SURVIVOR · 2016. 12. 15. · polio survivor and 1916 Rising leader, Sean Mac Diarmada. Photos were...

SURVIVORTH

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Irish Polio NewsVol 12 Issue 3

WINTER 2016

Post PolioSupport Group

Ireland

1 The SURVIVOR

Contents

From the Chair – Chairperson’s Address 3

World Polio Day – 2016 6

Mondello – Scooter Scramble 7

EPU Update – John McFarlane 11

Retirement of Directors 13

Unite for Rights – Brendan Moore 14

Polio Hero Medal – Jim Costello 15

Rotary – Polio Eradication 16

PPSG Traffic Study Submission 17

Online Shopping - Tips 18

Book Review – Anne Burns 19

Social Support Group – Updates 21

Tolls & Driving - Updates 27

Fundraising News 29

Noticeboard – reports & useful info 31

WINTER 2016 2

Contact Kerrie or Lillian in the PPSG office01 889 8920

or by email:

Kerrie: [email protected] Lillian: [email protected]

Advice

informAtion

Support

AdvocAcy

A LiStening eAr

confidentiality Assured

Do you have an URGENT NEED?

Talk to us.

We are here

to help

Please note: The office will be closed from 1pm on

Thursday 22nd December and will reopen on

Tuesday 3rd January at 8.30am.

We look forward to hearing from you in 2017.Cover photo: Pictured at Mondello are (l-r front) James McCarthy, Lorraine Harte,

Ciaran Kilkenny with (back row) Mondello Stewarts who helped make our daywith the Sam Maguire!

WINTER 20163

FROM THE CHAIR

Iam pleased to report that we arenow in the process of finalisingthe new strategic plan for our

Organisation. As part of theprocess, we have conducted a surveywith a representative sample ofmembers as well as seeking theopinions of the Social SupportGroups and the staff.

We have also sought input from arange of external stakeholders andothers whose views are relevant tothe future of the Organisation suchas doctors, physiotherapists andother disability organisations. Weare very grateful to those of you whohave participated in the processwhich will help us develop aroadmap for the future.

Over recent months Jim Barrett hasbeen appointed NationalCoordinator of the Social SupportService and Anne Burns is theNational Coordinator of theFundraising Network. We aregrateful to Jim and Anne foragreeing to fill these importantpositions. Mick Keegan willcontinue as National Coordinatorfor the Telephone Support Service.Training for new Telephone SupportLeaders is currently underwaywhich will enable us to expand theservice to more members.

Chairperson’s Address

4The SURVIVOR

The Publicity & CampaigningNetwork is now up and running andis supported by Emma ClarkeConway, our part-timeDevelopment Officer. Emmaorganised some great events forWorld Polio Day on 24th Octoberincluding arranging for certainbuildings around the country to belit up in blue and a Scooter Scrambleat Mondello Park in County Kildare.More information on these events isincluded in this edition.

As many of you will know fromprevious editions of the Survivor, therecruitment of new members andvolunteers is essential if we are tosustain our activities. We have nowappointed a new part-time Memberand Volunteer Recruitment Officer

(MVRO) who willdrive this workforward. Her nameis Niamh Murphyand we welcomeher to ourorganisation. Niamh

will be building the RecruitmentNetwork to implement newmember recruitment activities atlocal level. If you would like to helpplease contact Niamh at the officenumber or email her [email protected].

We have been having discussionswith the Rehab organisation in

relation to the Polio Fellowship ofIreland’s responsibility to supportPolio Survivors. I am pleased to saythat they have agreed to fund thetwo part-time positions ofDevelopment Officer and Member& Volunteer Recruitment Officer forone year. We are also involved infurther negotiations to explore otherways that they might support ourwork on behalf of Polio Survivors.

You may recall in my last update thatI mentioned some changes thatwould involve amendments to ourConstitution and would require theapproval of the membership at anExtraordinary General Meeting(EGM). We anticipate that this willtake place in the New Year. We willsend out notices to this event whenthe arrangements are completed.

It ¯ly remains f› me to wishyµ and yµr families a v‹ym‚y Christmas and a happynew ye‰.

Regards,

SUSAN DOWLINGChairperson

WE were delighted to meet Ministerfor Social Protection, Mr LeoVaradkar, to mark the occasion ofWorld Polio Day on Monday 24thOctober 2016, at Áras MhicDiarmada, the building dedicated to

polio survivor and 1916 Risingleader, Sean Mac Diarmada. Photoswere taken in the lobby where theDSP’s own dedication to MacDiarmada is featured in thebackground.

Board members Joan Bradley, Roisin Nolan, Joyce Henderson, Pat McGillion and CEO Fran Brennan were pictured with Minister Varadkar.

WINTER 20165 6The SURVIVOR

Polio�Survivors�met�Minister�for�Social�Protection�at�Áras�Mhic�Diarmada,�to�mark�World�Polio�Day

Buildings Lit Blue to highlight Legacy of Polio

Pictured are various members of the Post Polio Support Group at thebuildings around the country which lit blue for World Polio Day, Monday24th October, to highlight the 7,000 Polio Survivors estimated to be still

living with disabilities brought on by the disease.

WORlD�POlIO�DAy�

Notable buildings around Ireland thatlit up included Dublin City Hall,Christchurch Cathedral Dublin, CorkCity Hall, Kilkenny Castle and An Táinat the Town Hall, Dundalk.

The Post Polio Support Group calledfor the public, the media and themedical profession to be aware of theirservices as there are many survivorswho will need their support in years tocome, but who do not know that helpand a listening ear is at the other endof a phone. We had a great deal ofactivity on social media and featuredin some online regional papers also.

CORK

DUBLIN

DUNDALK

KILKENNY

7 WINTER 2016 8

It was noted that Mondello has never had so much fun on a lunch break – asthey played host to the first ever World Polio Day Scooter Scramble, whichtook place on Sunday 23rd October. The event was held during the lunch hourof the Irish Rallycross Championship on the ‘Straight’ at Mondello Park.

It is not often that you pitch Rallycross drivers against Mobility Scooter drivers– but we did it, with hilarious results. It seems the Rally drivers are quite acompetitive bunch – but our valiant members showed every bit of tenacityknown to Polio Survivors and certainly ran the cleanest race! The Rallydriverheat was won by European Champion Derek Tohill, adding Scooter Scramblerto his winning titles.

We were doubly thrilled to have special guests Ciaran Kilkenny and JamesMcCarthy of Dublin GAA and the much revered Sam Maguire to Mondello –taking part in the final heat of the Scooter Scramble. James McCarthy held upthe rear along with Post Polio Support Group CEO Fran Brennan, both onboot scooter models from Beechfield Healthcare – the compact size is valuedby Polio Survivors who need to be able to transport them from place to place– but they didn’t match the speed of the large models lent to us by LifestyleMobility. While contentiously, non-motorised wheelchair user Peter Barroncrossed the line first, it was our own Brigid Quigley O’Brien who came first inthe Scooter Race with Dublin Player Ciaran Kilkenny taking second place,Polio Survivors remaining undefeated in their command of these vehicles.

The SURVIVOR

World�Polio�Day�Scooter�Scramble

MONDEllO

9 WINTER 2016The SURVIVOR 10

A huge thank you to the Dublin GAA – Ciaran and James were so giving oftheir time and keen to participate and chat to our members, to the RallycrossDrivers who really got on board (literally) and had such fun with the Scramble,to our members and supporters who helped out and to Lifestyle Mobility andBeechfield Healthcare who supplied scooters. And not least of all – a heartfeltthanks to Mondello Park, particularly Declan, Phillip, Keith, Leo and Sharon– and all the staff who helped us with the running of this event.

To add to the success of the day our intrepid volunteers circulated the crowd collecting funds which will assist with our Winter Heating Grant for those polio survivors who struggle with

the high cost of heating bills every winter.

The fantastic amount €476.50 was raised at Mondello, with thanks to all our volunteers,the staff and the spectators who were so generous.

Courtesy of a grant from theEuropean Federation ofNeurological Associations, we wereable to subsidise the costs for thosedelegates from eastern Europeancountries, which has helped spreadthe word about all polio Survivorsbeing part of a much larger poliofamily.

Apart from the standard business ofan AGM, the delegates were able toenjoy the delights of the medicalspa facilities at Piestany, and attendpresentations from staff of the spa,as well as Slovakian medicalpractitioners, who specialise intreating polio Survivors and thosewith PPS. It sent all back to theirhome countries with ideas andknowledge to impart to their ownmembership and national medicalauthorities.

September saw the long awaitedand ground breaking first Pan-Pacific and Australasian conferenceon PPS. It attracted world leaders inthe social and medical field oftreatment and management of polioand PPS. Although primarilyorganised by Polio Australia, it lentheavily on the advice andexperience of those who hadorganised similar conferences inCopenhagen and Amsterdam inrecent years. The EPU President,John McFarlane, was on both theorganising and scientificcommittees. Proceedings of theconference have been published inthe Journal of RehabilitationMedicine, while videos of allproceeding and plenary sessionswill be available shortly on the PolioAustralia website.

At the EPU Board meeting inDublin, October 2016, it was decidedto survey all membershiporganisations about the numbers ofpolio Survivors believed to be intheir countries, and compare thesewith international World HealthOrganisation statistics.

It is believed that in the Europeanarea there are currently 760,000Survivors, about 25% less than 20years ago, an inevitable consequenceof an ageing Survivor population.The EPU's next Board meeting willbe in Copenhagen in early spring2017.

The EPU 2017 AGM and AnnualConference is to be held in Lobbach,Germany on the weekend of 23rd -25th June. Its programme will bepublished shortly. It has beenconfirmed that the 3rd EuropeanConference on Polio and PPS will beheld in Stockholm in mid 2018, theexact date to be confirmed.

The EPU is going from strength tostrength, and has become a forcethat is now consulted by leadingmedical, social and academicinstitutions. Its influence andmembership will continue to growwith further exciting developments,to be pursued and announced at thebeginning of 2017.

The membership and area of influence of the European Polio Union continuesto grow. In June 2016, the EPU held its AGM in Piestany, Slovakia, which sawthe biggest gathering of organisations from across the continent to date.

Apart from EPU's direct member associations, we were joined byrepresentatives from Hungary, Poland, Austria and from as far away asGeorgia.

epu president - John mcfarlane

EPU�UpdateNOVEMBER 2016By�John�McFarlane


For�more�informationplease�contact:�[email protected]�

Or�ring�01�889�89�20

Please consider leavinga Legacy to the

Post Polio Support Group in your will.

Leaving a gift to the Group in your Will

can help us greatly tocontinue to provide

support to Polio Survivors.

You can alternatively request donations

to the Group in lieu of flowers.

Are�you�making�a�will?


This year, two Directors, Evelyn Wainwright and Pat Guy, stood down from the Board of the PPSG.

RETIREMENT�OF�DIRECTORSEvelyn Wainwright joined the Board inJanuary 2006. She had alreadyestablished herself as a committedvolunteer with the Organisation in thesouth of the country, as Convenor ofthe Cork Social Support Group, aposition which she continues tooccupy. During her time as a Director,Evelyn became a member of the SocialSupport Committee, where she was agreat contributor to the discussions.She also became a member of theFundraising Committee, organising anumber of events in the Cork area.With her 10 years experience, it ishoped that she will continue to play

an active role in the work ofOrganisation.

Pat Guywas elected as a Director at theAGM in 2011. Pat was already wellknown to the membership asConvenor of the Social Support Groupin Dublin South West, and as a Leaderwith the Telephone Support Service.Pat joined the Social SupportCommittee, where he was a dedicatedcontributor, and played an active partin discussions on the future structuresof our Organisation. It is hoped thatPat will contribute to work with thePPSG in the future.

We are very grateful to Evelyn and Pat for taking on the role of Director andworking tirelessly as active volunteers for the good of the Organisation andtheir fellow Polio Survivors. Without dedicated people like them, the Groupwould not be able to continue its work.

Unite�for�RightsBy Brendan Moore

North East Social Support Group

On Friday 4th November, I attended the Unite for Rights Conference inthe Carrickdale Hotel, Dundalk. It was organised by Martina Anderson,Sinn Féin MEP and Co-President of the European Parliament’s DisabilityIntergroup.

The conference was attended by many disability organisations both northand south of the border. We heard speakers talk about various disabilityissues which affect people in the EU and in the U.K., as a result of therecent British exit from the EU. They also spoke about inclusion, dignityand equality for the rights of people with various disabilities in Ireland.

Among the speakers were Martina Anderson, An-Sofie Leenknecht,Human Rights Officer at the European Disability Forum, and fellow PPSGmember and CEO of the Disability Federation of Ireland, Senator JohnDolan.

It was an informative morning during which I learned more about therights of people with disabilities in the EU and the Human Rights Act,which protects the fundamental rights we all have as human beings andallows us to challenge the authorities if they violate them. We may nothave to use them, but they are there if we need to.

Brendan with Martina Anderson Sinn Féin MEP

Brendan and Senator John Dolan


Post Polio Support Group Irelandco-founder member, Jim Costello, isone of five Polio Heroes who waspresented with a Louis Pasteurmedal, during a major conference tocelebrate World Polio Day, Monday24th October, in Paris. It is believedthat the last ever polio infectionfrom a virus found in nature willhappen this year, which means theworld can be declared Polio free by2019, according to the conference.

To celebrate this turning point inhuman history, Sanofi Pasteur heldthis major meeting of scientists,ministers and NGO leaders, atwhich the five Polio heroes wererecognised. Jim represented PolioSurvivors; the other four heroeswere Pakistani polio workers, whohave risked their lives to administerthe vaccine, against great adversity.

The Post Polio Support GroupIreland is extremely proud of thisrecognition of Jim Costello, whogave testimony at the conference as

a Polio Survivor. We are delightedthat Jim has received this medal andthat Polio survivors are also notforgotten in the global fight againstthis terrible disabling disease.

Sanofi Pasteur, the largest producerof polio vaccines organised the Parisconference to look at science,epidemiology and the communityresponse to Polio.

Jim Costello contracted Polio in1958, when he was just 15, and isthe only man in Ireland still using anIron Lung. Although Jim's conditionis often more severe than thosewhom he has supported andencouraged over the years, hisincredible strength of character andpositive attitude to life makes himan inspirational figure and the veryembodiment of an iron will.

The world is closer than ever toeradicating polio with only 19 cases ofwild polio to date as of 12th July 2016. Thetwo endemic countries have 8 cases inPakistan and 2 cases in Afghanistan, areduction of 60% for the same period in2015. The End Game Strategy 2013-18aimed at delivering a polio free world by2018 at a cost of $5.5 billion over thisperiod. However, due to the continuingwild polio transmission in two endemiccountries this year, an additional $1.5billion is currently projected to benecessary to finish the job in 2019. This isbecause if transmission of the polio virusis stopped in 2016, vaccinations mustcontinue for another three years to securecertification of a polio free world.

Between 17th April and 1st May, everycountry in the world currently using oralpoliovirus vaccine (OPV), withdrew thetrivalent vaccine (tOPV) and replaced itwith the bivalent vaccine (bOPV). Thisprogramme involved 155 countries, andwill continue to protect infants frompoliovirus types 1 and 3, whilewithdrawing the type 2 component,thereby mitigating the risk of seeding newtype 2 circulating vaccine-derivedpoliovirus (cVDPV2). With carefulplanning and thorough oversight, theswitch will represent a huge achievement

for the polio programme and will providea basis for the eventual withdrawal of allOPV, following eradication of poliovirustypes 1 and 3.

As part of the End Game Strategy for polioeradication, the inactivated polio vaccine(IPV) is being introduced into the routineimmunisation systems of every countrythat currently uses the oral polio vaccine(OPV). To date, 96 countries haveintroduced IPV, which will help to boostimmunity against all types of poliovirus,giving children higher protection againstparalytic polio. This is the most ambitious,largest and fastest globally synchronisedvaccine introduction in history.

The gains in polio eradication made todate are precarious and constantly at riskof being reversed. Polio remains endemicin two countries – Afghanistan andPakistan. Eight other countries areconsidered to be vulnerable Cameroon,Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Iraq, Nigeria,Somalia, South Sudan and Syria.

Until poliovirus transmission is interruptedin the endemic countries, all countriesremain at risk of importation of polio,especially vulnerable countries with weakpublic health and immunisation services,and travel or trade links to endemiccountries.

Polio�EradicationConferenceCelebrates�Polio�Heroes

Polio�Eradication�Progress�Collette O’Neill (Rotary)

by Jackie Minnock

Online�Shopping�-�Can�It�Work�for�you?

I am quite familiar with ebay, andbuying books for my Kindle onAmazon, but I was introduced tothe wide and varied world ofSportsdirect and iTunes by mychildren, now young adults, forwhich I can say I am grateful.Through Sportsdirect, I havepurchased various items, fromfootwear (buying men’s sandals) towalking poles to aid me in my

adventures, while iTunes hasincreased my music collectionwithout the added burden offinding more room for myrecord/CD collection. I have heardthat Spotify is even better for musicas you can listen to the musicwithout having to purchase - butI’m sure there must be a catch theresomewhere!

Online sh»ping can bea blessing › a c¦se,but that is the same f› most things these

days, isn’t it?

Can anyone recommend any other websites for helping us outin our day-to-day lives? Please let us know.

We would love to hear from [email protected]

18WINTER 2016The SURVIVOR17

PPSG�submission�to�Traffic�StudyThe coming into operation of LuasCross City, expected towards theend of 2017, and associated trafficmanagement measures has led tothe proposal of a development of anew civic space at College Green.As a result of this, concerns wereraised by the Finglas Social SupportGroup, as to whether the needs ofpeople in wheelchairs or withmobility issues were being takeninto account with these plans.

The Post Polio Support Group madea submission to the Transport Studyand followed up with itsubsequently, which led to ameeting with engineers fromDublin City Council and ourselves.Johnny O’Sullivan and LarryDelahunty discussed the issuesfaced by wheelchair users at ameeting in Capel Building on the27th September. We were reassuredthat taxis would still be able toaccess the pedestrianised areas,which was a concern. Access todisabled parking bays is necessaryfor car users is highlighted as one ofthe main issues raised. In themeasures arising from that thecouncil has stated that: “A survey

was carried out of the disabled carparking bays affected by theproposed measures. Any bayswhich are removed as a result ofthese measures will beaccommodated in close proximity.”

Further to the meeting we wereinvited to a Public ConsultationWorkshop on 16th November in theMansion House, at which JohnnySullivan, Bridget Quigley O’Brienand Paul Sinclair represented thePost Polio Support Group. We aredelighted to be part of this processand to work towards ensuring thatanyone travelling around Dublincity is able to get as close to theirdestination as possible, within theseplans.

We do have some drawings of theproposed changes, on our websiteor contact Emma at [email protected] or01 889 89 20.

Book�Review

“Farewell�to�Ryan’s�Daughter” by Joan McDonnellReviewed by Anne Burns

WINTER 2016The SURVIVOR19 20

Iwas delighted to read the secondbook published by well knownCork member Joan McDonnell

(nee Ryan). Joan was born in the1950’s in Limerick, moving to Londonin 1973 when she married VincentMcDonnell following a three weekromance – the appropriately titled‘Farewell to Ryan’s Daughter’concerns the period of her life inLondon. Each chapter borrows titlesof popular songs such as “Send in theClowns”, “The Streets of London”,“Working Nine to Five”, “Vincent”and “Ring of Fire”.

Deficiencies in the domestic sciencedepartment are related such as brandnew saucepans ending up assacrificial victims and her alreadyskimpy woollen jumpers shrunken toleprechaun size at the locallaundrette. In “If I had a Hammer”,Joan shows off her DIY skills, hangingup two pictures while standingprecariously on a kitchen chair! WhenVincent (called Mac in the book), seesthem, he can’t contain his laughter ashe tells her one of them is hangingupside down.

Joan recounts jobs such aslaboratory assistant where sheassists her boss mixing paints andlater sees herself in a mirrorglowing in luminescent paint in“Over the Rainbow”.

During her time as a clerk at W.Gilbert, Builders and Decoratorsshe earns nicknames includingLeprechaun, Lofty, and Flash.

* Joan’s 2004 publication “A Springin my Step” tells of growing up withpolio in Ireland during a time ofgreat poverty and was serialised in2013 on the bedtime RTE radioprogramme The Book on One tomark 20 years since the founding ofthe Post Polio Support Group.

London, at the start of the family’sjourney home.

The book is written in a chirpy andhumorous style – a fantastic readand a real page-turner! I hope Joanpublishes a third book.

One task is to do up a sign for thepremise’s window to say “PaintersWanted”, to be told to take it downas it reads: “Panters Wanted”!

Evoking memories of the 1970’sincluding fashions (501 jeans),music (Elvis) and major events (theoil crises), plus the long postalstrike in 1979 obliging a home visitas family in Ireland didn’t havephones and were reliant on lettersto keep in touch.

The book devotes very movingcoverage of the great joy, thoughconcern, on Vincent Junior’s earlyarrival by emergency caesareansection at just 2lb and 9 ozs weight,three months of intensive care andsuccessful pioneering surgery ayear later which restored his health.Joan is now lonely at home,missing work and her exchanges atGilberts and visa versa. A novelsolution for the 1970’s allows her toreturn to her job with a type ofwork related nursery set up forbaby Vincent.

Joan gets used to London life butshe is yearning for life on home soiland proposes purchasing a smallholding. The final chapter “Green,Green Grass of Home” reflectsJoan’s thoughts, after 11 years in

The SURVIVOR21 22WINTER 2016

Social�SupportGroups

Finglas�Goes�toKilmainham

There is a cafe and shop sellingbooks, paintings and littlereminders of the great men of1916. There are also disabledtoilets.

Of all our day trips to date, wewould put Kilmainham atnumber one as a place to visit. Wewould recommend that othergroups consider a visit theresometime.

The tour lasted thirty minutes. It was very wheelchair accessible andwe were allowed to take as many photos as we wished, including theguide taking a photo of the group. After the tour, the entrance ticketallowed us go to Kilmainham Museum. There are three floors in all anda lift that fitted one chair at a time. We could easily have spent a full dayin the museum, with so much to read and plenty to see.

Photo (l-r) Bridget Quigley O'Brien, Ciaran, Bernie O’Sullivan, Geraldine O'Neill, Lucy Greene, Monica Sheehan, Johnny O'Sullivan, Peter Barron, Colette O'Reilly and

Lorraine Harte plus Steven, an American visitor who joined our group for the tour.

Bernie, Monica, Bridget, Geraldine,Lorraine and Paul in the cell dedicated to Mrs Joseph Plunkett, nee Grace Gifford

God was looking down on our Finglas Group on 5th September 2016.The sun was splitting the rocks, and what better way to start the daybut to head to the Hilton Hotel and have a few drinks in the sun beforeour 3pm guided tour at Kilmainham Gaol.

We were a group of 12 in all, including special friends from thePortlaoise and Kildare branch. Our guide was David, who was excellent,and would be well recommended to any tour group. His generalknowledge was superb, and no matter what questions were thrown athim, he always knew the answer. He was also extremely friendly.

On Monday 19th September, the Kilkenny Social Support Group hada table quiz in the Aspel hotel Kilkenny with 19 members attending.A big thanks from our members was given to Jim Barrett, who was notonly the Quiz Master on the night, but who also set the ques t i onsand with the help of Michael Walsh, who did the tallying and LiamDowling who collected the sheets from members, the quiz was a greatsuccess. Afterwards, members had tea/coffee and sandwiches,everyone agreed that it was an enjoyable night and that it was greatto meet up.

Kilkenny�Table�Quiz

Kilkenny Social Support Group Members

at the Table Quiz

Quiz Winners (l-r), Niall Harper,Teresa and Seamus Howley

and Rose Shelly

Social�Support�Groups Social�Support�Groups


Clare�Group�Coole�Park�Trip�The Group enjoyed a very pleasant outing, with a meal inthe Café, before viewing the Audio Visual of the life ofLady Gregory, followed by a look at the museum and astroll out to the walled garden where the famousautograph tree is situated.

“A good afternoon,” says Edwin Bailey, Convenor of the Clare SocialSupport Group, who meet regularly, giving Polio Survivors theopportunity to learn from each other in an understanding environment.

The�Cork�Social�Support�Group

Enj¼ing the C›k Christmas P‰ty which was held in C›k’s Vienna W³ds Hotel, ¯ 20th N¸emb‹

Pictured are Post Polio Support Group Clare members at a summer outing to Coole Parkduring Heritage Week, from left to right Edwin Bailey, Mary Fitzgerald, Peggy Walsh,

Peter Fitzgerald, Beryl Gallagher, Dolores Pierce, Patrick Gallagher andseated centre Harry Pierce

Marian Thompson & Susan Willie, Marian & Susan

Finbarr Garde, Mary Teresa Nolanand Marian Garde

Philip Flaherty and Barbara

Lady Gregory


Time to RememberKilkenny�Social�Support�Group

Pictured is Joan Anne Walsh, member of the Kilkenny Support Groupreceiving a cheque for €300 on the 11th August, from the Store Manager,Tesco, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary as part of their Tesco Community Fund. Schools, clubs, organisations and deserving causes fill out an applicationform, giving a brief outline of their needs for funding from Tesco, whochoose three to benefit. Over 8 weeks customers receive a blue token fromthe cashier, which they can place in one of three tubs and at the end ofthat time, Tesco makes a donation between the three causes of up to€1,000.

We Are The Sum Of OurCollective Achievements

As 2016 comes to a close, we need toacknowledge the fact that assurvivors of polio, we are still hereand offering support to one anotherthrough our combined activities andachievements, not alone this year,but throughout the years.

Our talents have been made knownin various books, most recently"How We Survived and Surprised".

In this important year in the historyof Ireland, we discovered we werepart of the Rising through SeanMacDiarmada.

We were ‘going blue’ in October forWorld Polio Day – and not just fromour sensitivity to weather.

Those who do the thankless job offundraising on our behalf do so

willingly, and for this we are verygrateful.

We were seen on Nationwide (RTE)this year, and other members havealso appeared on TV over the years.This type of publicity is excellent forour group.

We have never let the politiciansforget who we are. Some membershave made visits to Dáil Eireannover the years.

We are part of the European PolioUnion. There is strength in numbersfor sure.

We care about each other throughour Support Groups/Ring-Ringprogramme, and we volunteerwithin the support group at Boardand Committees levels.

We look forward to continuing thework in 2017, reminding the worldthat as Polio Survivors – ‘We’re StillHere’.

Congratulations to Brendan Moore, FundraisingNetwork and North East Social Support Groupmember, who was the proud winner of a LouthPublic Participation Networks Community &Voluntary Awards 2016, in the Older Persons &Disability Section, in recognition of his valuedcommunity and voluntary contribution toenhance the quality of life in Co. Louth. TheAward was presented by Counsellor Paul Bell, AnCathaoirleach, Louth Co. Council on Wednesday23rd November.

Social�Support�Groups

Outgoing Social SupportCommittee pictured at a lunch

on 3rd August last.

Front row: Peter Barron & Paul Sinclair.

Back row: Jimmy Andrews, Joan Anne Walsh, Pat Guy

& Jim Barrett

The only member missing from the photo is Nuala Buckley.


Disabled drivers and disabled passengers whose vehicles are tax exemptunder the Drivers and Passengers with Disabilities Tax Relief Scheme,are also exempt from toll charges on every toll road in the state. Underthe eflow system in operation on the M50 toll bridge, as you drive underthe eflow gantry on the M50, the photographic equipment will detectyour vehicle registration number and recognise that you should not becharged.

On all other toll roads, the toll road operator will issue special passes tofacilitate such exempt passage. Passes issued by any one operator, willbe accepted by all other toll road operators.

For further information, and to apply for a pass, please contact yournearest toll road operator. A list of toll road operators and their contactnumbers can be found on: www.ddai.ie

Medical�Issues�and�Driving

Toll�Road�Exemption • Diabetes treated by insulin and/

or sulphonylurea tablets (your

doctor will advise if you are on

these or not). There is no need

to report diabetes that is

managed by diet and/or other

medication

• Epilepsy

• Stroke or TIAs (*1)(minor

strokes) with any associated

symptoms lasting longer than

one month

• Fits or blackouts

• Any type of brain surgery, brain

abscess, or severe head Injury

involving in-patient treatment,

also brain tumour, spinal injury

or spinal tumour

• An implanted cardiac pacemaker

• An implanted cardiac

defibrillator (ICD) (*2)

• Repeated attacks of sudden

disabling dizziness

• Any other chronic neurological

condition, such as multiple

sclerosis, motor neurone disease

or Huntington’s disease

• Parkinson’s disease

• A serious problem with memory,

or periods of confusion.

• Persistent alcohol misuse or

dependency

• Persistent drug misuse or

dependency

• Serious psychiatric illness or

mental health problems

• Sleep Apnoea syndrome.

• Narcolepsy

• Any condition affecting the

driver’s peripheral vision

• Total loss of sight in one eye

• Any condition affecting both

eyes, or the remaining eye, if the

driver has only one eye (not

including colour blindness or

short or long sight)

• A serious hearing deficiency.

• Any persistent problem with

arm(s) and/or leg(s), where

driving needs to be restricted to

certain types of vehicles, or

those with adapted controls

• Adaption of the driver’s vehicle

to enable driving, due to a

physical disability

• Severe learning disability.

*This list is not exhaustive

If you have any long-term, or permanent injury or illness that could affectyour safe driving ability, Irish and EU legislation requires that you advisethe driver licensing authority.

There is a list of diseases and disabilities which need to be reported onapplication for, or renewal of, a driving licence. If you have one of theseconditions, your driving licence application must be accompanied by amedical report. These include - see opp page:

Upon reaching the age of 70 years, drivers have to renew their licenceand re-declare every three years. To comply, all that is required is amedical report from a medical practitioner confirming fitness to drive. Itis important to be aware of this issue, and particularly to make sure thatyour insurance is not affected if you failed to declare an illness orcondition. For full information, please see www.rsa.ie/RSA/Licensed-Drivers/Safe-driving/Medical-Issues.


FUNDRAISING NEWS

The�Cork�Social�Support�GroupThe Cork Social Support Group held a fundraising Quiz Night inthe Vienna Woods Hotel, Glanmire on Thursday 8th of Septemberand they raised over €1,700 in the process. Well done to allinvolved for organising such a great night with lots of prizes!

Pictured in action is John Clogher, Co. Roscommon, who took partin Gaelforce West this year raising vital funds for the Post PolioSupport in the process. John’s mother Marian, (pictured with him),is a member. John says, the event went very well in very toughconditions – he finished it in 5 hours and 54 minutes.

A�fantastic�achievement�and�we�are�very�grateful�to�John�for�raising�€470!�

Survivor�Sweepstakes�–�Autumn�Results

The numbers drawn in our Autumn Survivor Sweepstakesmember draw were 6, 7, 8 and 10. There was no jackpot winner,but four members matched 3 numbers winning €50 each.Congratulations to Tom O’Reilly, Margaret Heath, Shirley Martinand Hannah O’Sullivan. The results can be checked onwww.randomresult.com using ticket number: 140775MTUJY. Our next draw is included with this edition of Survivor – pleasesupport us in this fundraising endeavour if you can – the cost asalways is €5 for one line, or €10 for three lines. If four numbersare not matched, we will run a side long draw and all entriesreceived will have a chance to win a guaranteed prize of €1,000. We will also have some spot prizes for Match 3 winners!Don’t miss out! Return your envelope by Friday 16th December.

Gaelforce�West

FUNDRAISING NEWS

NOTICE BOARD


NOTICE BOARD

In June the Finglas Social Support Group went to the Connaught Hotelin Galway for a 3 night stay – 44 people from various Social SupportGroups, including Finglas, Portlaoise and Kildare, all enjoyed this greatbreak together. It was such a success that we are organising our nexttrip already and anyone who wishes to join us is welcome.

February 2017 – Westport, Co. Mayo

Sunday 26th to Tuesday 28th February, staying in the Clew Bay Hotelin Westport town. Cost €129 per person sharing, €139 for single rooms,the cost includes three night’s B&B and three dinners.

To book ring The Clew Bay Hotel directly on 098 28088. Please makesure you say you are part of the Post Polio Support Group.

*Please note that there are no disabled rooms in this hotel so anyonewishing to attend must be able to manage normal shower facilities.

June 2017 – Galway

Sunday 11th June to Tuesday 13th June 2017, staying in the ConnachtHotel, Dublin Road, Galway. The hotel has a pool, good restaurant andis 4 star quality with many disabled rooms, some which are stillavailable. Cost €195 per person sharing, cost includes three nights B&Band three dinners.

Book directly with Tatyana on 091 381 200. Please remember to sayyou are with the Post Polio Support Group.

Finglas Group Trip to Galway Finglas Group Trips Away – 2017Join Us!

(L-R) Bernie Sullivan, Geraldine O'Neill, Peter Barron, Paul Sinclair, Bridget Quigley O'Brien and Mike O'Neill

Johnny O’Sullivan and Bernie Clairenjoying the chat!

Pat Guy in Spiddal

Seasonal Photos - Edwin Bailey

Snowcapped Macgillycuddy's Reeks, Co. Kerry - Edwin Bailey

Live Crib, Rathdowney, Co. Laois - Edwin Bailey

NOTICE BOARD

33 The SURVIVOR WINTER 2016 34

Christmas Scene Painting by Francis Bailey

The Post Polio Support Group was saddened to hear ofthe passing of these members recently:

Bernadette Carmody, Martin Edward, Ellen Gallagher, Dolores Gordon, William Hall, Mick Heffernan,

Maureen Moriarty, Santana Osburn and Joan Richardson.

We acknowledge the contribution these members have made tothe work of the Post Polio Support Group –

Our thoughts are with their family and friends.

QUALITY SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE 2016

ChAIRPERSON Anne Shanahan OThER MEMBERS Jim Barrett, Pat McGillion, Tony O’Connor

SURVIVOR EDITORIAL COMMITTEE

MEMBERS Una Lyons

Email: [email protected]

COMMITTEE MEMBERShIP 2016 - 2017

BRAY GROUP LOCATION Glenview Hotel AREA South East Dublin, North Wicklow CONTACT

Marie McGuirk Tel: 085 1603962 E-mail: [email protected] MEETINGSMeets at 8pm onthe first Tuesday of most months from March through to October. If you live in this areaand would like to attend these social meetings, please give Marie call.

CARLOW GROUP LOCATIONDolmen Hotel, Carlow AREACarlow CONTACT Betty O’Regan Tel:086 081 6816 E-mail: [email protected] MEETINGSMonday or Tuesday three or fourtimes per year. If you live in this area and would like to attend these social meetings,please give Betty a call.

CARRICK-ON-ShANNON GROUP LOCATION Landmark Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon AREA

Leitrim, Roscommon, West Cavan CONTACT Patrick McNamara Tel: 071 966 8308 E-mail:TBA MEETINGS by arrangement. Two or three times a year. If you live in this area and wouldlike to attend these social meetings, please give Patrick a call.

CLARE GROUP LOCATION The Templegate Hotel, Ennis AREA Clare CONTACT Edwin BaileyTel: 061 368 373 E-mail: [email protected] MEETINGS Meets four to five timesyearly on Wednesdays at 8 pm. If you live in this area and would like to attend thesesocial meetings, please give Edwin a call.

CORK GROUP LOCATION Vienna Woods Hotel, Cork AREA Cork CONTACT Evelyn WainwrightTel: 021 484 7313 or 086 882 9267 E-mail: [email protected] MEETINGSMeetssix times yearly. If you live in this area and would like to attend these social meetings,please give Evelyn a call.

DONEGAL GROUP LOCATIONClanree Hotel, Letterkenny or The Villa Rose Hotel, BallybofeyAREA Donegal; Derry CONTACT Donal O’Boyle Tel: 087 6172112 E-mail:[email protected] MEETINGS 2-3 times a year. If you live in this area and wouldlike to attend these social meetings, please give Donal a call.

DUBLIN FINGLAS GROUP LOCATIONCurrently Parnell GAA Club, Coolock AREANorth WestDublin CONTACT Paul Sinclair Tel: 087 6821017 E-mail: [email protected] MEETINGSLast Wednesday of the month at 11:30am (except July, August & December). If you livein this area and would like to attend these meetings, please give Paul a call.

CONTACT DETAILS FOR ThE SOCIAL SUPPORT GROUP IN YOUR AREA


ChAIR Susan Dowling DEPUTY ChAIR Joyce Henderson TREASURER Pat McGillion

COMPANY SECRETARY Anne Shanahan

OThER DIRECTORS Jim Barrett; Joan Bradley; Macrina Clancy; Roisin Nolan

Board members can be contacted via the office on 01 8898920, or [email protected]

ADDRESS Unit 319, Capel Building, Mary’s Abbey, Dublin 7 Tel: 01 889 8920. Email: [email protected] Web: www.ppsg.ie

CEO Fran Brennan - Email: [email protected]

SERVICES TO POLIO SURVIVORS

Lillian McElvaney, Email: [email protected]

Kerrie Donegan, Email: [email protected]

ACCOUNTS Sheila Cullinan, Email: [email protected]

MEMBERShIP & VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT OFFICER

Niamh Murphy, Tel: 086 318 8727, Email: [email protected]

DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

Emma Clarke Conway. Tel: 01 889 8920, Email: [email protected]

BOARD MEMBERS

OFFICE STAFF

DUBLIN SOUTh WEST GROUP LOCATIONMaldron Hotel, Tallaght AREA South West DublinCONTACT Pat McCabe Tel: 086 8158232 E-mail: [email protected] MEETINGSMeetsfour to five times yearly on Mondays or Tuesdays. If you live in this area and would liketo attend these social meetings, please give Pat a call.

DUBLIN SWORDS GROUP LOCATION Carnegie Court Hotel, Swords AREA North CountyDublin CONTACT Máire Farrell Tel: 087 628 3340 E-mail: [email protected] First Tuesday of every month (except July & August) at 11am. If you live in thisarea and would like to attend these meetings, please give Máire a call.

ENNISCORThY GROUP LOCATION Riverside Hotel, Enniscorthy AREA South Wicklow;Wexford; Waterford CONTACT Brendan Culliton 086 890 8702 E-mail:[email protected] MEETINGSMeets on the 1st Tuesday of most months at 8pm. Ifyou live in this area and would like to attend these social meetings, please give Brendana call.

GALWAY GROUP LOCATIONMenlo Park Hotel, Galway AREAGalway; South Mayo CONTACT

Rao Rapolu Tel: 087 6870024 E-mail: [email protected] MEETINGSMeets four to fivetimes yearly on Wednesdays at 8 pm. If you live in this area and would like to attendthese social meetings, please give Rao a call.

KERRY GROUP LOCATION Manor West Hotel, Tralee AREA Kerry, West Limerick CONTACTDolly Lawlor Tel: 066 718 5475 or 087 204 3795 E-mail: TBA MEETINGS Meets twiceyearly. If you live in this area and would like to attend these social meetings, please giveDolly a call.

KILDARE GROUP LOCATIONMonaghan’s Harbour Hotel, Naas AREA Kildare CONTACT PeterBarron Tel: 086 854 6948 E-mail: [email protected] MEETINGS Six times a yearIf you live in this area and would like to attend these meetings, please give Peter a call.

KILKENNY GROUP LOCATION Aspect Hotel, Kilkenny AREA Kilkenny, Waterford, SouthTipperary CONTACT Pat Skehan Tel: 085 2443588 E-mail: [email protected] 4-5 times a year on Mondays or Tuesdays at 7.30 p.m. If you live in this areaand would like to attend these social meetings, please give Pat a call.

LIMERICK GROUP LOCATION Strand Hotel, Limerick AREA Limerick, East Clare, NorthTipperary. CONTACT Helen Jordan Tel: 061 321791 Email: [email protected] MEETINGSMeet 1st Monday of the month Feb to June & Sept to Nov at8pm. On Bank Holiday weekends- the 2nd Monday. If you live in this area and wouldlike to attend these meetings, please give Helen a call.


MAYO GROUP LOCATIONMeetings are now held in the Travellers Friend Hotel, Westport.AREA Mayo CONTACT Mary Ryan Tel: 087 9534130 E-mail: [email protected] Meets five times yearly, Saturdays between 2pm and 5pm. If you live in thisarea and would like to attend these social meetings, please give Mary a call.

MIDLAND GROUP LOCATIONCregan Court Hotel, Athlone AREAWestmeath, Roscommon,East Galway CONTACT James Kinahan Tel: 0906 481372 or 087 6768076 E-mail:[email protected] MEETINGS Meets twice yearly. If you live in this area and wouldlike to attend these social meetings, please give James a call.

NAVAN GROUP LOCATION Ardboyne Hotel, Navan, Co. Meath AREA Meath, Westmeathand South Louth CONTACT Patrick Nolan Tel: 086 3138809 E-mail:[email protected] MEETINGS If you live in this area and would like to attend socialmeetings, please give Patrick a call.

NORTh EAST GROUP LOCATION currently meeting in the Shirley Arms Hotel,Carrickmacross AREA Cavan; Monaghan; North Louth CONTACT Convenor MaireadMathews Tel: 086 815 8156 Email: [email protected] MEETINGSMeets fourto five times yearly on Mondays at 2pm. If you live in this area and would like to attendthese meetings, please ring the PPSG Head Office.

LAOIS-OFFALY GROUP LOCATION Maldron Hotel, Portlaoise. AREA Offaly, Laois CONTACTBernie O’Sullivan Tel: 057 934 3760 or 086 064 7227 E-mail: [email protected] MEETINGSContact Bernie. If you live in this area and would like to attend these social meetings,please give Bernie a call.

SLIGO GROUP LOCATION City Hotel, Sligo AREA Sligo, South Donegal, North LeitrimCONTACT Monica McGowan Tel: 087 242 0700 E-mail: [email protected] Twice Yearly. If you live in this area and would like to attend these meetings,please give Monica a call.



WiLLSPlease remember the Post Polio Support Group in your Will, or request

donations to Post Polio Support Group in lieu of flowers.Be assured all bequests and donations will be put to good use.

Thank You

miSSion StAtementTo create awareness and to provide information regarding the late effectsof polio among Polio Survivors, statutory agencies and the wider medical

profession, and to ensure that the needs of Polio Survivors relating to theircondition are met to enable them to live with dignity.

DISCLAIMER: While every care is taken to ensure accuracy, neither theEditor nor the Board can accept liability. The views expressed in thismagazine are not neccessarily their views or the views of the Group.

Neither the Group, nor the Editor, endorses any product or servicementioned in ‘THE SURvIvOR’.

Published Dec 2016 by Post Polio Support Group, Unit 319, CapelBuilding, Mary’s Abbey, Dublin 7. Tel: 01 889 8920 Fax: 01 889 8924

E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.ppsg.ieRegistered Charity No. CHY 11356

Company limited by guarantee and not having share captal. Registered in Ireland No: 354283

SURVIVOR · 2016. 12. 15. · polio survivor and 1916 Rising leader, Sean Mac Diarmada. Photos were...

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