Fundraiser award for age activist Paddy O'Brien

THE well-known Cork advocate for the elderly, Paddy O’Brien, has been honoured by the Irish Heart Foundation (IHF) for his tireless fundraising work.

Mr O’Brien was presented with the ‘Fundraiser Supporting the Irish Heart Foundation’ award at the recent IHF inaugural National Volunteer Conference.

The Irish Heart Foundation supports people who have been affected by heart disease and stroke.

The charity said its work “would not be possible without the passion and commitment of their amazing volunteers and fundraisers, including Paddy O’Brien”.

Mr O’Brien became a voluntary social worker at the age of 14 while he worked as a messenger boy, running errands for elderly people.

At just 18 years of age, he organised concerts at a number of health institutions, including the former mental health institution on the Lee Rd.

Mr O’Brien went on to be a voice for the elderly, and for more than 60 years he has led many campaigns highlighting social issues affecting their lives.

In 1977, he started the popular Over-60s Talent Competition.

The competition was the biggest social event in Ireland for senior citizens at the time, bringing great joy and happiness to so many people, as well as raising money for the Irish Heart Foundation each year.

Mr O’Brien continues to hold concerts in nursing homes, and he regularly represents the Irish Heart Foundation at local events in the Cork area.

Congratulating Mr O’Brien and thanking all those who generously give of their time volunteering and fundraising for the Irish Heart Foundation, its CEO, Emma Balmaine, said the gift of time “is the most precious gift we can give to others”.

“Thank you for giving your precious time to volunteer with us at the Irish Heart Foundation and for helping to support our members to rebuild their lives after a heart event or stroke,” she said.