All About Cork: Charity notes efforts of CUH staff during Storm Éowyn

Cork University Hospital (CUH) Charity is encouraging people to help the hospital celebrate its team of dedicated staff for their continued hard work during Storm Éowyn, which swept the country last Friday.

More than 420 team members went above and beyond by staying overnight at the hospital on Thursday, January 23, ensuring uninterrupted care for the hospital’s patients during Storm Éowyn.

CUH hospital management have said that the efforts of each staff member “has not gone unnoticed”.

“Their incredible effort is a reminder of the dedication and teamwork that makes CUH so special.

“From clinical staff to support teams like catering, housekeeping, portering, and security, everyone played a part in making sure patients received the care they needed, even in challenging circumstances,” the hospital management said.

“A special thank you to Anne Bodley, head of services, for leading our preparation and ensuring a warm place to rest, along with food and drinks for staff who stayed overnight.

“We also want to thank PJ Murphy, engineering officer, for tirelessly safeguarding our services and operations throughout the night.”

The hospital management have said it is the staff’s selfless work that ensures patients receive the care they deserve, even in the toughest of times.

“Thank you for always putting our patients and their families first. You are truly incredible.”

CUH Charity is now asking for the public’s help in giving back to the hospital staff so that they can continue to offer the highest level of care for patients.

People are being encouraged to make a donation to the hospital’s staff wellbeing fund which was created to support the people who work tirelessly to care for others.

A donation to the fund is a meaningful way to say thank you and ensure they have the resources they need to keep doing what they do best.

Those who wish to make a donation to the fund can do so by visiting www.cuhcharity.ie/donate-page.

MTU partner with Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind

Marymount thank volunteer McEveney for his good work

Marymount Hospital and Hospice has thanked Francis McEveney for last October’s Halloween display.

The Passage West display takes place during the last weekend of that month.

The walkthrough event is volunteer-run and attracts huge visitor numbers each year, to see the decorations and to make donations.

Mr McEveney, who is involved in the community of Passage West and who previously won the Cork International Hotel Community Spirit Award, decorates his home with help from Passage West Men’s Shed, family, friends and volunteers.

He has raised thousands of euro for Marymount and most recently handed over a cheque for €20,000.

“This amazing event captures the imagination of Passage West, and further afield, every year, bringing joy and excitement to the season,” Marymount posted on social media.

“It’s truly inspiring to see a community of talented people coming together, each sharing their unique skills to create something so special.

“Thank you, Francis, and to everyone who contributed, for supporting Marymount, we are sincerely grateful for this excellent fundraiser.”

Swimmin’ Women

Cork Sports Partnership has teamed up with LeisureWorld Bishopstown and Swim Ireland to offer the popular Swimmin’ Women Midlife Programme this February.

The six-week aqua aerobics programme is specifically designed for midlife females to support them through life’s milestones. Everyone who signs up will receive a drawstring bag, a swim hat, and a women’s health brochure.

It is a grouped session, and you do not need to be a confident swimmer to take part.

There are two programmes to choose from to suit everyone’s schedule, with the first kicking off on Monday, February 10. The second will start on Wednesday, February 12. Both begin at 6.45pm. Visit corksports.ie for more information.

Parish raises €20k for Gaza crisis

Fr Michael O’Leary of St Joseph’s Church/SMA Wilton Parish and his parish team have raised €20,000 to support the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

A parish blanket raffle raised €8,000 last summer and last weekend a further €12,000 was donated following the Christmas appeal.

Proceeds raised will support Trócaire, who work directly with Caritas Jerusalem on the ground in Gaza, providing basic needs, food, water, medicine, blankets, shelter as well as psychosocial support for the citizens.

Speaking at the recent presentation of the cheque, Janet Twomey, from Trócaire, thanked the people of the Wilton parish and all who contributed so generously during 2024.

She pointed out that over 90% of the population of Gaza have been displaced multiple times and only 36% of primary health centres are functioning. 

47,000 have died with thousands more beneath the rubble in Gaza, while the UN-OCH estimates that there are more than 100,000 wounded.

MTU and the Irish Guide Dogs form a partnership

Munster Technological University (MTU) and Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to maximise collaboration.

The organisations will work together on a range of strategic initiatives, including guide-dog training routes on MTU campuses, sourcing puppy raisers from the MTU community; on-campus fundraising events; promotion of access to higher-education services for those who use the services of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind; and exploring the use of AI to help with guide dogs, assistance dogs, and community dogs in training and/or management.

MTU president, Professor Maggie Cusack, said: “This partnership with Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind reflects MTU’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

“It will also help identify new areas for research and collaboration, especially in emerging technologies, like AI.”

Chief executive officer of the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, Tim O’Mahony, said: “We are excited that this formal partnership will further enhance the training of our guide dogs, assistance dogs, and community dogs.

“As part of our pups’ training, it’s crucial for them to become accustomed to a variety of environments.

“What better setting than the lively, dynamic atmosphere of the MTU campuses?

“A key focus of this collaboration will be to work alongside the MTU team to develop innovative training methods that will further empower our clients in their daily lives.

“We look forward to engaging with the president, staff, and students of MTU, and, who knows, we may even inspire some to volunteer as puppy raisers.”

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