'Generous' and 'humble' Waterford volunteer dedicates award to deceased colleague and friend

Admiration and respect were in abundance in the Mayor's Parlor in City Hall last Tuesday, November 3, when a Mayoral Reception was held to honour the local man who co-founded and acted as treasurer for the Friends of St Patrick's group, helping to better the lives of elderly patients in Waterford and the South East.

Michael Rowe, who volunteered for over 32 years with St Patrick’s Hospital (now Waterford Residential Care Home) as a member of the board, helped to raise over €1 million during his time volunteering for the hospital and the Friends of St Patrick’s charity, which he co-founded over 20 years ago.

Originally from Grange, Mooncoin, and having lived in Waterford for the last 54 years, Michael co-founded the Friends of St Patrick's in 1994 with his friend and former Waterford Crystal colleague, the late John O'Brien, who Michael spoke of with great respect and admiration at the event.

What began as an everyday chat between two friends soon led to a discussion on how the lives of the patients in the hospital could be improved and what they themselves could do to help.

From there, the Friends of St Patrick's was created for the betterment of the elderly patients in the hospital, and the first fundraiser benefit was organised and held at Kilcohan dog track.

Within the year, Michael and John had secured Waterford Crystal as a sponsor for the organisation, and their first chairperson Gabrial Pinkard.

"Wasn't that some idea to come up with over a cup of tea?" Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr Liam Brazil said while congratulating Michael on over 32 years of service to the community.

"What began as a simple conversation between two friends has grown into an organisation that has made a remarkable difference to the lives of so many people here in the beautiful city of Waterford.

"Michael's dedication, generosity and commitment to St Patrick's Hospital and its patients over three decades is fully deserved in recognition and as Mayor of Waterford City and County, and on behalf of Waterford Council, I want to sincerely thank you for everything that you have done for the people of Saint Patrick's Hospital here in Waterford.

"I have no doubt that with the money that you have raised, you have lengthened the lives of a lot of people. A lot of people that have made this country what it is today."

Cllr Adam Wyse, who proposed the Mayoral Reception in honour of Michael and his dedication to the community, also spoke at the reception.

"You can have all these different groups and community organisations recognised, but the people, like the Mayor said, that go out every single day for no other reason but to try and help people are the people that should be recognised."

Adding that, "I think if I could achieve a smidge of what Michael and a lot of other people in the room have done for Waterford, I would be extremely proud and grateful."

Cllr Jason Murphy praised Michael and the staff at St Patrick's Hospital for the "dignity, respect and care" they show patients and families.

"I suppose if there's one word that I can associate with you, besides being a gentleman, as everyone else has said, is integrity. And you have that in spades.

"I think at the moment the charity sector nationally is under pressure, maybe for lack of integrity in some places. But that's something that you certainly don't lack."

Comments on Michael's dedication, integrity, level of care and humble nature were heard from a number of speakers during the afternoon, from local councillors, former Waterford Crystal colleagues, board members of St Patrick's hospital, the Friends of St Patrick's, former staff from the hospital and more.

When accepting the award, Michael accepted it not only on his behalf, but on behalf of John O'Brien, his dear friend who he still misses frequently, his family and John's family.

Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme