Detta's celebrates 30 years dedicated to raising funds for Laois Hospice

THIRTY years, countless apple tarts and one enduring gesture of dedication to Laois hospice brought Mountrath together again on Thursday 24 September when Detta Reynolds opened the doors of St Fintan’s Hall for her 30th consecutive coffee morning.

The annual fundraiser began following the passing of her husband Liam from oesophageal cancer. After a seven-year illness, the care shown to him and his family left Detta determined to give something back.

For Detta, the coffee morning was never simply a date on the calendar but a way of carrying Liam’s memory forward while supporting other Laois families facing the same uncertainty, exhaustion and loss. Each tray set out and every cup poured has been part remembrance, part gratitude and part inner strength.

Her annual event forms part of Ireland’s Biggest Coffee Morning for Hospice, the annual Together for Hospice campaign that brings families, friends, workplaces and communities together in support of local hospice and homecare services. Now in its 34th year, the national campaign has raised almost €50 million since it began.

As people streamed into St Fintan's hall, Detta recalled how the tradition began with her friend Mary Arthur around the kitchen table at home.

She said: “We started in my house, but it became too small because so many people came to support us. Mary made the pastry and I peeled the apples. Apple tart and cream became our trademark, but it was always about the chat and the cup of tea or coffee, too.” Those first mornings had the easy warmth of a neighbourly gathering with the kitchen busy, the kettle constantly on and familiar faces arriving for a slice of tart and a conversation. Word travelled, support grew and the house filled. What began around one table soon belonged to the wider community and when the gathering outgrew the house, the local priest offered St Fintan’s hall.

Detta continues on year after year even, though her daughter passed away three years ago and her anniversary falls in coffee morning week.

The larger venue changed the scale but not the spirit of the occasion. St Fintan’s hall gives people room to linger, meet old friends and contribute in their own way. For Detta, opening its doors each September has become an act of constancy, sustained by the same generosity that first crowded her home.

Gym manager Ruth Delaney, who trains Detta twice a week at Bloom HQ in the former Brigidine convent, alerted the Laois Nationalist to the milestone. Detta once worked in the convent and remains a familiar, generous presence in the town.

Ruth said: “To commit to something for 30 years is really special. Detta raises about €1,000 each year, so that’s more than €30,000 she has raised for Laois Hospice. She helps with so much in the community and in the gym she will always sit beside anyone who needs a hand and show them what to do. She is a lovely, fresh woman.” Ruth and colleague Alan Phelan shared Detta’s story with Bloom HQ members, prompting an immediate response. Gym members donated more than €500 in under 24 hours and paddle court members added €200, with the hope that the extra appeal will reach €1,000 and help Detta hand over €2,000 this year.

For Detta, however, the heart of the day remains unchanged. Mary is now living in The Residence in Portlaoise after becoming ill two years ago, but the memories of their busy kitchen remain close. Detta said: “People are great and very supportive. It’s about remembering the care Liam received, helping the hospice and bringing everyone together.” Detta wishes to thank everyone who supported the coffee morning.