A Newcestown business is among the unsung heroes of Mercy University Hospital that has been honoured for its support.

The Mercy Stars Awards 2025 celebrate the exceptional staff, volunteers, and fundraisers who go above and beyond for patients and families. This year’s event took place at Rochestown Park Hotel, where stories of compassion, dedication, and teamwork took centre stage.

The Star Event Organiser award went to Martin Fehilly and the team at Absolute Airsoft, Newcestown. Celebrating ten years this year, Absolute Airsoft has raised more than €82,000 for the Mercy Foundation from the company’s annual event in support of the Make Your Mark on Cancer campaign.

This year’s Community Partnership Star went to the Tree of Remembrance committee from Cork City and Bishopstown Rotary Clubs.

A posthumous Special Recognition Star was awarded in memory of Dan Butler from Mallow. Despite receiving a very challenging diagnosis, Dan dedicated himself to completing 100km of walking in 50 days to raise funds for the Mercy Cancer Appeal. Dan started his 100km challenge on his 70th birthday and on completion he had raised over €35,000.

Other awards went to Antóin Cremin from Ballingeary (Hero of the Year), Ken Howick from Cork city (Star Volunteer Fundraiser), and Kathleen Moynihan from Rylane (Star Church Gate Collector).

Rachel Stevenson, CEO of the Mercy Foundation, said: ‘Mercy Stars is a special event that honours the tireless, dedicated work of the tremendous staff of the Mercy University Hospital, who so expertly and compassionately look after patients and their families.

‘It also gives us an opportunity to thank our amazing fundraisers whose generosity of spirit helps us to achieve our goals in the Foundation to continually support the incredible work taking place in the Hospital.’