We at The Marie Keating Foundation are deeply saddened by the passing of Mary Barnes.

Mary was a cherished member of the Bowel Cancer Ireland Community, a passionate advocate and a true force for raising awareness—especially about early-onset Bowel Cancer. Her dedication and warmth touched so many lives, and we are forever grateful for her invaluable support. She played a pivotal role in our first Colorectal Cancer Seminar in 2023 and joined fellow advocates Clodagh (RIP), Jane (RIP), and Dee in a powerful photoshoot to highlight the importance of awareness and early detection. Today, we honour her by sharing one of those beautiful images, Mary is wearing white. We are also sharing an image from Bloom 2024 with Mary and our Director of Nursing Helen Forristal.

Mary’s kindness, strength and wonderful sense of humour made her a joy to be around. She was deeply loved and her loss will be profoundly felt by all who knew her.

Our thoughts are with her beloved husband Phil, her adored little girls Lottie and Hannah and everyone who was lucky enough to know and love her. We also hold close in our thoughts all members of the Bowel Cancer Ireland Community who are grieving this immense loss.

Rest peacefully Mary. Your light will never fade.