Mary Lyons Memorial Fundraiser in aid of Longford Hospice Home Care and the Irish Cancer Society

The family of popular publican Mary Lyons are arranging an evening of entertainment to raise funds for Longford Hospice Homecare and the Irish Cancer Society.

Mary was renowned as the proprietor of Lyons's Public House on Main Street, Longford and formerly on Bridge Street, Longford. She passed away on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, peacefully at her home surrounded by her family.

As a mark of gratitude Mary's family are to host a special music event on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at Lyons Bar and Beer Garden in Longford town.

The event is in conjunction with an iDonate page, with a goal of €10,000 to be raised for the two charities.

“This event is to remember our lovely mum Mary Lyons and to raise much needed funds for two very important charities,” the organisers say on the page, “We are very grateful to the many local musicians who have volunteered their time to this charitable event.”

The organisers speak of the importance of the two beneficiaries: “Sadly too many people’s lives have been impacted by cancer and these charities are a vital support to families in their time of need.

“Our mother Mary was always generous when it came to giving her time to people. Even at her lowest, she was always willing to give any comfort she could. She was a publican in Longford most of her life and established Lyons Bar in 1965 with her husband John.

She had a great interest in people and loved to take time to listen to their stories. Our Mum was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010 and in 2023 she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. She was accepting of the toughest of challenges.

“During this time she availed of the support from the Irish cancer society drivers’ service. This was in invaluable service to Mum and to us as a family.”

The page speaks of the importance of the support available to Mary during the tough time: “The drivers made the very difficult journeys that bit easier. She formed a connection with everyone she met on her journey.

She also received great care from the Longford Hospice Homecare team which allowed her to have the comfort and dignity of being at home. We greatly appreciate any support you can give to these two great charities.”

Output, a young local rock and indie band will be one of the many great acts to perform in Lyons Bar at the Mary Lyons Memorial Fundraiser on September 14

Artists confirmed to perform at the event are Citeogs, Output, Smear, Dan Magan, Mick Lane, Pascal Flaherty, The Coffee Beans, Sean Hussey, Charlie Dunne, Tommy (Taybag) Kelly, and Éamonn O Ceallaigh.