Great Support from Bishopstown Hill Walkers for Nepal Earthquake Appeal

Bishopstown Hill Walkers pictured handing over a cheque for 4,350 euro to the Irish Red Cross for their Nepal Earthquake Appeal. Pictured from left Jim Harrington, Noel Power, Ellen Ring, Pat O Connor Chairman Cork Area IRC, Billy Joyce, Helen Smith. Photo Jonathan Tyner 

The Bishopstown Hill Walkers recently organised a highly successful table quiz in McCarthy's Bar, Model Farm Road where €4,350 was raised for the Red Cross Nepal Appeal.

Speaking at the presentation, Pat O Connor, Chairman of the Cork Area of the Red Cross thanked the group for their very generous donation and explained that the Red Cross have over 7,500 members working in Nepal to assist people get their lives back on track after the recent devastating earthquakes. Over 9,000 lives were lost, 1 million people were displaced, 850,000 homes were destroyed and the country now face into the monsoon season.

To date the Red Cross have provided 350,000 emergency shelters, 680,000 water and sanitation kits, health care for over 50,000 people and food relief for up to 100,000 families. Indeed, 3 members of the Red Cross lost their lives while running a blood donation clinic in Kastamandap - a world heritage site in Katmandu. The funds presented today will be used for the provision of medicines, tents, tarpaulins and filed hospitals and other humanitarian efforts.

Ellen Ring of Ring & Co., speaking on behalf of the Bishopstown Hill Walkers said that many of her colleagues have been to Nepal over recent years on walking tours and had built up strong friendships with people in the area and continue to be in contact with their friends there. She hopes that the funds raised by the group will go some way to alleviate the hurt and suffering experienced by the people of Nepal and help them return to some degree of normality.

Red Cross Cover Available

Ballinora/Ballincollig Branch of the Irish Red Cross are available for duties. The Branch covers a variety of events from Horse events to GAA Matches and toughathlons to Vintage Runs. Contact 087-9276518 for enquiries.

Donation to Nepal Fund

Recently our branch member Eileen Sheehan held a coffee morning in aid of the people of Nepal following the two earthquakes in recent months. Eileen raised a total of €1332 at this event thanks to the support of local people, families and friends. 

The Red Cross has over 4,000 Volunteers working in Nepal to assist the people to get their lives back on track. Therefore, Eileen donated €700 out of her money raised to the Red Cross restricted Nepal funds. Also, Ballinora/Ballincollig Red Cross has added €300 to this donation to bring our donation up to €1000 to be used directly to assist the work of the Red Cross in Nepal. 

To date three Red Cross members have lost their lives in an attempt to help others. Sanumaiya Kapal aged 53, Lai Maya Gurung, Nurse aged 43 and 20 year old volunteer Sirman Dangul have lost their lives. They were killed while running a blood donation drive in Kastamandap a world heritage site in Kathmandu. These red cross members embodied the real spirit of the Red Cross and despite the tragic loss, their committment serves as an inspiration to the over 4000 volunteers who are now supporting the needs of earthquake survivors. 

Well done to Eileen Sheehan seen here presenting her cheque
for €700 to Pat O' Connor, Area Chairman. also included are
Mary Murphy Chairperson and Clair Dineen Secretary of
Ballinora/Ballincollig Red Cross

Dr Ger Murphy pays a visit to unit training

On the 27th of May, Dr Ger Murphy, a member of Ballinora/Ballincollig Red Cross for many years was a guest speaker at unit training. Dr. Murphy spoke interestingly about Sports injuries with a significant focus on concussion as it has become a very topical issue in recent times.

Dr Ger Murphy speaks to Ballinora/Ballincollig Red Cross
Members at unit training.

Also on the night, two service awards were presented by Pat O' Connor. Eileen Sheehan and Dr Ger Murphy were recipients of the awards of the night.

Imelda O' Connor, Aileen Murphy and Pat O' Connor present
Eileen Sheehan with her 15 year service award with special
guest Dr. Ger Murphy

Pat O' Connor, along with Imelda O' Connor and Aileen Murphy
present Dr Ger Murphy with his service award in recognition
of his 40 years service with the Irish Red Cross.

Members of Ballinora/Ballincollig Red Cross pictured with
Dr Ger Murphy after a presentation on concussion at unit training.

Branch Members provide hand massage at Coffee Morning

Members of Ballinora/Ballincollig Red Cross took part in the Coffee Morning in Clonakilty over the weekend. Mary O' Connell and Nora Minihane from Ballinora assisted at the coffee morning by providing a hand massage station for all in attendance. Well done to all involved.

Mary and Nora set up to provide hand massage to the public in aid
of the Nepal Earthquakes.

Mary and Nora providing the relaxing Therapy to the public in
Clonakilty.

Branch members train on Bere Island

Eddie Fitzgerald, Imelda O' Connor and Karen O' Sullivan of
Ballinora/Ballincollig Red Cross on Bere Island. 

Three Members of Ballinora/Ballincollig Red cross took part in an inter services first aid training weekend on Bere Island last weekend along with the Civil Defence, Irish Army, Irish Navy, and others in the Irish Red Cross. Also involved were Dr. Jason Van Der Velde and Dr Tony Lynch.  Well Done to all involved on such a successful weekend.

Relaxing hand massage proves huge success in the City Hall

Nora Minihane providing Hand Massage treatment to members
of the public at the Over 50's Show.

Nora Minihane of Ballinora/Ballincollig  Red Cross and fellow members of the Red Cross providing Hand Massages at the "Active Over 50s Show" in Cork City Hall on the 7th and 8th of March 2015. Nora is a part of the nursing home visitation and hand care group and visits the local nursing home regularly. Well done to all involved.

Hand Massage is a very popular and relaxing treatment and is
provided by the Red Cross