An integral part of the local community for the past seventy-five years, the annual general meeting of the Irish Red Cross, Mallow-Charleville branch, was held on Friday 30th January. In attendance at the AGM were members of the Mallow branch, as well as unit volunteers, members of the Irish Red Cross Area Committee, Regional Director of Units Ted Noonan, Canon Eithne Lynch, Cllr Dan Joe Fitzgerald, Cllr. John Paul O’Shea and Richard Dempsey. At the AGM, Unit Officer Patrick Murphy made special note of the volunteers who crewed ninety-five ambulances at seventy-seven local events in 2014, thanked each volunteer who made it happen and looked forward to an exciting year ahead in 2015. Youth Officer Jennie White commended her youth contingency on another strong year. The last twelve months have seen the foundation of a Teddy Bear group in Mallow-Charleville Red Cross, every Saturday morning between 10-11am. The first of its type in the area, the Teddy Bear group involves children from the ages of five to ten years learning practical first aid and lifesaving skills among other activities and events. Jennie also explained how, in the past twelve months, the novice (16-18 year old) class have accumulated twelve Intermediate First Aid Certificates; participated in the National Youth Challenge in Louth, and the Novice Class also had a team placed third at national competitions this past October. Jennie thanked all the youth leaders who volunteered their time over the year and forthcoming year.
A topic up for much discussion was the continuation of fundraising efforts towards an ambulance building for the Red Cross in Mallow. A permanent home for Mallow-Charleville Red Cross Ambulances, currently under construction in a central town location, was described as VITAL to the future of the unit. The ambulances are currently being kept in the back garden of one highly-dedicated member’s home; this less-than-ideal location has cost Mallow- Red Cross expensive repair costs linked to exposure in the harsh winters of recent years.
A special thank you was also made to Hanna ‘Ma’ Sheahan who has served with the Irish Red Cross for over 63 years and is a vital member of the branch and unit.
The meeting came to the end with the presentation of long service awards to members. Closing the night, Chairman David O’Sullivan gave special mention to the public support received by Mallow-Charleville Red Cross over the years, and anticipated an exciting future with the public’s continued support.
New Committee Elected: Chairman – David O’Sullivan, Vice Chairman – Jonathan Madden, Secretary – Theresa Healy, Treasurer – Micheal O’Callaghan, Community Service Officer – Mary Griffin, Unit Officer – Patrick Murphy, Youth Officer – Jennifer White, Public Relations Officer – Edward Walsh/Maeve O’Reilly.
Please note: Anyone looking to get involved with Mallow-Charleville Red Cross, to book an external course; or request first aid cover for events, please contact: (087) 3225082 or find us on Facebook : Mallow Red Cross.