The outstanding contribution of Charleville First Responders was formally recognised by Cork County Council at a Civic Reception hosted by the Kanturk-Mallow Municipal District in the Council Offices in Mallow.
The reception followed a motion proposed by Cllr Aileen Browne and seconded by Cllr Ian Doyle seeking official recognition for the dedicated volunteers who have provided life-saving assistance and support to the people of Charleville and the wider North Cork area for more than a decade.
Opening the proceedings, Cathaoirleach of the Kanturk-Mallow Municipal District, Cllr Gearóid Murphy, welcomed the members of Charleville First Responders to the Council Chamber. He thanked the volunteers for their outstanding service to the community and acknowledged the enormous commitment involved in being available to respond to emergency call-outs at all hours of the day and night.
Cllr Murphy said the volunteers represented the very best of community spirit and praised the reassurance, support and professionalism they bring to people during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.
Speaking at the reception, Cllr Aileen Browne described the occasion as one of the proudest moments she has experienced since becoming a Councillor.
Cllr Browne reflected on her connection with the establishment of the organisation and revealed that she had recently come across an email she had sent in February 2014 inviting members of the public to attend a meeting in Charleville to discuss setting up a Community First Responder group.
“It was incredible to look back at that email and realise what has been achieved since,” she said. “What started as a public meeting and an idea to strengthen emergency response services in our community has grown into an organisation that has helped countless people and families throughout Charleville and North Cork.”
Cllr Browne told those attending that since news of the Civic Reception became public, she had been contacted by numerous people who wanted their thanks and appreciation passed on to the volunteers.
“People spoke about lives that were saved, emergencies where help arrived quickly and the comfort they received during times of crisis,” she said.
She added that while not every emergency call has a happy outcome, the compassion and care shown by the First Responders leaves a lasting impression on families.
“Not every situation has a happy ending, but families remember the care, dignity and compassion shown by First Responders during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Those acts of kindness and support mean more than people often realise.”
Cllr Browne also acknowledged the support of the volunteers’ families and praised the commitment shown by all members of the organisation since its foundation.
Cllr Ian Doyle, who seconded the original motion, congratulated Charleville First Responders on receiving the honour. He said the group had earned enormous respect throughout the community and that the Civic Reception was a fitting recognition of the invaluable service they provide.
On behalf of Cork County Council, Cathaoirleach Cllr Gearóid Murphy and Claire Barr presented Charleville First Responders with a specially commissioned plaque and Civic Reception certificate commemorating the occasion.
Claire Barr, speaking on behalf of the Executive of Cork County Council, congratulated the volunteers and thanked them for their dedication, commitment and service to the people of North Cork. She acknowledged the important role Community First Responders play in supporting emergency services and strengthening local communities.
Responding on behalf of Charleville First Responders, Jason Connery thanked Cork County Council, the Municipal District and in particular Cllr Aileen Browne for bringing forward the nomination.
He said that members of the organisation do not volunteer in search of recognition, but that the honour bestowed by the local authority was deeply appreciated by all involved.
Mr Connery paid tribute to the many volunteers who have served with the organisation over the years and reserved special praise for Donal Forde, describing him as a driving force behind the success and development of Charleville First Responders since its inception.
Representing Charleville First Responders at the reception were Donal Forde, Dick Riordan, Keith Kavanagh, Jason Connery, Ellen Walsh, Alice Long, Jer Prendergast, Leah Prendergast, Maureen Sherman and Rose Donovan.
The contribution of members unable to attend was also acknowledged, including Graham Hanley, Brian Forde, Cian Harrold, Jackie Mullins, Alice Hanley, Esther Carr, Anita Daly, Shifra Daly and Catherine O’Donovan.
The reception concluded with refreshments and an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of a group whose dedication, professionalism and compassion have made an immeasurable difference to the lives of people throughout Charleville and North Cork.
Cllr Browne said she was delighted that the Council had formally recognised the volunteers and expressed her hope that the reception would serve as a lasting tribute to the service, commitment and humanity shown by Charleville First Responders since their establishment.