A very special evening was held in the community hall Newcastle on Wednesday evening the 25th of June. Newcastle CFR and the National Ambulance Service came together to honour one of Newcastle CFR’s longest serving members Larry Doocey.

Larry has been with Newcastle CFR since its foundation and in that time has trained as CFRC,CFRA,First Aid Responder and currently Emergency First Responder EFR, throughout this time Larry assists the callout coordinator with training and training scenarios in order to help and progress the group and has never missed one meeting or training since the group was set up.

The night was opened by Mr. Donal Lonergan Education and Competency Assurance Officer National Ambulance Service, Donal thanked Larry for his exemplary record and dedication and commitment to Newcastle CFR.

Mr Patrick McCarthy Community Engagement Officer National Ambulance Service thanked Larry for his exceptional dedication and commitment to Newcastle CFR and the people of Newcastle and the surrounding areas.

The group were joined via video message by Mr Ger O’Dea Community Engagement Manager National Ambulance Service ,he thanked Larry for his unwayvering commitment and tireless dedication to Newcastle CFR ,he also thanked the Newcastle CFR group whos commitment and hard work he said has undoubtedly saved lives,he thanked them sincerely for their assistance to the National Ambulance Service.

Larry was then presented with the Special Recognition Award and certificate by Mr.Donal lonergan and Mr. Pat McCarthy on behalf of the National Ambulance Service to rapturous applause from all present.

Seán Byrne Chairman/Callout Coordinator Newcastle CFR welcomed all present including Mr.Donal Lonergan Education and Competency Assurance Officer National Ambulance Service ,Mr Pat McCarthy Community Engagement Officer National Ambulance Service ,Chris O’Donovan Chairman/Callout Coordinator Cork City missing persons and his wife Ber, Jim O’Brien Chairman/Callout coordinator Ballyporeen/Skeheenarinky CFR and his wife Margaret and Jim Freeman photographer. He also welcomed Joan Doocey Larrys wife and Kathryn Moran close family friend.

Seán congratulated larry on his award and thanked him for his assistance and commitment and constant dedication to Newcastle CFR ,Seán then presented Larry with an award in recognition of his achievements on behalf of Newcastle CFR and Marian O’Dwyer treasurer Newcastle CFR presented Joan Doocey with a bouquet of flowers from the group. Seán thanked all those that attended and helped in any way to make the night so special, Ciara Lonergan for the beautiful cake and the night ended with refreshments and baking provided by Newcastle CFR members.

Thank you Larry for your dedication and commitment to Newcastle CFR and the people in our Community.

Remember you can always contact a stall owner and order any of their products. They make great gifts for Christmas or anytime.

Indoor and outdoor stalls and a very Special Guest is due to arrive also.

Not only have we the man in the red suit as our special guest at the Newcastle craft fair – We also have the ‘TULLY TWINS’ ..#tullytwinssocks #Gogglebox #allyouneedforxmas come along for some fun & festive cheer – maybe even buy a pair or two of ‘Tully Twin socks ..Hope to see you all there.

In Aid of Newcastle Community First Responders.

We were delighted to facilitate the purchase of 4 new outdoor heated cabinets and a new AED for 4 of our local groups, We had the customary cuppa and handed over the new cabinets to representatives of Newcastle Gaa, Newcastle Voluntary Housing Association, Newcastle Muintir na Tire and a new cabinet and AED to Tigh na nDaoine Newcastle, We are very grateful to these groups for deciding to purchase this new equipment which will serve the community for years to come.

These new Cabinets will replace the old ones and begin to appear around the village very soon, Thanks to Fred Lee at First Aid Supplies for supplying everything so quickly and thanks again to our local groups and committees for their support

Lots of Local Community Groups, our local school, individuals, businesses etc.. brought along their equipment, tools, bikes, gardening equipment, trailers and 2 Community First Responder Groups brought their Defib Units to be Marked. (EirCode is used)

Thanks, to all who participated and to the Event Organisers

Despite the weather a great turnout

Come meet the Newcastle Community First Responder Group, for a Coffee Morning in the Community Hall and then later in the Newcastle GAA Grounds where a huge amount of events will take place, see the list below.

Newcastle CFR is a group of 24 volunteers trained by the National Ambulance Service and is the only one of its kind in South Tipperary. The group was one of the first in Ireland to be affiliated under the National Ambulance Service.

Under the guidance and leadership of Mr. Donal Lonergan, Education Training and Competency officer with the National Ambulance Service the group respond to emergency calls received from the National Ambulance service from within their area.

The group is trained in areas such as Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) , Chest Compressions , Automated External Defibrillator use (AED), Infection prevention and control and Critical Incident Stress Management.

The group has now proved how important it is to our community, the CFR can be on the scene within minutes of receiving the call and we have proved ourselves time after time in real life situations and  WE HAVE SAVED LIVES in our community.

Some more photos from the event.

The following are just some photos from the evening. (Click on a photo for a bigger version)