Maura Derrane was formally announced as our Patron in April 2010. Maura is our first patron and is very keen to support our work in any way she can. In choosing a Patron, COPE Galway was eager to appoint someone who would have strong links to Galway. Maura, a native of the Aran Islands, spends a lot of time in Galway as she still has strong family ties to the islands and Galway City. In becoming our Patron Maura said “I am delighted to be involved with COPE Galway as I have known of their work for many years and it is fantastic to be able to support a local Galway charity. I am looking forward to working with the team at COPE Galway to raise the profile of the work that they do and to help raise vital funds to support the work.”

Maura, who works as an RTE daytime presenter, immediately got involved in supporting our fundraising efforts by attending our Dogathon in April along with her dog Millie and by running the Flora Mini Marathon in June in aid of our work.

Jacquie Horan, the Chief Executive of COPE Galway said: “We are delighted to have Maura as our Patron and I hope that over the years she will be able to experience some of our vital work with the most isolated in our community. Maura’s support will help us in our fight to end such isolation and to get people to believe that they too can make a difference in the lives of others.”

Maura with her dog & niece at Dogathon 2010	Maura at Make a Star 2010 launch with COPE Galway staff & participating models, beauticians and hairstylists