In the close-knit communities of Claregalway and Lackagh, the Kenny family is a familiar and well-loved presence. Known for their warm spirit and dedication to their community, their household is a hub of activity, where sports kits from every local club make their way weekly into the family laundry. But behind the scenes of everyday life, Francis and Catherine Kenny recently faced a battle no family ever expects—their son Eoin’s sudden diagnosis with cancer.
Just months after starting third-level college, with hopes and dreams stretching out before him, Eoin’s world—and his family’s—was turned upside down.
Looking back, Catherine can now see the signs that something was not quite right.
“It started the previous winter,” Catherine recalls. “Eoin’s jaw was sore, and we assumed it was his wisdom teeth. We saw dentists and specialists, and he was even treated for jaw misalignment.”
“But the symptoms grew harder to ignore. By May, Eoin began experiencing problems with his eye—vertigo, bloodshot redness.
“A specialist referral in September set off a chain of swift, frightening events: blood tests revealed dangerously low haemoglobin and high calcium levels. A scan showed swollen lymph nodes. That very evening, Eoin was admitted to hospital.
“Within days, we were told he had cancer,” Catherine says. The words were shocking.
For a family known for its strength and unity, the road ahead was uncharted. But together, they faced it head-on and made it their mission to battle this illness together.
Treatment began almost immediately. Eoin underwent a strong course of chemotherapy, responding courageously despite the physical and emotional toll.
“It was a lot to take in, but the care from the hospital team in Galway was unreal. We have been minded so well; everyone is so caring,” Catherine says.
Eoin’s resilience became a source of strength for the entire family. Despite the harsh chemotherapy, he stayed calm and positive—lifting the spirits of his parents, Catherine and Francis, and his siblings, Mark and Ruth.
“His attitude really helped us as a family,” Catherine shares. “We were all very mindful of infection risks and stuck together through it.”
Those months were filled with worry, hospital visits, and the constant hope that tomorrow would be better. But the Kenny family, with their trademark grit and love, moved forward together.
A helping hand from Cancer Fund for Children
Amidst the whirlwind of treatment and emotion, support arrived from an unexpected place—the Cancer Fund for Children charity.
It reached out to the Kennys during Eoin’s treatment, offering practical advice and emotional support. Catherine attended a webinar on supporting a child through cancer, finding reassurance in knowing that they were not alone.
Then came an offer that would give the family a true breath of air after months of holding it in: a stay at Daisy Lodge in County Down.
A purpose-built therapeutic centre for families navigating a child’s cancer diagnosis, Daisy Lodge provides short breaks in a caring, peaceful environment—a precious opportunity to step away from hospitals and treatments and simply be together.
“It was the first thing we’d done as a family since before Eoin’s diagnosis—and it was honestly just lovely,” Catherine recalls.
“From the moment we arrived, we felt relaxed and cared for. Everyone was kind and thoughtful, and we had the chance to meet other families who understood what we’d been through.
“We didn’t need to talk about blood tests or appointments—just life, family, and being together. It was peaceful and restorative, and something we’ll always remember.”
For Eoin himself, Daisy Lodge offered a much-needed escape and a reminder of normal life.
“It all happened so suddenly. I had just started college and then everything changed.
“Daisy Lodge gave me my first chance to get away after treatment started. It felt good to spend time with my family and take a proper break,” he said.
Eoin’s perspective, marked by wisdom beyond his years, shines through when he shares advice for others facing similar battles:
“If I had any advice for someone going through something similar, I’d say it can feel really tough at times—but it won’t last forever. Just keep thinking about the future.”
And thinking about the future is exactly what Eoin and his family are doing—with hope, love, and gratitude for the support they’ve received.
“The support our family received wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of people. From helpful advice during treatment to time together at Daisy Lodge, donations tothe Cancer Fund For Children help families like ours when we need it most. Thank you for making this kind of care possible.”
Daisy Lodge is far more than just a beautiful setting; it is a sanctuary.
Families stay in spacious double en-suite rooms, with access to well-being facilities, therapy suites, play areas, a games room for teenagers, and communal lounges that foster both privacy and connection. Meals are lovingly prepared using local produce, served in a dining room with stunning views of the Mourne Mountains.
Complementary therapies—such as massages and relaxation treatments—are offered to parents and children alike, delivered by fully trained therapists who understand the unique needs of cancer patients. Every detail is designed to create a restorative experience, so that families can simply be together, laugh, and heal.
The experience left a lasting impact on the Kennys, providing precious memories at a time when they were needed most.
A vision for the future
Thanks to the generosity of supporters, families like the Kennys find light during their darkest days. But the need is growing.
Cancer Fund for Children now hopes to build a second Daisy Lodge, this time closer to families in the west of Ireland—near Cong, in County Mayo.
This new facility would mean that even more families could experience the care, the comfort, and the healing that Daisy Lodge provides.
For the Kenny family—and countless others—such support can mean the difference between just surviving cancer, and finding joy and hope despite it.
You could give a young person like Eoin, and a family like the Kennys, the chance to catch their breath, to laugh, to rest—and to look forward to the future with hope.
For more details, see https://cancerfundforchildren.com/
