Post Polio Support Group - AUTUMN 2017 E SURVIVORParalysed with Fear is the story of Polio by...

SURVIVORTH

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Irish Polio News

Vol 13 Issue 2AUTUMN 2017

Polio Register Launches

Pictured are Bernie O’Sullivan, Susan Dowling, Jimmy Todd, Barbara McDonagh, Fran Brennan,Joan Bradley and Geraldine O’Neill launching the Polio Register at Conference 2017.

Contents

From the Chair – Chairperson’s Address 3

AGM – Treasurer’s Report 6

AGM Tullamore – Report 9

New Name 11

Polio Register Launch 12

The Story of Polio – Prof. Gareth Williams 13

New Strategic Plan 15

Silver Surfers – Jackie Minnock 17

Reviews 19

Social Support Group – Updates 23

Fundraising News 27

Noticeboard – reports & useful info 31

AUTUMN 2017 2

(Edwin Bailey)

Bleeding Heart Wisteria Magnolia

4AUTUMN 20173

FROM THE

CHAIR

4The SURVIVOR

The well attended AGM andConference was held in Tullamore,ideally a central location to give thegreater number of members anopportunity to attend. A number ofresolutions were put before themembers, including our namechange to Polio Survivors Ireland,passed by a majority. Although weare retaining the registered name,Post Polio Support Group, the day today name used from now on will bePolio Survivors Ireland, with a newlogo as you see in this magazine.

Our keynote speaker was ProfessorGareth Williams author of,“Paralysed with Fear – the story ofpolio”. After his talk, ProfessorWilliams was literally mobbed bymembers who wanted to speak withhim and purchased all the copies ofhis book that he had available!

You can find a video of hispresentation on our website,www.polio.ie and this will bringback to members the medicalexperiences, pleasant and not sopleasant, that polio survivors haveundergone. It shows how polio wasa condition to be dreaded and ofwhich little was known, except thatit was highly contagious and woulddisable the infected!

Our Development Officer, EmmaClarke Conway presented her

strategy for Communications andNiamh Murphy, our Membershipand Volunteer Recruitment Officer,presented her plan for therecruitment of new members andvolunteers at local level. Both plansare core if we are to sustain ouractivities into the future.

We are presently involved in a widerange of operations. Implementationof the Strategic Plan (2017 – 2019)which was completed in 2017 andwhich acts as a framework for ouractivities, is a priority. Copies of thePlan were available at the AGM andmembers are advised to view it togive an understanding of the workinvolved. Central to the Plan isrecruitment of new members andespecially active members to take onroles within the organisation.

Ihave now accepted thechallenging duty of representingyou, members of Polio Survivors

Ireland, as your Chairperson,replacing the very articulate,coherent and supremely efficientSusan Dowling. I wish Susan well inher retirement and trust that I canreplicate her efforts. I trust that wemay be able to call on Susan’sexpertise – retired but not gone! Iwould also like to wish Joan Bradleywell in her retirement. Joan, afounder member of the organisation

and a Director since its inception,has been there through all ourvictories and crises. Her gentle andpersuasive method of operation willbe sadly missed. Anne Shanahanhas also stepped down from theBoard to engage in other activities.Anne, an employee and long-timeadvocate of the organisation, waswell known to members for herpersuasive communication skills.

We are extremely fortunate to havea new member of the Board – TonyO’Connor as Co. Secretary. Tony is apolio survivor with extensivebusiness experience whosecontribution to our operations in theyear ahead will be highly valued.Other members of the Board for2017/2018 are: Roisin Nolan, JoyceHenderson, Macrina Clancy and JimBarrett.

Being Treasurer of the organisationfor the past number of years hasgiven me some insight into theoperation of our business and thechallenges facing us. While summeris normally a time of rest andrelaxation, the work must go on!

Pat McGillion - Chairman

Founding Member Joan Bradley

AUTUMN 20175 6The SURVIVOR

With the level of regulation andlegislation now in place in thecharity sector, the Board has had toform new sub-committees to dealwith issues arising. We are reviewingall aspects of our operations,revising our existing committeesand establishing new ones. This willall help with the negative publicityassociated with charities.

The Governance & ComplianceCommittee (replacing the Quality,Safety & Compliance Committee)will ensure good corporategovernance. In other words, we willimplement procedures which willhelp us to perform to the higheststandards possible by ‘doing ourgood work better’. This will also giveconfidence to you, our members,other stakeholders and funders.

The Service Quality & SafetyCommittee (replacing Ethics &Benefits committee) will oversee allservices and supports to members.The Finance & Audit Committee(new) will ensure financial

accountability and transparency, bymonitoring financial performance ofthe organisation. The BoardNominations Committee (new) willidentify suitable external peoplewith appropriate skills who canserve on the Board. The lack ofskilled and diverse Board membersis a common problem for mostcharities.

We are engaged in ongoingdiscussion with Rehab regardingPFI’s responsibility to support poliosurvivors. To date discussions havebeen prolonged and difficult withlimited success. To force this issue toa conclusion, the Board isconsidering strategies on which weshould have further news in the nextissue.

Enjoy the remainder of the rainyseason before autumn hits!

Regards,

Pat McGillion

FROM THE CHAIR

AnnUAl�GEnERAl�MEETInG�2017

TREASURERS

REpORT

All members of the Organisation were sent copies of the AuditedFinancial Statements for 2016. A breakdown of Revenue andExpenditure is given in the graphics. The group has provided a surpluson the accounts (Income less Expenditure) of €1,991.

Outlook for the Future

As with many organisations in the voluntary sector, the company isfacing challenging times. However, the development of our recentlyrevised Strategic Plan gives a realistic map for a sustainableorganisation into the future. This is contingent on maintaining therevenue stream which is continually under threat – loss of SSNO grant,possible reduction in PFI funding, difficulty in general fundraising.However, within these constraints, the Board is confident that it cancontinue to provide a quality service to members.

Pat McGillionTreasurer31st May 2017

The 24th AGM of the Post Polio Support Group held at the Tullamore Court Hotel, Tullamore, Co. Offaly on Wednesday 31st May 2017

FEEDBACK - It is important to us to have your feedback, good or badand we welcome your views anytime at 01 889 8920

or email [email protected].

InCOME�&�

ExpEndITURE



The AGM was opened by the Chairperson of the Board, Susan Dowling,who welcomed all delegates. A minute's silence was held in memory of allmembers, family and friends who have passed away during the year. TheChairperson, Susan Dowling read her report, followed by the CompanySecretary’s Report and then Treasurer Pat McGillion. Following these, the2016 Audited Accounts were proposed and adopted and BMOL Partnerswere re-appointed as Auditors.

A Special Resolution that article 39.3 of the PPSG Constitution be amendedwas proposed by Susan Dowling and seconded by Joyce Henderson. 230votes were cast in favour with 4 against and 8 abstentions. As the specialresolution was approved by well over 75% of the members who voted theChairperson declared it approved.

On the day discussion took place and of the comments and questions raisedwere:

• Disappointment was expressed that no nominations were received forthe Board from the West

• That a key problem for the organisation is that there are no local orregional structures as is stated in Strategic Plan

• That we seem to be just passing on HSE funding and that the HSE isusing us for our fundraising efforts

• A special thanks to Joan Bradley was given.

Following the count of the ballots cast in the Dublin Region, Pat McGillionand Róisín Nolan were elected and Susan Dowling was thanked for herwork as Chairperson and member of the Board over the last 5 years. Atribute was read and presentation made to Joan Bradley, who was retiringfrom the Board.

HAPPy NeWS!

Our founding member, Jim Costello, was missedat this year’s AGM. However, Jim reports that hehad a very good reason to miss the Conferencewith the happy news that he and his partner of33 years, Delia, have tied the knot!

Our warmest congratulations to Jim and Delia- may they enjoy many happy years together.

From all staff, board and members

REpORT�On�AGM

2017Tullamore Court Hotel, Tullamore, Co. Offaly on Wednesday 31st May 2017

MAIL VS EMAIL How would you like us to keep you informed? From time to time, Polio Survivors Ireland is obliged to send out

different information to members. We usually do this by post withThe Survivor magazine. If you would prefer to receive information by

email rather than post, contact [email protected]

Prof. Gareth Williams, author of ‘Paralysed With Fear’

with members at the AGM Tullamore

Presentation to Joan BradleyFounder member

Presentation to Susan Dowling Former Chairperson

11 AUTUMN 2017The SURVIVOR 12

Introducing�our�new�name

As members are aware, a new name was proposed earlier this year, for thePost Polio Support Group, and in the run up to the AGM, members wereasked to vote upon three shortlisted options: Polio Ireland, Polio SurvivorsIreland or (staying as) Post Polio Support Group. The result, overwhelmingly,was to change the brand name of the group to Polio Survivors Ireland.

This name reflects the way polio survivors refer to themselves and indeed,has been used by us frequently in media and social media as a way ofreminding the public: ‘We’re still here’. While ‘Post Polio Support Group’ willremain our official name, we believe that this simpler and clearer brand namecan have a positive impact on our fundraising and promotional activities,giving us a clear, focused title, as a national polio organisation.

We have worked on creating a new logo to suit this new name and we aredelighted to reveal it on the cover of ‘The Survivor’ magazine, and above.

The new logo and identity has been created by Geraldine Martin whoworked on the production of our ‘How We Survived and Surprised’ book.The new look is inspired by a short story within that book, ‘Louis Heels’ byAnne Shanahan.

The footprints are leading away from polio and cansuggest a long journey taken as survivors. Theycan also indicate how, despite their difficulties,polio survivors have made their mark, such aswithin their local community or society as awhole. One shoe is smaller than the other, acommon experience for many children with polio.There are numerous interpretations. No doubtyou as the polio survivor, will have your own.

We were delighted to announce to members, our new Polio Register, whichwas launched by leading UK polio expert and author, Professor GarethWilliams, at the 2017 Conference & AGM, in the Tullamore Court Hotel, onWednesday 31 May.

If you are already a member you don’t need to register, however, wewill be attempting to reach those polio survivors not currently in touchwith the organisation, to get a clear picture of how many are in Irelandso that we can advocate for the future of all polio survivors.

“We are piloting this NationalPolio Register firstly inGalway,” says Fran Brennan,CEO. “We know there are7,000 polio survivorsestimated to live in Ireland,yet less than 1,000 aremembers. We’ve consultedwith our members to see whattheir main concerns are, asthey continue to age. It is vitalthat they are not forgotten asa population and thatstatutory planning for medicalcare and social welfarebenefits take into accounttheir needs relating to polio.Accurate figures will help usachieve this.”

Do you have a story as a polio survivor that relates to the footprint?

Contact [email protected] or write to Emma,

Polio Survivors IrelandUnit 319, Capel Building,Mary’s Abbey, Dublin 7.

pOlIO

REGISTER

lAUnCHTULLAMORE

13 AUTUMN 2017 14The SURVIVOR

paralysed�with�Fear

Paralysed with Fear is the story of Polio by Professor GarethWilliams, who was our guest speaker at the recentConference. Gareth’s talk is on our website for anyone whomissed it. If you would like to order a copy of the book,please contact the Jenner Museum Manager, Owen, byemailing: [email protected]

The Edward Jenner Museum is where Jenner discovered and wrote aboutvaccination, and laid the ground that led to the vaccines we have today,including the ones that have all but defeated polio. Gareth says, ‘It's awonderful place and a charity which is sadly running out of money and mayhave to close, which would be a terrible loss. Buying the book allows them tokeep the bookseller's share of the cost and so helps fundraising.’ All Gareth’sroyalties go to the British Polio Fellowship.

In the email, please confirm if you'd like the paperback or the hardback, andif you'd like the copy signed, and any special message that you'd like Garethto include. He lives nearby and would be happy to oblige.

For more information on Dr. Jenner, please see www.jennermuseum.com

The SURVIVOR

THE�STORy

OF�pOlIOConference�2017

Professor Gareth Williams, author of‘Paralysed with Fear – the Story ofPolio’ told a rapt audience the historyof polio and its treatments during hisboth entertaining and fascinatingtalk, at the Conference in Tullamore,on Wed 31 May.

Speaking of some of the treatmentsthat were firstly applied to poliovictims, Professor Williams outlinedred hot poker treatments, leeches andother gruesome techniques that wereapplied before it was understood thatpolio patients cannot be cured, butonly helped to recover.

With a display of historical photosand many facts and figures, ProfessorWilliams, of Bristol University,showed both the human and thescientific story behind polio – whichwas the second greatest fear in theUS, next only to the atom bomb,according to a public surveyundertaken in the 1950s.

Clinical trials on an initial vaccinewere undertaken in Belfast in the1950s and though this version did notsucceed it was certainly the beginningof the end of polio – now almost

eradicated throughout the world, withonly three countries remaining to berid of this horrendous disease.

Professor Williams urges the likes ofRotary and the WHO not to give upin their efforts. During his speech healso highlighted and commended theessential work that charities such asours undertakes for polio survivors. Itwas a pleasure to hear from ProfessorWilliams, who travelled from the UKfor the event and many memberswere eager to read his book followinghis speech. Details on how to obtainit follow on the next page.

A huge thanks to DM Mobility, HomeInstead and Medifix Healthcare Ltd

who supported us with the conference.

Pictured launching the new Polio Register in the Tullamore Court Hotel, on Wed 31 May are Bernie O’Sullivan, Offaly, Professor Gareth Williams, author of ‘Paralysed with Fear – the story

of polio’, Geraldine O’Neill, Offaly, Jimmy Todd, HSE Laois/Offaly and (front) Susan Dowling and Joan Bradley.


3 GETTInG HElp - Have you been in touch with us recently?

Would you benefit from an Occupational Therapy assessment at thistime? Perhaps your circumstances have changed and it would help you to talk to us about any issues you are facing.

There are some limited therapies and aids & appliances that can assist in some situations.

We may be able to advise you on accessing other helpful servicesif appropriate.

3 BIll�TIp�-�CHECk�FOR�dISCOUnTS

Are you on the best rate with your energy provider?

It may be worthwhile contacting them to find out if discounts or better rates are available to you.

This can include electricity, gas and phone providers. Always ask!

Advice

informAtion

Support

AdvocAcy

A LiStening eAr

confidentiality Assured

Do you have an URGENT NEED?

Talk to us.

We are here to help

Contact Kerrie in the office01 889 8920

or by email: [email protected]

new�Strategic�plan�2017�-�2019

• Strategic Priority 1: Directly

provide a range of services and

supports that assist polio survivors

in maintaining their independence,

reducing their social exclusion and

enhancing their quality of life.

• Strategic Priority 2: Inform,

educate and assist polio survivors in

accessing the services, supports,

medical care and benefits they

require.

• Strategic Priority 3: Advocate for

improved statutory provision of

services, supports, medical care and

social welfare benefits for polio

survivors.

• Strategic Priority 4: Develop the

organisational board and staffing

structures in Polio Survivors Ireland

to implement this plan and achieve

these objectives.

How We Will Achieve These Results

Successful implementation of this

plan is dependent on three key

underlying strategic approaches:

• A focus on recruitment of new

polio survivor members over the

duration of the plan

• Polio Survivors Ireland as a Hub

for polio survivors - advising,

directing and supporting survivors

in accessing the services, supports

and benefits they need

• The utilisation of overlaps

between educating polio survivors,

recruiting new members and

advocacy/campaigning activities.

Our organisation faces some enormous challenges. OurBoard takes its responsibilities very seriously and is takingsteps to address and respond to these challenges.

We have therefore produced a Plan that we believewill provide a roadmap for our activities over the next3 years and sustain our organisation into the future.

While we will continue to provide services directly

to our members, the Plan includes measures to

reallocate some of our resources, reaching out to more polio survivors and

raising awareness of the needs of our members. These activities were given

greater priority in the early years of the organisation and we want to

revitalise our efforts in these areas.

A full copy of the plan is available fromthe office in hardcopy or by

downloading it from the website,www.polio.ie/about/strategic-plan


Back in early March, I got a call fromEmma at the Polio Survivors Irelandoffice, to say I had been short-listedfor an Age Action/eir Silver SurferAward in the Hobbies Category.Such a lovely surprise to discoverthat I had been, firstly, nominatedby Polio Survivors Ireland, and alsoto be short-listed by the SilverSurfer Committee!

Prior the Awards Day in Dublin, Iwas interviewed by my local radiostation, LMFM, and the localnewspapers ran an article about theAwards also. It was great to see thecharity getting some free publicityin the North East Region ofDundalk in print and on the radio.

On the day of the Awards, PolioSurvivors Ireland was wellrepresented by Joan Bradley, AnneShanahan, and Terry Fairtlough,

together with members of my ownfamily, who came along to theevent. There were 5 category awardswith 5 nominees in each. BazAshmawy (he of Fifty Ways to Killyour Mammy) was the MC for theday, and his Mammy – Nancy – isan ambassador for Age Action. Aseach nominee in a category wasannounced, Baz introduced them,and when he introduced me, PolioSurvivors Ireland got a greatmention, as did the benefits whichusing the internet can be for peoplewith disabilities.

I did not win my category but had agreat day, met lovely people andhave a framed cert to say I am aSilver Surfer. Possibly the onlysurfing I will ever be doing in mylifetime! Thanks to Polio SurvivorsIreland for the nomination.

Huge congratulations to North Eastmember, and stalwart contributor tothis magazine, Jackie Minnock, onbeing shortlisted as a Silver Surfer.Jackie continually uses the internetto research, learn and forenjoyment, and is then willing toshare her findings with other poliosurvivors through The Survivormagazine. We are very proud ofJackie.

Silver�Surfers�Making�Waves�by Jackie Minnock

Well�done�Jackie!

lobbying�ReminderThe Register of Lobbying, whichmaintains standards in public office,require us by law to report on anylobbying activity carried out on ourbehalf. What this means is that ifyou have any communication(conversation, letter, email etc) witha public official which mentionsPolio Survivors Ireland, this may beconsidered as lobbying. If you speak

to anyone, be it councillors, TDs, or

any public representatives, please

do let us know if we are mentioned

– even if it seems trivial, we may be

required to report on it.

We appreciate any lobbying or

advocating that members do – but

please keep us in the loop!

For�more�information�please�contact:�

[email protected]�

Or�ring�01�889�89�20

Please consider leavinga Legacy to

Polio Survivors Ireland in your will.

Leaving a gift to the charity in your Will can help us greatly to

continue to provide support to polio survivors.

You can alternatively request donations to the charity

in lieu of flowers.

Are�you�

making�a�will?


Polio Survivors Take to the StageSmashing�Barriers Waterford�Review

For a recent respite break and somerelaxation, I choose Waterford as mydestination and the Tower Hotel asmy base. The Tower Hotel staff arevery helpful and the hotel isaccessible. It has one wheelchairaccessible bedroom on each of itsthree floors, with access to therestaurant and bar. There are twolifts which serve all three floors.Breakfast is served as a self-servebuffet, but if you are alone or needassistance, the staff will bring whatyou want to your table.

The bar has live music on weekendsand bank holidays, and if you likesports, the hotel screens all livesporting events on the TVs in thebar. There is also a wheelchairaccessible toilet on the ground floor,near the reception area.

There is a card which you place onthe door handle at night to alert thestaff that you will need assistance inthe unlikely event of a fire. The hotelhas set down wheelchair parkingspaces outside the front door andguests have access to the hotel carpark, available by way of a code.

Waterford as a venue is generallyvery accessible; all the usual shopsare located in the town square and

you can shop until you drop.Everything is based in the mainsquare, so for shoppers you havePenney's, Dunnes Stores,Debenham's, Boots, TK Max, Shaw'sand much more.

At night there is live music in anumber of the hotels on the mainroad from the train station to theTower Hotel, and there is a verylively night life of bars and clubs inthe town. For those who like toexplore when on holiday, the newWaterford Crystal Show Case venueis only a few hundred metres fromthe Tower Hotel and is wheelchairaccessible. The boardwalk is a nicearea for a stroll and to see the boatsand river. A trip to Tramore orPassage East or even into the nexttown are easy to do, as the local busfleet are all low floor accessiblebuses, with space for two wheelchairusers on most.

All in all, I would personallyrecommend Waterford City Centreas a venue for a respite break.

Smashing Barriers is a theatrical piece devised and produced by a groupof disabled people from the Dublin 10 area. It is based on the livedexperiences of people with disabilities, and directly challenges the barriersthey face in being visible in society.

The project is at the initial stage of developmental theatre workshops. Ithas been presented as a work in progress at the Scene and Heard Festival,and received feedback from the festival, audience and participants.

The work is being expanded into a full-length production in October 2017.

The overall aim of Smashing Barriers is to promote equal participation inall aspects of the community for people with disabilities, generatingrespect for difference through active engagement and dialogue betweenthe disabled community and the wider community, through a theatreperformance.

The objectives are to create a theatre performance based on the livedexperiences of its participants, that will be produced and performed in aprofessional theatre setting, increasing the visibility of disabled people intheir community/society, and awareness of their experiences. It's alsohoped to use the piece to create dialogue between the audience and theperformers about the various barriers facing disabled people’s fullparticipation in community/society, (e.g. physical, social and attitudinal).

by Maureen McGovern by John Doyle

The participants come from a variety of groups including Polio Survivor Ireland’sMaureen McGovern and Pat McCabe.

22AUTUMN 2017The SURVIVOR21

Perhaps some readers have read or heard about the 2010 non-fiction book,The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, by Rebecca Skloot.

“Her name was Henrietta Lacks, but scientists know her as HeLa. She wasa poor black tobacco farmer whose cells—taken without her knowledgein 1951—became one of the most important tools in medicine, vital fordeveloping the polio vaccine, cloning, gene mapping, in vitro fertilisation,and more.

Henrietta’s cells have been bought and sold by the billions, yet she remainsvirtually unknown, and her family can’t afford health insurance.”

Oprah Winfrey stars as Deborah, the daughter, and is also an executiveproducer of the movie, running on HBO. It also stars Rose Byrne.

It sounds like a fascinating read and one of great historical interest,especially for polio survivors.

Bo

oK

S

noW

a moVIe

– the poetic journey of Paula Lahiff

Paula Lahiff has launched her book From India toIthaca, a selection of poems about her life, mirroringOdysseus’s journey back to Ithaca in Homer’s epicpoem the Odyssey. The book gives a wonderful insight into the good, thebad and the struggle of her life with polio and its after-effects, and how her family, her friends and her sense of humour havehelped her through. Her poetry is very dark in some places, very funny inothers and will have your emotions in turmoil as you accompany ‘thiswoman of experience, a wise woman, as she strides out on the road toIthaca.’From India to Ithaca is available directly from Paula for €12.50 (inclu p/p). Phone her on 086 3224402 for more details.

“These poems are a gift: a song of celebration of life, love and every little thingfrom oyster pearls to cow pats. Even polio, worming its insidious way throughthese pages, cannot stop the dance.”

- Orfhlaith Ni Chonaill, Author of The Man with no Skin

“This compelling collection spans not only the globe but a lifetime. In her poems,Paula has captured an acute, poignant and sharply observed tapestry ofhumanity. These are poems to charm, make us smile, make us reflect and tosometimes even break our hearts.”

- Dr Joe Kearney, documentary maker, writer, editor of Then There Was Light

Congratulations to Bray Social Support Group member, Joe Doyle, whohas recently published a book of music for uilleann pipes. Joe, from South Dublin, is an accomplished uilleannpiper and by all accounts, a brilliant teacher, withsome of his pupils winning awards such as at theFleadh Cheoil and All Ireland Championships. Joehas played a few tunes at Bray Group Dinners, aswell as at one of our AGMs in Tallaght some yearsago. Joe’s book was recently mentioned at the TradFestival that took place earlier in the year, andaccolades are flying in a review by Caoimhín Mac

Aoidh, of Na Píobairí Uillean.

“Straight to the point – Joe Doyle’s collection Music

for the Irish Pipes recently published by Na Píobairí Uilleann, is a tremendous

piece of work. In fact, that statement quite possibly underestimates how good

this work is.”

About 90% of traditional musicians do not read music, yet this book willstill enable them to follow the over 200 tunes, because as well as beingwritten in staff notation, it also shows the notes in ABC format. Joe’sphoto, on the cover of the book, was taken in the 1990s. We wish himevery success with this very worthy publication.

From IndIa to Ithaca muSIc For

the IrISh PIPeS – Bray Member’s Book Preserves Irish

Pipe Tunes By Anne Burns

The SURVIVOR23 24AUTUMN 2017

Photos courtesy of Jim O’Donovan. Members of the Cork Social Support Group at theirSummer Outing in Griffin’s Garden Centre, Cork in June.

Social�Support�

Groups CORk��

CORK GROUP SUMMER OUTING

Our Annual Summer Outing,chosen by the majority ofmembers from the Cork Group,was Griffin's Garden Centre,Dripsey, Co. Cork. The sun shoneand the flowers were certainly infull bloom as all 29 membersarrived on Saturday 17 June. Wehad a brief look around the shopand garden before lunch, whichwas served at 2pm. There was achoice of beef or salmon, followedby delicious desserts and tea orcoffee. During lunch we chattedwith old friends and made somenew ones.

After lunch, Margaret Griffin gavea very interesting talk ongardening. We learned fromMargaret how to plant a windowbox the right way. It wasinteresting to learn that she didnot wear gloves when working.Apparently when working withthe earth we release serotonin,which puts us in a good mood.

We also got tips on wateringcontainers - be sure to water evenwhen there is rain and waterregularly but not during daytime,

especially if it's sunny. She alsosuggested feeding little and often.Used coffee beans or dried eggshells can be used to deter slugs.Someone suggested beer as analternative but I reckon analcoholic slug would be too muchto take and would be back everynight.

One of the highlights of the dayhad to be the garden centre itself.It was one of the most beautifulgarden centres I have ever seen.The quality of the plants and thelayout was shown to perfection onwhat was a hot summer's day.

As well as all the usual beddingplants there were trees, shrubs,roses, statues and scented plants.Margaret showed us a stunnercalled Hot Lips. It had gorgeousred and white flowers and greenfoliage and gave off a lovely scent.It was like a delicate shrub. Sheexplained it would be best placedwhere it could be seen and thescent appreciated, maybe by thefront door or porch.

She also made up a window box inthe Cork colours, red and white. Itseemed so easy and yet it takes skillto show each plant at its best. Thewindow box was raffled and thelucky winner was Finbarr Bruen.With the talk over, we applaudedMargaret and thanked her.

The day coincided with MichaelSheehan's 87th Birthday and we allsang Happy Birthday. Unaware ofthe birthday, we had no present forMichael, but Margaret Griffin, in agenerous gesture, presented himwith Hot Lips to take home. Therewas much laughter and craic as theplant was presented to Michael and

I'm sure he wasn't the only one totake Hot Lips home that day.

The summer outing was a greatsuccess and thanks and credit mustbe given to Evelyn Wainwright fororganising it in such a caring way.The day went without a hitch andwas a wonderful experienceenjoyed by everyone. Meeting upwith old friends, enjoying a mealand learning something new, aswell as strolling among the manybeautiful plants displayed toperfection in the garden centre,made for a perfect day. And weeven took the sunshine home withus.

By Joan McDonnell

Congratulations

Dublin South West member,Fr. Tom Cooney, celebrated theGolden Jubilee of hisordination on 11th March2017, at the AugustinianChurch in Drogheda withfamily and friends. Educated atSt. Joseph's CBS Drogheda, Fr.Cooney joined theAugustinians in August 1959,and was ordained in Rome on 11th March 1967. In 1981, he was electedProvincial of the Irish Province and re-elected 4 years later. 1995 saw himas Assistant General of the Order based in Rome. On returning to Irelandin 2001, he was appointed Senior Lecturer in Pastoral Theology at theMilltown Institute in Dublin, a post he held until his retirement.


Social�Support�

Groups dublin�South�West

A�Match�made�in�WaterfordPictured are the Kilkenny Social Support Group, who held their meetingon the 6th March, 2017. The members had just presented a wedding giftto Denis Forde andTess Redmond. Denisand Tess are both fromDungarvan and hadbeen mentioned in theprevious Survivormagazine, they weremarried on the 21April. The memberswish Denis and Tessevery happiness andhealth for many years to come.

Our Westport trip was one of the most successfulto date. The Clew Bay Hotel is a small family runhotel, in the centre of the town. It was perfect forour group of thirty one. The staff were ready for ourvisit and gave us a great welcome on arrival.

The food was excellent and to spoil us altogether, we were served by thewonderful staff. Food was cooked as ordered, so it was fresh and tasty.The hotel is not fully wheelchair friendly, but manageable. We had sixwheelchair people with us and they all managed fine. The swimming poolnext door (free to us), is fitted with a hoist and disabled dressing room.The exercise equipment is very suitable for wheelchair users, which is rarein hotels.The weather wasn't kind to us, thoughthis didn't stop us sightseeing. Somewent on trips to Clifton, Knock, KylemoreAbbey and Cong, while others justwalked up the town and did someshopping.The hotel provided entertainment bothnights. We had fantastic singers in ourgroup which made the weekend so good. We had new faces on this trip and plan torepeat it next year.

Photo: to (l to r) Marie Hyland, Fr. Tom, Sadie Andrews and Anne Shanahan

Front: Pat Skeheen, Denis Forde, Tess RedmondBack: Martin McCormack, Assumpta Barry,

Joan Anne Walsh, Seamus Howley and Nial HarperTom Cullen (Finglas Group) getting

to know Westport peopleFinglas Group relaxing and

enjoying Westport

Finglas�Trip�to�Westport

Kieran Dempsey (Finglas Group)inspecting castle at Cong


What a wonderful day at the Rainbows IceCream Parlour, in Bray, on Wednesday 9August, for the fundraising Ice Cream Blitz inaid of polio survivors. A good day was enjoyedby all. Our radiant riveria setting!We had sensational sunshine, a welcome breeze and stunning silversurf, among the azure sea as the perfect backdrop for the PolioSurvivors Ireland ice cream fundraiser, hosted by Rainbows near BrayHead – number 7 on the LovinDublin.com list of reasons Bray isbetter than Dublin!A massive thanks to the owner, Carol who organised sponsorship ofthe ice cream product, and to her staff & volunteers who all did trojanwork to make this fundraising event worthwhile for Polio SurvivorsIreland. A number of our Bray Social Support Group members alsohelped out with the event. Thanks to Anne Burns for the photos andto all who attended and helped us to make this a fun and enjoyablesummer day, with a wonderful feelgood element to it! The toppingon the cone, was the excellent sum of €638 raised in total by theefforts of all involved.

Ice�Cream�Blitz�in�Bray

FUNDRAISING NEWS

Marie McGuirk andNorma Furlong

Grace, Grandad Tom, Joyce, Marie & Josephine

FUNDRAISING NEWS

Well done to Brendan Moore,North East Social SupportGroup. Not only did he organisea June church gate collection with his fundraising volunteers inDunleer (which raised €210), he also appealed to the MonaghanLions club, who made a fantastic donation of €2,000 to PolioSurvivors Ireland. If you have a local Lion's Club in your area and you wish to writeto them, contact Emma in the office for a template letter. A huge thank you to the Monaghan Lions Club for theirgenerosity to polio survivors.

Tesco

Cavan

donation

Pictured is Brendan Moore of the North East Social SupportGroup, Fundraising, Publicity & Campaigning Networks member,with Gary Boss, Tesco Store Manager, Cavan Town, receiving acheque for €190.22 from the Tesco Community Fund, on behalfof customers in Tesco Cavan.This completes a hat trick of counties with Tesco stores within theNorth East Social Support Group area (Louth, Monaghan, Cavan). Brendan wishes to thank Tesco customers in the North East. Sofar, the grand total that's been collected with the help of Tesco is€1,282.02. As they say, every little helps.

Well�doneBrendan!


Huge thanks to Rotaract of Dublin, pictured here at their pub quizin The Liquor Rooms, where they held a pub quiz in aid of poliosurvivors at the end of March. The event raised €155 for us. We are very grateful to the Rotaract members, including Livia

who was in touch with us.

We were delighted to be nominated for the LMFM Charity of theMonth for May, thanks to the efforts of Brendan Moore and MaireadMatthews. Brendan gave an interview on LMFM regarding thecharity and polio, and is pictured here with Paul McKenna, mid-morning presenter, LMFM. Well done to Brendan on securing thisnomination for Polio Survivors Ireland. A cheque will be presentedsoon – many thanks to all in the area who supported the venture.

Huge�

thanks�to

Rotaract�

of�dublin

FUNDRAISING NEWS FUNDRAISING NEWS

Some�ways�to�raise�money

polio�Survivors

benefit�from

lMFM�Bingo!

TESCO Community�Fund�(Blue Tokens)Most people are familiar with the Tesco Blue Tokens you can useto raise funds for a local charity. Did you know that you cannominate a good cause (like Polio Survivors Ireland!) either byfilling in a form online or pop down to your local store to fill oneout!

AldIAldi has a Community Fund from rounding up cents in stores.Aldi’s community support fund programme provides each Aldiemployee with the opportunity to nominate a charity, communitygroup or not-for-profit organisation within their local communityto support. Dundalk Aldi donated the April €25 Community Fundamount to us. Drop into your local Aldi to ask about nominatingPolio Survivors Ireland.

Regifting!One of our members has made a suggestion that might assist withfundraising. While not everyone would wish to do this, sometimes,instead of birthday presents, members might encourage familyand friends to make donations to Polio Survivors Ireland.Particularly if it’s a significant birthday this can be very helpful toour fundraising.

SHARE YOUR KNOWLEDGE - Have any of our members had positiveexperience with Orthopaedic Surgeons or other medical professionals, who

were knowledgeable about polio? If you have come across a healthcareprovider who took a great interest or was more aware than normal about the

issues associated with polio and Late Effects of Polio, please let us know.


NOTICE BOARD

Have you checked out if there is a Men's Shed Group inyour area? There are a variety of Men's Sheds aroundthe country, and they all offer something of worth tothe men who participate. It’s a great way to meet others, share skills andhave a chat. They say men support each other shoulder to shoulder - somethingthat's well known to this group. Check it out at www.menssheds.ie for more information.

Only Men Allowed

NOTICE BOARD

Cookery Courses! We are very grateful to Colette O'Reilly (Finglas Group) for getting intouch with Northside Partnership and arranging a six week course onbasic cooking.

To take part, you pay a once off fee of €10. The teacher provided theingredients each week and we all took part in the cooking and tastedthe food afterwards. We made healthy soups, brown bread, some lovelypies and learned the health benefits of cooking.

Any group interested in organising something similar, please contactLinda Scanlon on (01) 8320995, who will discuss with you the bestlocation for the people taking part. There are branches in the followingareas:

Clondalkin/Ballyfermot: Liz - 086 0490866

Dun Laoire/Bray/Wicklow/Southside: Anne - 087 1500234

Ballyfermot/Chapelizod: Tina - (01) 4508788

Blanchardstown: Roisin - (01) 8209550

Women OnlyThe Irish Countrywomen’s Association (ICA) does notconfine itself to rural Ireland, as you might think by its name. For example, in Dublin alone there are over 30 branchescovering the Northside and Southside areas. The website for the groupis www.ica.ie and there you can find the nearest branch to you, no matterwhere you live in the country (or city)! The ICA has a great reputation forits craft work and its support of women throughout Ireland.

Can You Spot a Scam? By Brendan Moore

With all kinds of scams going on throughout the country, be it door todoor, over the 'phone or out socialising or shopping, why not

familiarise yourself with and use the ‘Scam Test’ below:

(S)eems too good to be true

(C)ontacted out of the blue

(A)sked for personal details

(M)oney if requested

If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam. If in doubt, phone your nearest Garda station.

Colette and Paul with teacher Karen, in Kilbarrack.

Make sure you let

them know that you

are a member of Polio

Survivors Ireland.

NOTICE BOARD

Members of the Finglas group are happy to recommend the Aura Poolon the Navan Road. From Monday to Thursday, 1pm to 2:30pm, you arenearly sure to have a lane to yourself. The pool is 20 metres in lengthand the cost is €5 a swim. The staff are very helpful. They have a hoist,and a lifeguard is on duty at all times. The beauty of this pool is the temperature - it is suitable for people withpolio, and there is a special dressing room area for wheelchair users.Check the internet for more information: www.auraleisure.ie

A Swimming Time

NOTICE BOARD

How we can give back to society andhelp ourselves too


New Beach Wheelchair in Louth

Polio Survivors Ireland was saddened to hear of thepassing of these members recently:

Leo Dempsey, Dan Hegarty, Doris Coe, Francis Cullen,Anthony Lynch, Aistin O’Loracáin and Patricia Twohig.

We acknowledge the contribution these members have made tothe work of Polio Survivors Ireland –

Our thoughts are with their family and friends.

A beach wheelchair has been launched at Clogherhead, Co. Louth, tobe available free of charge to users. The new wheelchair, which can beused on land and in the sea, can accommodate adults and children. Itcan give a great deal of freedom to a person with disabilities. Louth isonly the second county in Ireland to have it. Wexford's Celtic Adventureswill manage the chair and users should pre-book to avoiddisappointment. Call Dave on 085 8752767. If any members have had the opportunity to try out the beachwheelchair this summer, we would love to hear how you got on!

Have you heard about either of these two Organisations?

University of Third AgeUniversity of Third Age is affiliated to Age Action Ireland. It is a placewhere older people can meet and share their expertise, wisdom andalso learn new skills.

Their website is www.ageaction.ie.

Email address is [email protected].

There are branches throughout Ireland, with the biggest number, four,being in Dublin. They’re located in most regions of Ireland, so thereshould be one in your local area if you wish to go along.

Third Age IrelandThird Age Ireland claims that they are working towards an Ireland anda world where the third age in life is valued and celebrated.

Through Third Age Ireland, older people can get involved in VolunteerWork and share their talents.

The website for Third Age Ireland is www.thirdageireland.ie.

So why not check out these Organisations. You probably have more tocontribute than you realise, and as they say, ‘It’s good to share’.

COMPLAINTS POLICY- If you have an issue please contact ourcomplaints officer Roisin Nolan at [email protected] or by sending a letteraddressed to Roisin c/o the office and marked Private & Confidential.

A copy of our Complaints Policy is available on our website athttp://polio.ie/about/policies/ or contact the office for a copy.

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

Josephine O’Reilly Tel: 087 2351243 Email: [email protected] MEETINGS Meetsat 8pm on the first Tuesday of most months from March through to October. If you live inthis area and would like to attend these social meetings, please give Josephine a 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.

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 CONTACTAnastasia McNamara Tel: 086 07952051 E-mail: [email protected] Last Wednesday of the month at 11:30am (except July, August & December).If you live in this area and would like to attend these meetings, please give Anastasia acall.

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.

CONTACT DETAILS FOR ThE SOCIAL SUPPORT GROUP IN YOUR AREA

AUTUMN 2017 3635 The SURVIVOR

BOARD SUB-COMMITTEES 2017 – 2018

GOVERNANCE & COMPLIANCE

Tony O’Connor (Chairperson), Pat McGillion, Macrina Clancy, Jim Barrett

SERVICE, QUALITY AND SAFETY

Roisin Nolan (Chairperson), Joyce Henderson, Susan Dowling

BOARD NOMINATIONS

Pat McGillion (Chairperson), Joyce Henderson, Tony O’Connor, Joan Bradley

FINANCE & AUDIT

To be formed

SURVIVOR EDITORIAL COMMITTEE

MEMBERS Una Lyons, Jackie MinnockEmail: [email protected]

COMMITTEE MEMBERShIP 2017 - 2018

ChAIR Pat McGillion DEPUTY ChAIR Joyce Henderson TREASURER Macrina Clancy

COMPANY SECRETARY Tony O’Connor

OThER DIRECTORS Jim Barrett; 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.polio.ie

CEO Fran Brennan - Email: [email protected]

SERVICES TO POLIO SURVIVORS

Kerrie Donegan, Email: [email protected]

ACCOUNTS TBC, 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 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.

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.

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 MaireadMatthews Tel: 086 815 8156 Email: [email protected] MEETINGS Meetsfour to five times yearly on Mondays at 2pm. If you live in this area and would like toattend these meetings, please give Mairead 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.


Columbine Urn(Edwin Bailey)

WiLLSPlease remember Polio Survivors Ireland in your Will, or request

donations to Polio Survivors Ireland 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 charity.

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

Published August 2017 by Polio Survivors Ireland, Unit 319, CapelBuilding, Mary’s Abbey, Dublin 7. Tel: 01 889 8920 Fax: 01 889 8924

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

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

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