Paul Foxe, owner of Foxe & Co Chartered Accountants in Roscommon, has been appointed chair of the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation.

Foxe has served on the foundation's board since 2020 and succeeds Boyle-based auctioneer Mike Smith in the role following the completion of his five-year term.

Under Smith's leadership, the foundation has grown and strengthened its support for patients and families in Mayo and Roscommon.

2021 saw the launch of Roscommon Hospice, an eight bed inpatient unit with full day-care, that came in under budget at €6.3m.

Founded in 1993, the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation funds, develops, and delivers palliative care services to individuals living with life-limiting illnesses.

Over the past 32 years, the foundation’s palliative care teams have supported more than 25,000 patients and their families, both in local communities and dedicated hospice facilities.

“Having served on the Board for several years, I’m honoured to step into the role of Chair," said Foxe.

"I understand both the challenges we face and the opportunities ahead as we work to expand and enhance our services in the West of Ireland. I’m genuinely excited about our plans for the next three years. 

"I want to sincerely thank Mike Smith for his outstanding leadership over the past five years - I certainly have big shoes to fill. I look forward to continuing to work alongside him, Martina, and the rest of the Board.

"We’re fortunate to have such a dedicated voluntary team, and I’m thrilled to lead and collaborate with them as we move forward.”

Smith added that it had been "a true privilege to serve as Chair of the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation.

"Opening Roscommon Hospice was one of my proudest moments. Working with Martina and the board over the past number of years has been an absolute pleasure - their openness and transparency made the role all the more rewarding. 

"I’m delighted to pass the baton to Paul, whose dedication and vision make him a fantastic choice for this role, and I look forward to continuing my work with the Board as we support him in this new chapter.”

Martina Jennings, CEO of the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, said: "Paul has been an active and committed member of the board, serving as Chair of our Audit and Governance Committee, and playing a key role in implementing our vision over the past number of years. I’m really looking forward to working with him on our future plans.

"I’d also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Mike for his tireless dedication and service, and to his wife Mary for generously sharing his time with us. I’m thrilled that Mike will continue to serve on our board. 

"I’ve been very fortunate to work with exceptional Chairs, and to continue working alongside a passionate and dedicated board. Both Mike and Paul have generously given their time and expertise, and their leadership continues to make a meaningful difference to patients and families we serve.”

Photo: Paul Foxe. (Pic: Supplied)