Speaking at the annual general meeting of the group, Mr. Murphy said he was disappointed at the 'ineffectual and standard political response' received from the Minister for Health, Mr. Noonan, to a request for additional staff at the centre.

"In looking for extra staff, we were not seeking a water scheme or for potholes to be filled," he said.

"We were demanding a satisfactory level of care for those who lived through so much of this states' history.

"These are the people who have shaped our past and guided us towards our future.

"They have given us what we have, and we are honoured to be associated with them and with the professional staff at the hospital", said Mr. Murphy.

Mr. Murphy said that in the twelve months since the Friends of the Sacred Heart Hospital was launched much had been achieved. The Open Day which was held on July 14th will long live in the memory of the public, the patients and friends of the hospital as a most enjoyable day.

He thanked Mary Higgins and the rest of the organising committee for undertaking such a huge event, and thanked the Mayo Camera Club for recording the day and presenting the group with a lasting record.

The Castlebar Rotary Club once again continued its strong links with the hospital during the year and the outing to Clare Island for the patients proved to be one of the highlights of the year. Mr. Murphy thanked Rotary President, Mr. Seamus Flynn, and the members for their help. He said that the gala concert in September proved to be a great social event as well as a rewarding one for the coffers of the organisation.

He thanked the staff of the hospital, the compere Henry McGlade, Joe O'Dea at the Welcome Inn staff, at the Mayo G.A.A County Board for its donation of the All-Ireland final ticket.

He complimented treasurer Chris O'Brien for "bringing home the bacon" with the Babe raffle and the people who had sold the tickets at the Ideal Homes exhibition.

Mr. Murphy said that an important innovation during the year was "The Link" publication designed as a forum for letting the public know of their activities.

He complimented John Healy on his efforts, and recorded thanks to the sponsors, Castlebar Credit Union, for helping to take a big financial strain off the committee.

Many thanks were also due to the Romanian Committee for their generous donations and facilities at the hospital and for their readiness to help.

He also thanked Kevin and Martina Barrett and their fellow therapists for organising the reflexology network at the hospital, and Teresa Quigley and the St. Vincent de Paul Society for developing visitation.

In conclusion, the chairman thanked the officer of the group, especially Mary Catherine Killalea, Chris O'Brien and Sr. Dominic for all their work.