'Ma and Imelda's years of Red Cross service honoured

Imelda O'Connor pictured with her mother Hannah Sheahan who have jointly over 100 years’ service to the Irish Red Cross

A mother and daughter from Mallow have been honoured for giving more than 100 years of service between them to the Irish Red Cross.

Hannah 'Ma' Sheahan and Imelda O'Connor were rewarded for their years of service and "steadfast loyalty" to the Red Cross during a special awards ceremony held at Cork City Hall.

In October 1951, 'Ma' Sheahan was one of the founder members of the Irish Red Cross in Mallow, helping lay the foundations for the future success of the branch.

There had been a branch of the Red Cross operating in Mallow from 1941, however it was disbanded in 1946 after the end of the Second World War.

Five years later 'Ma' took on the role of the first Ladies Unit Officer for the reformed branch, in the process becoming the first female to wear the new Red Cross uniform.

She rose within the ranks of the organisation to the position of Assistant Area Director of Units, a rank she still holds in an honorary position.

Her contribution to the Red Cross was summed up by the then PRO Maeve O'Reilly at a function in 2011 to mark 'Ma' Sheahan's 60-year association with the Mallow branch.

"She is a human dynamo. An octogenarian with the spirit of a 20-year-old and the energy of a woman less than half her age," said Ms O'Reilly.

Her daughter Imelda was also honoured at the ceremony for the more than four decades of service she has given to the Red Cross.


Imelda joined the Mallow Red Cross while still a student at St Mary's Secondary School. In 1982 she co-founded the Ballinora/Ballincollig branch of the Red Cross and is a tutor with the national panel in addition to holding the role of Deputy Area Director for the Cork South West region.

(courtesy of The Corkman)
Civic reception to mark the 75th anniversary of the Irish Red Cross

The Lady Mayoress Cllr. Mary Shields honoured the Cork Area Red Cross to a civic reception on 10th December. This reception was held in the Lord Mayor's chambers. Many dignitaries attended as well as Cork Area representatives.
Mr Pat O' Connor Cork Area Chairman gave the  history of the Red Cross covering the past 75 years- ranging from the polio epidemic in the 1950's and tuberculosis epidemic in 1952, helping with refugees during the turbulent times in Northern Ireland, humanitarian help during flooding and other disasters.

The Lord Mayor Cllr Mary Shields then addressed the audience congratulating all on their outstanding voluntary work. she then addressed Mrs Hannah Sheahan - Ma on her outstanding service to the Red Cross during a life span of 63 years. following which she gave a presentation to her to mark this remarkable performance.

The Lord Mayor then gave a presentation to Pat O' Connor Area Chairman to mark the 75th anniversary.


















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Karen O' Sullivan and Elaine Patrick Cork City Unit visiting the Coca Cola lorry in Wilton Shopping Centre.


75th Anniversary of the Irish Red Cross

Many celebrations have taken place recently to mark the 75th anniversary of the Irish Red Cross.
Ballinora/Ballincollig along with other Southern branches attended a service award ceremony in the City Hall on December 7th. Several dignitaries from the Red Cross attended the ceremony.
The awards varied depending on the number of years a member. Imelda O’ Connor had the longest service (in excess of 40 years) a member. While her mum Mrs Hannah Sheahan (fondly known as Ma) has 60 years, she is a member of the Mallow Branch.
All members present received their awards. This was followed by a reception. It was a very nice and enjoyable afternoon.  

Congratulations to all award recipients and here to the Branch going from strength to strength over the next 75 years.

(All pictures courtesy of Jonathon Tynan)

























Karen and Francis on duty at the Vintage Rally with other colleagues



Jackie and Karen with Rob Heffernan  on duty at 'walk with Rob'
All Ireland Irish Red Competition 2014

The all-Ireland Novice and Cadet competition was held in Loughrea on sat 4th October. The Ballinora/Ballincollig branch had a Novice and Cadet team representing the Cork South West Area. Also on Sunday 5th October we had an E.M.T (Emergency Medical Technician) team in the E.M.T competition.

As usual there were many challenging scenarios for the competitors to put their knowledge and training into practice. E.g. Spinal injuries, laceration to the femur and fracture pelvis- just to mention a few.

This competition is a wonderful opportunity for the young members to put all of their training and skills into practice in a staged situation .As well as reuniting with their friends from various branches throughout the Country.

The Novice team consisted of: - Eileen Kelleher (Leader), Padraig Barrett, Amy Kelleher and Gemma Dineen. They were trained by Aileen Murphy.

The Cadet team consisted of: - Jessica O’ Shea (Leader), Aoife Fitton, Aisling O’ Donovan and Sarah Kelleher. The team was trained by Geraldine Cronin.

Congratulations to the Cadet Team for winning the Dominic Burke Cup for the best floor test. Well done all.

The Emergency First Responder team consisted of: - Karen O’ Sullivan and Barry O’ Sullivan. The team was trained by Imelda O’ Connor.




  The Novice Team ltr – Gemma Dineen, Padraig Barrett, Aileen Murphy trainer, Eileen Kelleher and Amy Kelleher.




     Front row The Cadet Team – ltr – Jessica O’ Shea, Aoife Fitton, Sarah Kelleher, and Aisling                                                                 O’ Donovan.

Back row ltr – Eileen Cronin Cadet Trainer, Gemma Dineen, Eileen Kelleher, Padraig Barrett, Amy Kelleher and Imelda O’ Connor E.M.T. trainer.


   Gemma giving her report to Eileen while Amy and Padraig attend to the casualties.




       Eileen inspecting the scene prior to her team entering.





1      Gemma attending to the Baby casualty


 

Ballinora/ Ballincollig
Red Cross Branch
2014


Branch Secretary’s Report

Agenda
  • Chairperson’s Welcoming Address
  • Apologies
  • Minutes of Previous AGM
  • Matters Arising
  • Hon Secretary’s Report for 2013
  • Matters Arising
  • Hon Treasurer’s Report 2013
  • Matters Arising
  • Chairperson’s Address
  • Election of Branch Officers And Committee
  • Presentation of Certs.
  • Election
·         Patrons
·         Chairperson
·         Vice-Chairperson
·         Secretary
·         Treasurer
·         PRO
·         Youth Officer
·         Emergency Medical Officer
·         Community Officer
·         Two Delegates to Area Committee Meetings
·         Committee Members
  • AOB





Introduction
Tá áthas mór orm an Tuarascáil Bhliantúil seo do 2013 a chur ós bhur gcomhair inniu. Bhí imeachtai na brainse go h-iontach arís i mbliana agus táimid thar a bheith sásta le cúrsaí go h-áirithe  an fhoireann Shinsearach a chuaigh go dtí Wels san Ostair 2013 do na  Comórtaisí Eorapacha.

Membership
In 2013 membership for the Ballinora /Ballincollig Branch reached over 75 members. This number is an accumulation of 30 active unit members, 29 community emergency care members,8 visitation/hand care & 8 youth members.

Throughout 2013, our Senior Unit was active in providing first aid at various sporting and entertainment events in the local area.
Total duties for 2013:  48
Total Ambulance duties: 25
GAA duties & Cul Camp:18
Equestrian events: 9
Sports/Athletics etc.: 6
Others (processions, concerts etc.): 10

The branch would like to extend its appreciation to all those who give up their time to go on duty. Also, the branch would like extend its thanks to Denis Murphy and family for housing the ambulance throughout the year.  The Ambulance passed its audit this year. A list of equipment in the unit was sent to HQ for insurance purposes. Thanks to Eddie Fitzgerald and Imelda O’Connor for all their help.
Courses
·         2 Intermediate courses were delivered to unit members in 2013.
·         A Cardiac First Responder course & two Cardiac First Responder Advanced courses were delivered to unit members.
·         A Practical First Aid course was delivered in Bishopstown Community School.
·         A Practical First Aid course was delivered in the Cadet Unit.
All these courses were delivered by branch instructors. Thanks to all who delivered assistance.

In-service Training & Seminars Attended
Training for Team Ireland continued, under the stewardship of Imelda O’Connor, in preparation for the European Competition in June in Austria.
In addition to local training, 2 boot-camps were attended by the team: 20 Apr in Skibbereen hosted by West Cork Civil Defence and 27 Apr at the National Red Cross Senior Team/ Presidents Trophy Competition in Athlone.
Some notable dates and events include:
16 Feb ’13: 4 branch members, Imelda O’Connor, Aileen Murphy, Geraldine Cronin and Eddie Fitzgerald attended an EMT study day in Skibbereen . This was a joint initiative between Red Cross and Civil Defence and organised by Jonathon Tyner (Bandon).
Apr ’13: Aileen Murphy & Marie McSweeney were instructors on an EFR course in Bandon.
12 May ’13: Tom Horwell, along with his wife Bernie, hosted a training session in Ballinora for Team Ireland.
18 May ‘13: Imelda O’Connor & Geraldine Cronin attended an EMT Study Day in Kilbehenny.
10 July ’13: 8 members attended an Ambulance Induction Training session in Ballinora, delivered by Aileen Murphy.
17 July ‘13: 10 members attended an Unit Induction Training session in Ballinora, delivered by Aileen Murphy
Nov ’13: Karen O’ Sullivan successfully passed her EMT and also attended Geriatric Emergency Medicine course on 9th Oct ’13, hosted by Cork City Red Cross.
Nov ’13: Aileen Murphy and Imelda O’Connor instructed on EFR course in Bandon.
23 Nov ’13: EMT Study Day in Clonakilty, attended by Imelda O’Connor, Geraldine Cronin & Aileen Murphy
25 Nov ’13: EFR Study Night in Bandon, attended by Mary Keogh & Cecily Lyons
In addition, throughout the year Unit Training continues on Wed nights (7.30 -9.00pm), co-ordinated and delivered across three groups by Imelda O’Connor and Aileen Murphy.

Cadet Section 2013
The members of the Ballinora/Ballincollig cadet unit have had a very busy and productive year. The cadet section currently has 8 members who train each Wed from 6 30 to 7 30. The children have worked hard learning practical first aid skills and dealing with real life scenarios throughout the year. The children have also trained and participated in area and national competitions in addition to attending many national events and activity days. Eileen Kelleher, Amy Kelleher, Amy Brennan and Gemma Dineen have now progressed to novice level and are now undertaking the intermediate course.
Options
OPTIONS is a structured awards programme for all Irish Red Cross Youth Members aged 5 - 25 years.
The youth members have been working hard on completing modules of the Options Programme over the last number of months and have focused on the
1.      Communication,
2.      Sports, Leisure and Health,
3.      Outdoor pursuits,
4.      Community service,
5.      International and Cultural Understanding and
6.       Disaster and First Aid Training
We have now completed our work at Bronze level and hope to continue on to Silver in the New Year. Our final Bronze session was celebrated with a cupcake event. Thank you to Orla Murphy for organising this treat. We have submitted our work to head office and are eagerly awaiting our bronze certificates.
Kitty Kelleher Experience
We hosted our annual Kitty Kelleher First Aid Experience in Ballinora hall on the 6th of April 2013. We had seven cadet members who took part in two teams and a great learning experience was had by all.
National Youth Challenge April 2013
10 cadets attended the Youth Challenge in April 2013 (along with leaders Orla Murphy and Karen O’ Sullivan) and enjoyed a day of meeting youths from other branches and engaging in fun outdoor activities. The challenges comprised of ‘It’s a Knockout’ style games, including: Parachute Games; Toxic Waste; Buzzer Games; ‘Skiddy Penalty shootout’, and a Grand Finale – where nobody managed to escape with dry clothes! In addition to sporting challenges the day also presented wonderful opportunities to make new friends and to develop teamwork and strategic thinking skills. This year’s challenge also had an extra dance and music experience where the youths were shown how to recreate the popular ‘Gangnam style’.
Anti- Bullying Sub Group
The Anti-Bullying Sub group was newly established this year. The group consists of seven youth members including Ballinora/Ballincollig members Gemma Dineen, Amy Kelleher and Eileen Kelleher. They came together in Merrion Square last May for their first meeting chaired Karen O’ Rourke & Catriona Finn.  In June, the group addressed the youth leaders at a leadership weekend in Horse and Jockey represented by Eileen and Amy Kelleher. The group had a second meeting in Merrion square designing t-shirts posters and leaflets for the campaign. The group’s hard work was then showcased by a soft launch at the bi-annual youth forum in November and the all-important launch of the campaign in Mansion House in December. We are very proud of our members’ involvement in this important campaign.

National Youth Camp August 2013
7 youth members attended a Youth Camp in The University of Limerick in August 2013. Gemma Dineen, Amy Kelleher,  Eileen Kelleher, Aisling O’Donovan, Laura Cahill, Aoife Fitton & Jessica O’Shea enjoyed a fun-filled weekend of water activities, orienteering, land activities, presentations and dancing. Gemma Dineen was nominated for the Croí na n-óg award at the camp. Well done Gemma. Orla Murphy accompanied the camp and participated and supported the children as a leader throughout the event.

Cadet Involvement in FACE 2013
The cadet unit were very helpful and supported the senior team by acting as patients during training sessions for the FACE  in Austria. A big thanks to them all for their time and kind words.
Cadet Competitions Oct 2013 Dublin
 We were truly delighted for both our team (Amy Brennan, Leader, Aoife Fitton, Laura Cahill and Alice Farell) and individual (Gemma Dineen) who did the branch proud in representing the Cork area in the All-Ireland competitions in Dublin in October. Well done to them on all their hard work. A big thank you to all the patients, trainers and adjudicators who helped to prepare the girls for this event.
Youth Forum Nov 2013
The Youth Forum 2013 was held in Athlone Springs Hotel on Saturday 9th of November 2013. The theme of this years’ one day conference was: ‘An equal world through young people’s eyes’.  Nine young members from the Ballinora/Ballincollig branch (Gemma Dineen, Eileen Kelleher, Aoife Fitton, Laura Cahill, Sarah Kelleher, Jessica O Shea, Amy Kelleher, Alice Farell and Leah Mc Garry) along with two leaders (Karen O'Sullivan and Jacqui Mc Garry) attended this event and enjoyed a great day of activities. Youth members were supported and encouraged in expressing their views and opinions at the Forum and the highlight of the day was the opportunity to vote on the various motions. There was a wide range of workshops and demonstrations on offer at the conference and both leaders and young people had a fantastic opportunity to network, build friendships and learn new things.  Looking forward to the next conference in 2015 already!
Area Mass of Remembrance Nov 2013
The Cork area organized the annual Mass of Remembrance in the SMA Hall on November 29th 2013. Five cadet members (Eileen Kelleher, Sarah Kelleher, Leah Mc Garry, Aisling O’ Donovan and Amy Kelleher) took part in the opening of the ceremony by carrying candles to the altar and parents were also on hand to offer their assistance with readings and bringing up offertory gifts. Well done to all involved especially Marie Mc Sweeney on co-ordinating a lovely evening.
Cadet Day Out
The Cadet Section experienced a very enjoyable day trip to Cork on Ice in December 2013 to celebrate a year of hard work and dedication to the branch. A great day was had by all.
Many thanks to all who have supported and helped with the cadets throughout the year and a special word of thanks to Clair Dineen, Marie Mc Sweeney, Jacqui Mc Garry, Eddie Fitzgerald, Betty Brosnan,  Eileen Sheehan, Mary Keogh, Claire Beasley and Karen  O’Sullivan for their assistance on Wednesday nights.

Cadet Recruitment
Clair Dineen, branch PRO, together with youth members, spearheaded a recruitment campaign in Ballinora National School in Sept ’13 which resulted in new cadet recruits.
Well done to all.
Bantry’s Youth group
 Pat O’Connor (Cork Area Chairman) & Geraldine Cronin (CSW Youth Working Group) attended the launch of a Red Cross Youth group in Bantry. We wish the youth group every success.
Herzi Camp 2013
Geraldine Cronin attended a youth camp in July in Finland representing Irish Red Cross Youth. (Full report on Herzi Camp is attached)
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Conference

Oct ’13; Orla Murphy. Youth Officer & member of Irish Red Cross International Advisory Board gave a presentation at the ICRC Conference on Contemporary Challenges in the Royal Irish Academy, Dublin. Her topic was titled ‘Internally Displaced Persons & International Humanitarian Law. This year 2013 marks the 150 yrs of Red Cross & development of international humanitarian law. This presentation followed on from research she undertook as part of her MBS in International Public Policy and Diplomacy, which she completed in UCC in 2013 and will be published in a forthcoming volume by ICRC.
Cross Border International Humanitarian Law Residential Course
In October 2013 Orla Murphy assisted in the delivery of a Cross Border International Humanitarian Law Residential Course which was held in the Share Village, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh. This course provided young people from Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland the opportunity to learn about International Humanitarian Law and see how it is relevant in their own communities, organised by the British and Irish Red Cross.




FACE 2013
Congratulations to our Senior team who represented Ireland as “Team Ireland” at the First Aid Convention of Europe (FACE) this year.  

On Thursday 13th June the Senior team representing Ireland (Team Ireland 1) of Aileen Murphy (leader) Mary Keogh, Sarah Vaughan, Deirdre Brosnan, Geraldine & Orla Murphy, along with trainer Imelda O’Connor, official photographer Cecily Lyons and adjudicator David O’Sullivan (Mallow Branch), departed Cork airport for Wels, Austria.
A farewell party was organised by the Cork Area Committee, with representatives from the Committee, Ballinora/Ballincollig Branch and others from the South-West units, who met them at the airport (a full report by leader Aileen Murphy is attached).

The competition was held on Saturday 15th June, and the team achieved 4th place in FACE in Wels, Austria. This wonderful feat surely is a reflexion of the superb skill level of all team members, learned over the years of training & commitment in the branch, all under the watchful, encouraging and dedicated trainer, Imelda O’Connor. This was the second time our branch was in the European Competitions, the first time the team achieved 1st place in Ghent in 2001. Three members of the original team were also on the 2013 team. Together, these represent the continuing high aspirations and standards within the whole branch.

The team expressed their sincere gratitude and appreciation to their trainer Imelda O’Connor– without whom there would be no team! As well a míle buíochas to all the unit and branch members who acted as adjudicators, patients, agents for hiring patients and fed us throughout the two years training for FACE 2013. It was a wonderful experience for the team and would not have been possible without all of you.

In addition, others within the Red Cross who provided great support to the team:
-          Cork Area Committee, especially Former Secretary Ms Carly O’Donovan who arranged media coverage (Evening Echo 15/6/13).
-          Mr Ger McAuliffe, for his advice and recommendations on patient handling and supplies.
-          Mr Jonathan Tyner, for his constant encouragement and advice to the “ducks”.
-          ADU, Mr John Joe Lyons, RDU Mr Ted Noonan and Barry O’Donovan National Secretary.

Other organisations which provided invaluable support:
-          Members of Ballinora Venture Scouts, Camogie Club, ICA and GAA (Michael Twohig) who all acted as patients over the past six months.
-          West Cork Civil Defence who provided a training day in Skibereen in April.
-          Equipment sponsors: Mark O’Sullivan (Irish EMS); Mark Fleming (Fleming Medical); Kieran Egan (Eirmed – (Safety-Tec); Trevor Mulcahy (SP Services).

On the 26 Sept the senior team visited Aras an Uachtaráin to be presented with the President’s Trophy by President of Ireland, Micheal D. Higgins. This was in light of winning All Ireland Senior Competition in 2011. The President gave an encouraging & inspiring speech on the work of the Red Cross & commended all volunteers. The speech also included the history of Trophy itself, which was commissioned by past President Douglas Hyde.

On 23 Nov, a Social event was held in the Rendezvous to acknowledge all those in the branch and unit for their support in preparing for FACE. Members of the area: Chairman Pat O Connor & Treasurer Jonathon Tyner, RDU (Ted Noonan) & National Secretary (Barry O’Donovan) also attended. The team were presented with a beautiful glass globe (from the Cork Area) & a framed photo (from the Branch) from their visit to Aras an Uachtaráin. In addition, the team presented trainer Imelda O’Connor with a token of their appreciation

Community Services Officers Report 2014


1)        Nursing Home Visitation & Hand Care
 The nursing home visitation group in Ballinora continues to provide hand care to patients, and it is coordinated by Mary Murphy. Feedback from staff and patients is always positive, and they appreciate this valuable social service provided by our Red Cross members.
2)    Skin Camouflage Report:
Skin Camouflage is the application of special cover creams to improve the appearance of scarring and other disfiguring conditions. Correctly applied, these creams are waterproof and may be safely left for two days on the body and for 12-18 hours on the face. They disguise conditions such as vitiligo, rosacea, lupus, birthmarks, thread veins and much more. Clients are extremely pleased with the results of the service.
Monthly clinics are on-going at West Gate Foundation Centre Ballincollig. Promotion of this service is most important, and members of each Red Cross branch should be aware of same. Brochures are handed out at Area Meetings, and full information is available on the Red Cross web site.
The three voluntary programme managers (Pam Binks Cork, Sheena O Callaghan Donegal, and Marie Mc Sweeney Cork) are in regular contact with Head Office arranging clinics throughout the country. An up-skilling day was   held on September 29thin the Hilton Hotel Dublin. This offered an opportunity for skin camouflage practitioners to gain further training to ensure a high standard of care and professionalism in the provision of the service. In total 9 clients were treated at this clinic. Further practitioners may be trained for Galway/ Roscommon and Dublin in 2014.
A client must have a Doctor’s referral letter to attend a clinic. Sixteen clients were treated at our Cork clinic for 2013. Thanks to Westgate Foundation Centre for use of their premises.
3) Ballinora Emergency Care initiative
Monthly training of members continues and starting January 2014 we plan to change the training rota to facilitate all trained people. Two options are available – Tuesday or Thursday nights on alternate months.
Membership list has been updated, and all have been Garda vetted.
We have 29 Community AED members plus 10 members from our branch. Some members were up-skilled during the year. Members living near the 6 AED boxes in the parish are taking responsibility for checking same regularly and a record is kept.

4) Remembrance Mass
Members attended an Area Mass of Remembrance on Friday November 29th in SMA Church Wilton. The St James’s Church Choir with many Red Cross members performed at the Mass under the direction of Cecily Lyons. Thanks to all for making this a very special event to many people.
5    Community Based Health & First Aid Prison Programme
As Cork Area Community Officer, Marie Mc Sweeney attended a presentation of projects and certificates in Cork Prison on June 19th2013. Projects were undertaken by the Irish Red Cross Volunteer Inmates, and the programme is a unique approach to raising community health and hygiene awareness and first aid in prison communities through peer to peer education. (Ireland was the first country in the world to introduce the Community Based Health and First Aid in Action programme through special status Irish Red Cross Volunteer Inmates in a prison setting).
Marie Mc Sweeney (Community Services Officer)
Area & National Appointments
1)      Imelda O’Connor was appointed Deputy Area Director Of Units
2)      Imelda O’Connor is a member the National Working for Integration of Cadets & Youths
3)      Pat O’Connor was appointed Cork Area Chairperson.
4)      Pat O’Connor is also the Cork Representative on the Commercial Training
Forum
5)      Marie McSweeney was appointed as Area Community Services Officer & is also a representative on National Services Working Group.
6)      Geraldine Cronin was appointed Cork Area Secretary.
7)      Geraldine Cronin continues to be a member of the National Youth Working Group.
8)      Orla Murphy continues in her role as National Youth Representative Red Cross International Advisory Group.

Branch Media
Thanks to our PRO Clair Dineen and Youth Officer Orla Murphy for setting our Blog page which is ballinoraballincolligredcrossblogspot.ie.
Clair Dineen, in conjunction with the Unit Officers, supplies details of all the branch activities along with photos to the Bishopstown & Ballincollig News, our local monthly publications. Thanks to all contributors.  

Fundraising
Income from courses and duties has proved very beneficial to the branch.
Throughout 2013 church gate collections also continue to be a good source of fundraising. This would not be possible without the hard work of our chairperson Mary Murphy who organized permits and schedules. Thanks to all volunteers who collected in all kinds of weather.
Members of the branch helped with the collection for Cork Area Disaster Fund and Ballinora Emergency Care Initiative at Ballincollig Vintage Rally in July ’13.
Ballinora GAA
The branch would like to thank Ballinora GAA for use of their premises for storage and training. The branch provided the GAA with first aid cover for over 20 duties at matches and at Cul Camp.
Charity Donation
The branch donated €500 to the Haiyon Typhoon Appeal (Philippines) which was nominated as our charity for 2013. Members of the branch attended the Tesco collection for the same appeal on 1st Dec in Wilton, which was part of the national fundraising activities for the appeal.
Wedding Bells
Congratulations to Deirdre Brosnan and Brian Moloney who tied the knot in The Algarve in Aug ’13.
Best wishes also to Anthony McSweeney  son of member Marie McSweeney and Jessie who got married in New York in June.
 Congratulations  to Gavin Keogh son of Mary Keogh who got married during the year.
Looking forward to the wedding bells of Aileen Murphy and Shane Barry on 13 June 2014.
Ballinora Environment Project
The branch donated €120 to Ballinora Environment group, a project undertaken by The Ballinora Community Association in association with SECAD to help purchase plants, flowers & equipment with an aim to enhance our local environment,

Bereavements
Votes of sympathy were passed to our members who lost loved ones during the year
1)      Desmond O’Loughlin, grandfather of Cormac O’Shea.
2)      Mrs O Riordan, grandmother of Katie O’Riordan.
3)      John Sheahan, brother of Imelda O’Connor.
4)      Eileen Kendal, sister of Pat O’Connor.
5)      Ita Keogh ,mother in-law of Mary Keogh
6)      Eileen Harrington, aunt of Geraldine Cronin

Conclusion
May I take this opportunity to thank my fellow officers on the committee who worked hard behind the scenes to make 2013 a very successful year.
Thanks to Senior Unit Officer (Aileen Murphy), Cadet Unit Officer (Geraldine Cronin) & Community Services Officer (Maire McSweeney) for their comprehensive reports.
I would like to congratulate branch members who have advanced to positions at Area & National level & wish them the best of luck in their new roles.
It’s extremely encouraging to see such a wide range of activities being done with and by the youth of the branch (as witnessed from cadet report), learning valuable skills that extend beyond the realms of first aid and delving into the wider community thus enriching & touching the lives of many.
On behalf of the outgoing committee I would like to wish all our members and guests a happy, safe and healthy 2014.

Betty Brosnan (Hon Branch Sec)