Clonakilty Macra recently held various events and donated the proceeds to charity.   Seen above are Edel Ronan (Clon Macra Sec.), Mary O’Donovan (Clon Macra Treasurer), Dena O’Donovan (West Cork Rapid Response Director), Padraig Griffin (Clon macra Chairman) and Gerard O’Donovan (Clon Macra PRO), handing over a cheque to The West Cork Rapid Response at O’Donovan’s Hotel, Clonakilty.  Photo taken by Theresa O’Leary of Clonakilty Macra.

Two Doctors shadowed the runners in the recent Goleen to Crookhaven road race in the Rapid Response Vehicle.   Funds have been raised for several local charities of which WCRR is one.   Our heartfelt thanks to all who participated in the organising and participation of this great day.  Our special thanks to the doctors who gave up a whole day to attend the event.

Some lovely shots of the sun baked Goleen and Crookhaven areas.

Pictured Above;   Dr. Mairead McConnaill (Director WCRR) and Mr. John Kearney Director and Chairperson WCRR) addressing staff at the recent SFPA National Training Conference in Galway on Thursday 15th July 2010.

Thur 15th July 2010, saw the SFPA National Training Conference take place at the Connemara Coast Hotel in Co. Galway.  As part of this annual event, the SFPA was delighted to welcome members of The West Cork Rapid Response as their guests.   West Cork is a community based voluntary group working in partnership with and supporting the existing HSE Medical Emergency Services with a Rapid Response Vehicle servicing all of West Cork.  The charity facilitates qualified medical practitioners to attend lift threatening accidents and traumas alongside emergency services in a voluntary capacity.   Since the West Cork Rapid Response was founded in 2009, the team has achieved the following… 133 callouts, saved 23 lives, treated 162 patients and raised an impressive €152,000.00.

During the evening, Mr. John Kearney and Dr. Meg McConnaill gave an insightful overview of the invaluable service that West Cork Rapid Response provides.  In addition, they outlined their goal for the future to continue increasing and developing their capacity which will enable them to attend even more call-outs and ultimately save more lives.

To help support this goal, the staff of SFPA organised and participated in a fundraising version of “Who wants to be a millionaire” which has contributed towards generating funds for this vital service provided by this not-for-profit organisation.

Mr. Kearney added, “we are very grateful to the SFPA for their support and encouragement for the West Cork Rapid Response.   We appreciate all the effort and enthusiam that the SFPA are contributing and look forward to our ongoing partnership during the year”.

Peter Whelan, chairman SFPA said, “it is important that we reach out to the communities in which we live and work and try to contribute in some way.  West Cork Rapid Response is a very worthy cause that provides the necessary funding, equipment, logistics, training, transport and other supports to medical practitioners to enable their voluntary effort.   This additional emergency medical treatment can have an inestimable impact on patients prior to their transfer to the Accident and Emergency departments.   The SFPA are delighted that we are in a position to support this outstanding local service”.

ON YOUR BIKE FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES.

Cyclists of all levels of fitness and ability are wanted to participate in a major fund raising trek through West Cork.  Now in its seventh year, the West Cork Emergency Services Charity Cycle, which has raised € 250,00.00 for various organisations, last year attracted 200 cyclists, and it is hoped a similar number will participate this year.   “This event is open to people of varying levels of fitness – you don’t have to beStephen Roche to participate”, said Garry Minihane, one of the organisers.  “The emphasis is on fun, not competition”. A large number of cyclists, from America, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Australia, Dublin, Kerry, Limerick and Cork have signed up.  “It is a fun cycle, with the emphasis on having a fun day at a leisurely cycling pace, along with raising money for variuos organisations”, he said.   The cycle, 50 miles, will take in towns including Skibbereen, Dunmanway, Drimoleague, Clonakilty and Rosscarbery.   The first leg is Skibb to Dunmanway via Drimoleague.    A 17 mile cycle, which he describes as “relatively flat and easy”, takes 90 minutes.   In Dunmanway the local fire service will provide refreshments, tea, fruit and sandwiches.   The second leg – 16 miles, also about 90 minutes – takes the team to Clonakilty, where the members of the local fire service will provide refreshments.  The final leg runs from Clonakilty to Skibbereen, via Rosscarbery and Leap.   The 20 mile trek usually takes two hours.   The day will conclude with a parade through Skibbereen, and a bar-b-que in Skibbereen Fire Station.   A party will take place in Skibbereen on the night, with music and finger food provided.  This is usually a great night out and a great way to finish off the day.    This years cycle will take place on Saturday July 10th.   For more information, visit www.westcorkemscycle.com or email info@westcorkemscycle.com or contact Gerry Minihane, 086 8328394

Photo courtsy Examiner “County” Supplement.    Article by Áilín Quinlan.

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The Walsh Family from West Cork are Supporters and Friends of West Cork Rapid Response.