Roscommon man who fought prostate cancer urges public to get behind Daffodil Day campaign

A retired member of An Garda Síochána and prostate cancer survivor is calling on people to get behind the Irish Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day campaign, which takes place on Friday, March 28th.

Since turning 50, Tommie Kenoy from Kilmore always got an annual PSA check-up. In 2019 it was found that his PSA levels were raised. He was sent for a biopsy, which found there were abnormal cancerous cells.

Upon his diagnosis, Tommie called the Irish Cancer Society’s Support Line. “When I received my diagnosis, I was given two options, surgery to remove my gland or brachytherapy (internal radiotherapy). I called the Irish Cancer Society because there were things I wanted to ask, for example about opting for surgery or brachytherapy, and what the dangers around incontinence might be. I found the support very helpful, and it was very solid friendly advice."

Tommie, now in his 70s, also wants to highlight the importance of early detection. “I think men in particular need to be more proactive about their health. My cancer was detected very early and I went in for that one procedure and that’s all I needed, thankfully. The quicker we act, the better chance of a cure.” 

He’s calling on the community to get behind Daffodil Day this year. “Every euro raised on Daffodil Day is crucial and makes a real lasting difference to patients like me, fuelling life changing cancer research and vital support services. When I needed that extra reassurance and support, the Irish Cancer Society was at the end of the phone for me. I would encourage everyone across County Roscommon and the north-west to please get out there on Daffodil Day, March 28th, and show support for those affected by cancer in your local community.” 

Thanks to the generosity of the public in County Roscommon the Irish Cancer Society was able to provide almost 340 free lifts to bring Roscommon-based cancer patients to their treatment last year; offer over 260 free counselling sessions to people living in Roscommon; provide almost 210 nights of free night nursing care to allow cancer patients in the county to die at home surrounded by loved ones; and cancer nurses were able to have 180 conversations with people living in Roscommon on the Support Line and in its Daffodil Centres.

Irish Cancer Society CEO Averil Power said: “One in two of us will hear the words ‘you’ve got cancer’ in our lifetimes. There isn’t a family in Ireland that hasn’t felt the impact of a cancer diagnosis. Right now, a child is hearing the words ‘it’s cancer’. A parent is holding on to hope for a treatment that hasn’t been discovered yet. And a researcher has an idea that could turn that hope into reality. Your support on Daffodil Day fuels life changing cancer research and vital free services and supports. We really need this year’s Daffodil Day to be the biggest yet to ensure we can be there for those who need us most in 2025. And we cannot do this without you.

“Your generosity on March 28th means patients and their families will have free supports like Counselling, Transport to treatment and Night Nursing services. Every year, communities across Roscommon show up and paint the town yellow in support of cancer patients and their families. We’re urging you to stand with cancer patients once again, by going all in against cancer and getting involved or donating this Daffodil Day, March 28th. Your generous support means everyone affected by cancer in Roscommon will have access to the support they need, when they need it most.”