Donated van 'literally lifesaving' for Cork horse charity

Bandon car dealership Finbarr Galvin Ltd has provided support to My Lovely Horse Rescue Cork (MLHR Cork) by donating a rescue van to their Cork volunteers. It was immediately used to transport a critically injured horse to safety.

The car dealership learned the charity urgently needed help to acquire transport. With 30 horses and ponies in their care across Cork, and no permanent base in the region, the MLHR Cork team has been working tirelessly to care for animals in various locations on loaned land. 

Many of the animals require complex rehabilitation after neglect or cruelty.

Martina Kenny, co-founder of MLHR, said: “We are so incredibly grateful for this generous gesture by Finbarr Galvin Ltd. The addition of our new van is literally life-saving.

“Last week alone, we used the van to move a critically injured horse and five ponies to their new homes across Ireland. The van will be crucial to our ability to support injured animals, and will allow us to respond faster, reach more animals in need, and ultimately help them get to loving, forever homes.”

Managing director of Finbarr Galvin Ltd, Justin Galvin, has seen first-hand the work of the charity. His daughter Elaine has been volunteering with the Cork branch for the last three years and has witnessed the scale of need and the impact of timely support. Mr Galvin said: “When Elaine shared the incredible work the MLHR team in Cork is doing, we knew we wanted to help.

“It’s inspiring to see such dedication, and we’re proud to play a small part in making that work possible. As a long-standing business firmly rooted in the local community of Cork city and county, we’re delighted to be able to support charities like My Lovely Horse Rescue and hope we can continue to work with them.”

Though Cork’s MLHR’s team no longer has a permanent rescue base, their team continues to volunteer to care for the animals they have rescued. The charity has appealed for anyone who may have the capacity to offer land as a new base, or who wants to help out, to get in touch with them by email at info@mylovelyhorserescue.com.