'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)