A NUMBER of Cork charities are to benefit from a fund of €140,000 donated by the Hospital Saturday Fund (HSF).

Thirty Irish charities benefitted from the money distributed by the organisation at a special reception hosted at University College Cork on Thursday.

The event was hosted by UCC in the Aula Maxima in the presence of the Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Des Cahill, and special guest, former rugby star Marcus Horan.

Mr Horan was attending the event as supporter of the Irish Men’s Sheds Association. The donation from HSF to this charity will support their volunteer network with the aim of all men having the opportunity to maintain and improve their well-being within their own communities.

Cork University Foundation received a grant towards supporting the University’s medical electives programme. Some of the other organisations receiving grants were Cork Life Centre, who are using their grant to upgrade health and safety aspects at the centre; Down Syndrome Cork towards their Little Explorers Early Intervention Programme; and the Rebel Wheelers Multi Sports Group will be using their grant towards basketball wheelchairs; while the grant for Bantry Hospice Project will ensure that the hospice can support a seven-day palliative care service in West Cork.

“We are delighted to continue the tradition of supporting many wide-ranging charities in Munster, many of which are less well-known,” said Paul Jackson, chief executive of the HSF.

“The HSF is honoured to support the efforts of such deserving charities and help in some way towards the exceptional, tireless work that they do in making such a huge and positive difference to people’s lives.”

The reception also celebrated HSF health plan, a type of medical insurance product, and its 70th Anniversary of working in Ireland. “Since 1949 we have been helping families and individuals in Ireland with the cost of their everyday medical bills,” Mr Jackson said. “With all of our profits going to our parent charity, everyone who takes out a policy with us is really helping to make a difference to their local community”.

In 2019 the Hospital Saturday Fund will give €1.7 million to medical charities for care and research, hospices and hospitals across Ireland and the UK. Assistance will also be given to individuals whose illness or disability has caused financial difficulties.

Eimear Keohane, UCC with Shelley Whittington and Sharon PhelanPic: Brian LougheedAnnabel O'Keeffe, Lood Good Feel Better with Frank Dillon, Irish Men's Sheds at the HSF reception.

Orla Fitzpatrick (left) and Carol Walsh, both UCC at the HSF (Hospital Saturday Fund) reception. Pic: Brian Lougheed

Charities receiving grants were: ACT for Meningitis, Ballyphehane/Togher Community Development Project, Bantry Hospice Project, Bru Columbanus, Cahercalla Hospice, Cliona’s Foundation, Clonakilty Community Hospital, Cork ARC Cancer Support House, Cork Association for Autism, Cork Counselling Services, Cork Life Centre, Cork University Foundation, Crann Centre, Diabetes Ireland, Down Syndrome Cork, Enable Ireland, Feileacain, Friends of Leukaemia Patients Cork, Good Shepherd Cork, Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, Irish Men’s Sheds Association, Marymount University Hospital & Hospice, National Infertility Support and Information Group, Nazareth House Mallow, Rebel Wheelers Multi Sports, St John Ambulance Ireland, St Luke’s Home Tabor Group, W

Marcus Horan, former Munster and Ireland rugby star, guest speaker at the HSF reception.

aterford Healing Arts Trust, and Westgate Foundation.