Cork Stroke Support has been named the overall winner at the Cork International Hotel Community Spirit Awards 2024. Brothers John and Dan Cronin were honoured for their dedication to the charity, which is now supporting more than 200 members and provides a five day service.
Cork Stroke Support was formed in 2010 by volunteer health care professionals in collaboration with stroke survivors and families. The vision of the group was to reduce the impact of stroke and improve the quality of life for survivors and families.
The Cronin family were introduced to the group after their father, Sean, suffered a stroke in 2017. Dan and John remained involved after Sean later passed away the following year and are now the organisation’s treasurer and chairman respectively.
Opened in Blackrock in 2021, Cork Stroke Support Centre’s offering has grown to include a number of services such as a physiotherapy and nurse-led stroke day programme, counselling, information sessions, gym sessions, art and music classes along with members outings. There’s also a dedicated rehabilitation gym onsite which provides physiotherapy-led exercises.
PUBLIC VOTE
The Public Vote Winner went to Elaine Curtin, U13 Carrigaline Basketball Club coach. The Special Needs Assistant has dedicated much of her free time to coaching the local youth basketball team and has been recognised for her commitment to helping others. Her encouraging words and selfless nature sees her giving extra help and time to any of the team that need additional assistance. She also teaches her team about working together to achieve results.
LIFETIME CONTRIBUTUION
The Lifetime Contribution Award went to Paddy O’Connell for his lifelong service and unwavering dedication to the Carrigaline Pipe Band.
As well as being involved in the band, he has spent the last 70 years organising engagements and fundraising events and managing the band hall, ensuring it remains a vibrant hub for local events. His influence throughout the community was recognised including his friendly demeanor and genuine interest in others to make a positive impact in the locality.
‘INSPIRATIONAL’
This is the fourth year of the Community Spirit Awards, which celebrate the outstanding contributions of individuals and groups dedicated to enhancing the lives of people in their community. Each month, a winner is announced and these people are all considered for the overall prizes at a gala ceremony which was held in the Cork International Hotel last weekend.
Eoghan Murphy, general manager of the Cork International Hotel said that the awards recognise people ‘who so selflessly give their time to create a better Cork’.
“These individuals have had an enormous impact on their community and on the people around them. They truly are an inspiration to us all. I am honoured to celebrate the achievements of all the winners. They make our county a better place. I wish to extend my gratitude to them and to those who nominated them. I wish them every success in the future,” he said.
The awards are sponsored by The Carrigdhoun newspaper and Gerald McCarthy Giftware.
