'Inspirational' hospice founder dies aged 64

Sharon Foley CEO of the Irish Hospice Foundation

Sam Griffin

Tributes have been paid to the founder of the Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF), Dr Mary Redmond, who has died at the age of 64.

Dr Redmond set up the foundation almost 30 years ago and, in a hugely successful legal career, also served on the boards of various State and private bodies, including the RTÉ Authority and Bank of Ireland.

She was a consultant solicitor with Arthur Cox and a former director of the Labour Relations Commission.

But it is for charitable work which she will be best remembered. She set up the IHF following the death of her father, Dr John Redmond.

Paying tribute to Dr Redmond, IHF CEO Sharon Foley described her as "inspirational" and one of the founders of the hospice movement in Ireland.

"She had foresight, determination and generosity of spirit and we are very proud today to continue with her work," she said.

In 1999 Dr Redmond established the voluntary and charitable sector's representative body, The Wheel, and last year she was conferred with a Doctor in Laws from Trinity College.