funeral as well, it played such a big role in her life."
To donate to Ellie Rose's fundraiser, go to: www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/elliroseclancy1