Youth Forum 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 Farrell 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 2014 already!

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Ballinora/Ballincollig Irish Red Cross Branch

Ballinora/Ballincollig held a very enjoyable get together recently in the Rendez Vous to celebrate Team Ireland that represented Ireland in F.A.C.E competition held last June in Austria. Also to acknowledge all the help they received during their training.

The function was also attended by Pat O’ Connor Chairperson Cork Area, Barry O’ Donovan National Secretary, Ted Noonan, and Jonathon Tyner Area Treasurer.

During the event each member of Team Ireland was presented with a crystal award. 

Team leader Aileen Murphy made a special presentation to Imelda O’ Connor team trainer to acknowledge her outstanding contribution to their preparations.

Mass for bereaved members of the Irish Red Cross

The remembrance Mass was held in the S.M.A. Church Wilton on 29^th November 2013. 

All Units of the Irish Red Cross in Cork were invited to attend. Officers from Cork Area also attended.

Ballinora Church Choir sung hymns during the Mass. Personnel of the Ballinora Red Cross participated in various ways throughout the ceremony.

Refreshments were provided afterwards where the congregation could enjoy a cuppa and chat.

 Jonathon  Tyner was the photographer present

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A Special Visit to Aras an Uachtarain

On Thursday 26^th September the Senior Team and their trainer (also Deputy Area Director of Units) Imelda O’Connor had the pleasure of visiting Aras an Uachtarain to be presented with the President’s Trophy by President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins. This was in light of their winning the All Ireland Senior Competition in 2011.

The team consisted of Aileen Murphy (leader), Geraldine Cronin, Deirdre Brosnan, Mary Keogh, Sarah Vaughan and Eileen Cronin (in absentia).  As Orla Murphy was on the 2013 Irish Team she also attended the presentation.

The reception commenced at 5.30pm with all being greeted by the President and Mrs Higgins, including a photo.

Following this the President gave an encouraging and inspiring speech on the work of the Irish Red Cross and commended all volunteers presented. The President spoke of his experiences and knowledge of the Red Cross and of the “valuable and crucial contribution” that the Irish Red Cross makes both in Ireland and through the international network, remarking that “the Red Cross has entered the fabric of our Society.” The speech also included the unique history of the Trophy itself, which was commissioned by past President Douglas Hyde at the turn of the previous century.

In closing, President Higgins thanked the volunteers present at the Aras for their “commitment to society” and asked them to “Pass on his thanks to the thousands of other Irish Red Cross volunteers around the country.”

After which the 2011 Irish team were presented with the infamous trophy (along with the 2010, 2012 and 2013 winners).

Following the presentation, and more photographs, there was a reception for the visitors in the state banqueting room where the President, Mrs Higgins and fellow members mingled and enjoyed the President’s hospitality. It was a very special and unique experience, which we will always remember.

For more information and pictures see here http://www.redcross.ie/news/presidential-praise/

All Ireland Competitions 2013

The competitions were held in Dublin Borough on 5 October 2013. The venue was the beautiful grounds of Malahide Castle.

Ballinora/Ballincollig Branch had:-

1.  Eileen Kelleher as the Individual Novice candidate.

The Cadet team were:-

2.  Amy Brennan leader, Laura Cahill, Alice Farrell and Aoife Fitton.

3. Gemma Dineen was the Cadet Individual candidate.

Adjudicator:- Imelda O’ Connor

Station Manager:- Geraldine Cronin

Their tasks were challenging and there was a lot of strong competition on the day.

All of our girls performed extremely well and should be very proud of themselves.

The Cadet Team were awarded 3^rd place. CONGRATULATIONS AND WELL DONE GIRLS.

Following a meal in the Hilton Hotel, Malahide a disco was held until midnight.

Very enjoyable weekend had by all.

Eddie thank you for transporting us there and back.