Offaly Hospice pays tribute to "dear friend and long-time volunteer"

Offaly Hospice Charity Shop is to close on Wednesday as a mark of respect to the memory of a Daingean man who has been described as “the cornerstone” of the Irish Hospice Foundation since its inception 35 years ago.

Ned Smyth from Kiladerry, Daingean who passed away yesterday (Sunday, August 31) after a short illness, was described in a touching Facebook post by Offaly Hospice as being “a friend, a guiding presence, and a quiet force of compassion and strength” with the community, as well as being a “a dear friend and long-time volunteer.”

The late Mr. Smyth, alongside his beloved wife, Mary, worked as a volunteer with the Offaly Hospice Foundation over more than three decades. The tribute to the popular Daingean couple described them as having played “a pivotal role” in supporting and promoting the “mission and values” of the hospice foundation for the past 35 years through their “tireless dedication, selfless service and unwavering generosity.”

As a mark of respect, and in honour of Ned’s “extraordinary contribution” the Offaly Hospice Charity Shop and office will be closed throughout the day on Wednesday, September 3.

Whether it was through fundraising, advocacy, or lending a helping hand wherever needed, Offaly Hospice said the commitment shown by the late Ned Smyth “never wavered”. They added that his legacy will remain “a lasting part of Offaly Hospice Foundation”

The late Ned Smyth is deeply regretted and sadly missed by his family; wife and best friend Mary, children Mary, Breda, Terry and Olive, grandchildren Gillian, Aoife, Jack, Anthony, Ben, Tristan, Eimhin, Billy and Clodagh, great grandchildren Allie Mae and Séimí, sons-in-law P.J, Ger, Neville and Ger, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and a large circle of friends.

Funeral details:

The remains of the late Ned Smyth will repose at his home in Kiladerry, Daingean (Eircode: R35 A383) this evening (Monday) from 4pm to 8pm with Rosary at 8pm, and again tomorrow (Tuesday) from 4pm until removal to the Mary Mother of God Church Daingean at 6.30pm arriving for 7pm.

His Funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday. September 3 at 11am followed by burial in St. Mary's cemetery, Daingean.