Our History

Rathdrum Cancer Support Group has evolved since 2008 when it was officially founded.  We  have grown from using a log cabin in a founder’s back garden to purchasing the high-quality premises at The Old Library, 11 Gilbert’s Row in the heart of Rathdrum. The dedication of the volunteers that have been involved with RCGS has never waned since it's foundation.

Here is a brief history timeline of our development.

1995 A Proactive Community

Groups and individuals within Rathdrum and beyond were actively fundraising for cancer support.  Proceeds raised at this time were donated to the Irish Cancer Society

Rathdrum Cancer Support Group (RCSG) Founded 28 February 2008

As time went on, it was realised that monies raised locally could be spent locally to offer direct support to cancer patients in the community.  There were 8 founding members of the Rathdrum Cancer Support Group. However, the team of volunteers and supporters were bigger, and everyone got behind the formation of the charity.

2009 First Client

In 2009, the first ever client was supported to attend treatment in Dublin.

2009 Fund Raising

Fund raising intensified and an extraordinary amount of money has been raised to help people in the community on their journey of recovery.

2012 Coffee Morning

The hugely popular Coffee Morning in association with East Coast Radio was launched and continues as our major annual fund raiser.

2012 – Clothes Recycling

The Rathdrum Cancer Support Group were recycling clothes before it was fashionable!

Did you know that over 1 tonne of clothing is recycled every month!  See our Clothes Bank page

2018: RCSG purchased it's first vehicle for the transport service. Prior to this volunteers used their own vehicles to transport clients to appointments

2012- 2023 – Temporary Office to Permanent Premises

2013 -  First Office Opened in Rented Premises on Main Street in Rathdrum

2017 -  Office Moved to Lower Main Street in Rathdrum

March 2022 -  Rathdrum Cancer Support Group completed the purchase of the Old Library in the centre of Rathdrum, from Wicklow County Council . This has become our permanent premises.

December 2022 - POBAL A grant of €100,000 from the Department of Rural and Community Development’s Community Centre Investment Fund enabled a full refurbishment of 11 Gilbert’s Row.

2023 -  Cleary Doyle Construction Limited undertook the full refurbishment of our premises.

January 2024 -  POBAL - A grant from the Department of Rural and Community Development’s Clár Fund enabled the purchase of a second vehicle for use in the dedicated transport of Clients to their hospital appointments.

April 2024 - Official Opening of Rathdrum Cancer Support Group’s new centre ‘The Old Library’ 11 Gilbert’s Row.

Dedication, hard work and many, many months later, our New Centre was ready to open!