All About Cork: Gift of Life charity ball to return in memory of Isabel

The Gift of Life Charity Ball, organised by three Cork women in memory of their friend, Isabel Terry Byrne, who passed away in October last year, will be held on November 15 at the Radisson Blu Hotel Little Island.

The three friends are also organ recipients: kidney transplants for Sally Nagle, from Myrtleville, and Annie Foley, from Newmarket, and a liver transplant for Lynda O’Mahony, from Blackrock.

Isabel underwent a heart and double-lung transplant in 2017, after 14 years of being on the waiting list.

The four friends bonded at the inaugural 2018 Gift of Life Ball, which was organised that year by Sally. Isabel was invited to be a guest speaker and shared her inspiring health journey.

Before Isabel’s passing, she often asked Sally when the next Gift of Life Ball would take place, hoping to see its return, but, due to Covid-19 and her declining health, she didn’t live to witness it.

Sally, who received her kidney transplant in November 2020, said: “Isabel’s spirit and strength touched everyone. We knew we had to bring this ball back in her honour, to celebrate her life and continue the work she cared so deeply about.”

This year’s event is not only a celebration of life, but also a tribute to Isabel’s legacy and her passion for raising awareness about organ donation.

At the Radisson, 350 guests will gather for an evening of celebration and reflection while raising funds for the Irish Kidney Association’s new Munster Kidney Support Centre on Wilton Avenue.

The centre, which was opened in June 2024 by Michael McGrath, serves kidney patients and their families from throughout Munster and is conveniently located just 200 metres from Cork University Hospital.

Tickets cost €80 (€75 each for a table of 10). Those who wish to purchase a ticket can email giftoflifeball@gmail.com or find ‘The Gift of Life Ball’ on Facebook and Instagram.

All funds raised from the evening will directly support the upkeep and operation of the IKA Munster Kidney Support Centre.

Coffee morning at CUH

A coffee morning in aid of the Cork University Hospital (CUH) Diabetes Team and Diabetes Ireland was recently held at the hospital.

Evie Kingston, who was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes one year ago, and her family chose to mark the anniversary with a coffee morning to raise funds for those who helped her on her journey.

“We were joined by the wonderful Kingston family, who held a coffee morning, which turned into an all-day event to celebrate Evie and to support those who have helped her on her journey – CUH Diabetes Team and Diabetes Ireland. It was an amazing day and an incredible way to mark the occasion,” CUH Charity posted on social media.

Evie and her family raised €2,075 for both charities which will help fund some life-changing services.

Mum confers daughter at MTU

Munster Technological University (MTU) president Maggie Cusack recently conferred her daughter Hilary Cusack with her master’s degree.

The heartwarming moment took place during autumn conferrings at the Bishopstown campus.

“Conferring ceremonies are always very special as we celebrate the hard work and success of our graduates. Today is an exceptionally special day for me as my daughter is conferred with her master’s degree from MTU,” Ms Cusack said. “It’s not every mum who gets to hand her daughter her degree.”

Hilary said: “I am looking forward to using the skills that I’ve acquired during my degree as I start my marketing career.”

She completed the one-year master’s in Digital Marketing Strategy programme and said she enjoyed putting her undergraduate and postgraduate knowledge and skills into practice working throughout the year with a range of organisations including charities, SMEs, and large retailers.

Three MTU graduates’ research celebrated

The Department of Applied Social Studies at Munster Technological University (MTU) recently celebrated the achievements of three graduates whose pioneering research is contributing to societal change.

Kate Cooley, Marie Singleton, and Kate Dolan Crowley were conferred with masters’ degrees (by research) during autumn conferrings at the MTU Arena, Bishopstown last Friday.

Head of MTU’s School of Humanities, Professor Margaret Linehan, said: “Research is an essential part of third-level education, as it drives innovation, deepens our understanding, and helps shape policies that improve lives. Today, we honour and celebrate three exceptional students from the Department of Applied Social Studies. Each of their projects is unique and represents pioneering work, with the potential to influence future policy.”

Kate Cooley, from Ladysbridge, conducted research on care-experienced individuals transitioning to adulthood. Her Level-9 study, supervised by Prof Linehan and Dr Judith Butler, highlights the importance of supported transitions and the crucial role of relationships during this pivotal life stage. Her work has already been recognised by TUSLA.

Marie Singleton, from Whitechurch, conducted her research on MTU becoming a trauma-sensitive university, and identified the steps, policies, and staff training, and funding required.

Kate Dolan Crowley, from Glanmire, completed her MA on the attitudes of students in MTU towards menstruation and period products, with a focus on reusable products.

Kate approached the often-taboo subject in a practical and sensitive manner and her research found that half of the students who do not use reusable products were willing to try.

Collection for Cork City Missing Persons

St Joseph’s Church, in Wilton, has announced that its November charity collection will raise funds for Cork City Missing Persons Search and Recovery (CCMPSAR).

Last month, the church raised €2,100 for the Serve ‘Flip Flop’ appeal.

A parishioner suggested Cork City Missing Persons Search and Recovery for this month’s charity collection, as the non-profit voluntary charity relies solely on donations.

They conduct land, river, and sea searches, responding to callouts from An Garda Síochána, Irish Coast Guard, and the families of missing people. All 14 Cork City Missing Persons Search and Recovery volunteers are trained to conduct searches. St Joseph’s has collected €1,255 and thanked people for the positive response to the collection.

Water works in Bishopstown

Uisce Éireann is advising customers in Bishopstown that new connection works may cause supply disruptions later this month.

Disruptions may occur at Bishopstown Park, Merton, Model Farm Road, and surrounding areas on November 20 and November 21.

The works, which are part of the National Leakage Reduction Programme, will take place from 10.30pm to 2.30am each night.

Have Bishopstown news to share? Contact breda.graham@theecho.ie