End of an era in Laois for Friends of Portlaoise Hospital

A Laois charity that plays a vital role in enhancing services for Portlaoise hospital patients has paid tribute to its longest-serving member who also departs as chairperson of the support group.

The Friends of Portlaoise Hospital paid tribute to Tommy Timmons in an announcement that he is stepping away from the committee after three decades of work for the patients.

"We would like to take a moment to extend sincere gratitude to our Chairperson and friend, Tom, as he retires from the Friends of Portlaoise Hospital after dedicating over 30 years to the charity.

"Tom has been the driving force behind countless initiatives, always putting the hospital and its patients first. His passion and tireless efforts have not only shaped the organisation but also touched the lives of many patients of the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise," he said.

The tribute said that Mr Timmons was involved in many fundraising efforts and has seen many donations to the hospital from TVs to palliative care chairs.

"We wish him all the best in his retirement and hope he enjoys the well-deserved time to relax and pursue new adventures.
Thank you, Tom, for everything. You will always be a cherished member of the Friends of Portlaoise Hospital family," concluded the tribute.

For his part, Mr Timmons told the Leinster Express Laois Live that he is departing safe in the knowledge that there is a capable committee involved. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Committee members, from left: Emma Dempsey, Aoife Reams, Aine Reams, Ger Egan, Tommy Timmons, Anne Reams, Sarah Preston, Emily Maher and John O’Neill at the Friends of Portlaoise Hospital Gala Ball in The Midlands Park Hotel in 2024. Picture: Alf Harvey

"There is a new committee now of young people and they are brilliant," he said.

The Portlaoise native said he was very impressed by the Gala Ball organised by the committee in 2024.

"They did a marvellous job," he said.

The success convinced him that he could now safely pass the torch of leadership of the Friends to the next generation led by the new Chairperson Emma Dempsey.

"We'll never have to worry about our hospital with regards comfort for patients with the current committee," he said.

While he is stepping away from the Committee, Mr Timmons said he will continue to help with collections and other projects that require volunteers from the community.   

He reflecting on the contribution of the Friends down the years to the hospital.

"The equipment we bought for the hospital has made a woeful difference to patients," he said.

Without this help, he believes the hospital would have been at a 'fierce loss'. 

He also expressed his gratitude to the people of Portlaoise, Laois and surrounding counties for their generous donations which has allowed so much help to be given over the years.

"The support is massive," he said. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Pictured at Portlaoise General Hospital for the presentation of Flat Screen TVs to the hospital in 2012 were: Tommy Timmons and Dick Sydes of Friends of Portlaoise Hospital, Bernie Thompson (General Hospital Technician) and Emma Dempsey (Friends of Portlaoise Hospital). Photo: Michael Scully

He said this was particularly important during the various recessions which led to cutbacks in Portlaoise and other hospitals.

Mr Timmons said he has made many friends through the charity both in the hospital and in Portlaoise, Laois and outside the county who have helped down through the years.

Among those who he worked closely with were the late Kathleen O'Brien and Dick Sides both of whom were have chaired the Committee.

While the organisation works primarily to provide funds for equipment, Mr Timmons said it has also had to use its 'soft power' to campaign for the retention of services in Portlaoise when various threats came to downgrade. He was also involved in the Portlaoise Hospital Action Committee.

"We always fought for the hospital...the hospital is in a good place now," he said.

He concluded by encouraging local people to continue to support the hospital and if possible get involved with the committee.