The Chairperson of Mayo/Roscommon Hospice says the US President's visit to the foundation was a very special and emotional occasion.
Joe Biden who turned the sod on the Castlebar Hospice in 2017 returned to the facility on Friday where he met with staff, patients and the board of directors.
President Biden's son Beau died of brain cancer in 2015 and the Mayo Hospice has been dedicated to his memory.
Boyle native Mike Smith says the President, his son Hunter and Sister Valerie were all moved when they saw a plaque commemorating Beau Biden at the entrance of the Hospice.
Mr Biden previously sent a video to the foundation when the Roscommon Hospice was opened in 2021.
The local auctioneer spoke with President Biden on Friday, he says President Biden understands the work of hospice and highlighted the respect, support and the dignity given to the patients.
'First and foremost, he is a father who has lost his son and that in itself is, you know, he showed the emotion when he arrived in Castlebar. We all held hands believe it or not in a circle for a moment before that iconic picture of us being taken in front of the plague on the ground. He turned around then and somebody asked him would he like to see a patient and not alone did they see one patient, he seen them all. The visit was planned for 15 minutes and he stayed the guts of an hour.'
