SURVIVORTH

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Irish Polio News

Vol 17 Issue 1Spring 2020

Eileen O’Mahony, Dan Ahern and Evelyn Wainwright at the presentation of €1,000 winnings

from the Winter Survivor Sweepstakes Draw to Dan! Photo: Jim O’Donovan

Contents

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) To facilitate your membership with us, Polio Survivors Ireland will process personal and, if applicable, especially if you use any of our services, possibly sensitive information relating to you both digitally and in manual format for the duration of your membership. You have the right to access this information at any time by calling 01 889 8920 or emailing info@ppsg.ie. This information will be destroyed if, or when, your membership of the organisation ceases.

Spring 2020 2

Fun Crossword 3

From the Chair – Chairperson’s Address 4

Keeping Well – Tips from the HSE 5

Useful Services – contact details for support 6

Justice for Polio Survivors – Update 7

Important information – various updates 8

Member Info – Disability Toll Exemption 10

Area Meetings – events & Polio Register update 11

Bequests – leaving a legacy 13

Cocooning Poster – pull out poster 15

Past Times – A Physiotherapist Remembers 17

Services Article – Role of the GP 19

Polio History – Walt Disney Premiere Dublin 20

Social Support – Christmas parties 21

Fundraising News 24

New Poetry Corner 27

From the Chair

Spring 2020The SURVIVOR 43

Pat McGillion - Chairman

We originally started preparing this Survivor in February but had to

suspend it over the Covid-19 crisis. Since early March we are either cocooned or in self imposed isolation to protect us from the virus. Home working is now the norm for many people - including ourselves.

We must remember, at this time, that our priority is to implement and comply with the Government’s restrictions on movement and the HSE’s public health protocols on hygiene. Towards the end of March, the CEO and the office produced the Guide to Covid-19 specifically geared towards polio survivors. This is an excellent publication that emphasises the supports that the office provides during this time of crises. A number of our services are interrupted to comply with the health restrictions (specifically all meetings – social support, areas, committees, etc.) but our staff continue to provide services as best they can. Staff are working from home but calls to 01 889 89 20 will be answered as usual.

Staying at home can pose a problem for polio survivors, who might risk losing vital muscle tone. We are enclosing a leaflet created by the HSE Cork Community Physiotherapists,

to help you do simple exercises while cocooning. Only attempt the exercises that are suitable for your ability. If you find this leaflet useful, let us know and we will pass on your feedback.

Unfortunately, our annual conference has to be cancelled but we are compelled by legislation to hold our AGM. The AGM will be a very restricted event this year to comply with public health and will be held in June. Our objective is to give as many members as possible an opportunity to participate. We will be sending you more information in the coming weeks on the AGM. I would ask members, at the AGM, to put themselves forward for election to the Board. It is important to have strong representation from the membership on our Board. If you wish to go forward contact the CEO and he will advise you of the necessary process to follow as soon as possible.

There are many ongoing issues at the moment such as funding, but these have taken a secondary role to our present health crisis and will be covered in future editions.

Across 3. Food retailer owned by Musgrave’s 6. Show presented by Sharon Ní Bheoláin 11. US President who had polio 14. Which Dubliner had a hit record with the song Grace 15. The main ingredient of guacamole 16. Creator of Mickey Mouse 17. County with the most lakes in Ireland

Down 1. Famous for cheese and site of last year’s Polio conference 2. Mean Cousin of fictional wizard Harry Potter 4. Best picture winner in the 2020 Oscars 5. Famous stone that bestows the gift of the gab 7. Winner of Dancing with the Stars 2020 8. A highly seasoned Hungarian soup or stew of meat and vegetables, flavoured with paprika 9. Surname of our Chief Medical Officer 10. Surname of writer of Booker Prize winner The Testaments 12. Famed Dublin dish featuring boiled sausages and rashers 13. Invented the Polio vaccine

ANSWERS: Bottom of page 27

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Fun Crossword

Go néirigh an tadh libh go léir.

Please remain safe and keep in touch.

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Keeping Well - tips from the HSEPANTONE Hexachrome Cyan U

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3 try spending time with the windows open to let in the fresh air, arranging space to sit and see a nice view (if possible) and get some natural sunlight

3 if you have a garden or backyard, go out and get some fresh air but please keep away from other people including neighbours. Keeping a distance of at least 1 metre but where possible 2 metres (or 6.5 feet) from other people is recommended

3 spend time doing things you enjoy – this might include reading, cooking, other indoor hobbies or listening to favourite r a d i o p r o g r a m m e s o r watching TV

3 take care of your general health by eating healthy well-balanced meals, drinking enough water, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking and excess alcohol

3 it is so important to stay connected with others. Pick up the phone and call a friend. Try and keep in touch with your normal social groups, using alternative methods such as video calls or social media. Go online and find groups with similar interests to you through online forums and get chatting

3 stay informed. As this is an ever-changing situation, it is good to keep yourself up to date with the latest messages. However make sure to get your information from reliable sources only

3 make sure to take the time to switch off. There is so much information out there, that it is easy to feel overwhelmed. It is good to take a breather and think about something else. Being creative is a great way to do this

It is very easy to become anxious and lonely when you must isolate yourself from others. This combined with worry about your health and the health of family members can make this a challenging time.

Here are some simple tips to help you through:

For more information on minding your mental health during the COVID-19 outbreak go to HSE.ie.

Useful ServicesALONE – call 0818 222 024 if you have concerns about your own wellbeing, or the wellbeing of an older person you know.

SeniorLine – this is a helpline for older callers, who can call free between 10am and 10pm every day of the year on 1800 804 591.

Threshold – this charity provides a wide range of information and advice on renting, housing and problems with landlords. If you need to talk directly to an advisor call the national free phone helpline 1800 454 454 Monday to Friday 9am to 9pm.

Polio Survivors Ireland – for general concerns or if you cannot access important medical or social services, you can call us on 01 889 89 20.

Samaritans – call 116 123 if you’re worried about your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak, or the mental health of someone else, you can contact the Samaritans for free. Face to face services have been stopped for the moment, however they are still answering the phone, should you need someone to talk to.

Protect yourself and others from getting sick

Wash your hands• after coughing or sneezing• when caring for the sick• before and after you

prepare food• before eating• after toilet use• when hands are visibly dirty• after touching cuts, blisters or

any open sores• you can use alcohol hand rub,

if hands are not visibly dirty

www.hse.ie/handhygiene

Spring 2020The SURVIVOR 87

JUSTICE FOR POLIO SURVIVORS CAMPAIGNSince our last update we have established through further research that Rehab Group have taken an estimated €12 - €14 million that was raised and intended for people with polio and spent it on other things. I’m sure you will agree that this is scandalous. It is unjust and means that people with disabilities arising from polio are being denied the supports they need.

Following our representations to Minister for Disabilities, Finian McGrath, the Minister contacted Rehab Group and suggested that an independent person be appointed to investigate the facts of the situation and make a determination that both sides would abide by. Unfortunately Rehab Group rejected this proposal.

We have since met again with Minister McGrath to encourage him to pressurise Rehab Group to reconsider the proposal for an independent investigator by withholding funding to them. The Minister agreed to discuss this with the HSE but in the meantime the Covid 19 pandemic has led to this, and everything else, being put on hold.

What may be significant is that on 13th February, Mo Flynn, the CEO of Rehab Group, resigned from her position and an Interim CEO was appointed. It may be that a change of personnel at the very highest level in Rehab Group will result in a different approach and better engagement from them in relation to our issue.

We will however continue to pursue our campaign and we will keep you informed in future issues of the Survivor.

Susan Dowling, Justice for Polio Survivors Campaign

National Advocacy Service for People with Disabilities The National Advocacy Service for People with Disabilities (NAS) provides an independent, free and issue-based advocacy service for people with disabilities in Ireland. They particularly work with people who have communication differences, are isolated from their communities, have limited natural supports, live in inappropriate accommodation, live in residential services or attend day-services. All of their services are currently operating via phone on 0761 07 3000 from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday and by email at info@advocacy.ie. Enquiry information and forms are available on their website - www.advocacy.ie. The NAS continues to be available to support those they are already working with via phone and email, but also welcome new enquiries. While it is not possible to meet directly with the person, there are other ways that NAS can provide independent advocacy support to people with disabilities.

Beaumont Hospital Clinic Telephone consultations As members may be aware all upcoming/scheduled clinics in Beaumont Hospital are cancelled, until the HSE feel it is safe to reinstate them. However, Professor Hardiman and her team are going to now hold telephone consultations instead of all scheduled appointments. As it is a large clinic, the team will be starting calls over the next week, so those who had appointments will be invited to discuss issues with them over the phone, leading up to the 7th May. If you have any queries please contact Mairead Byrne, Secretary, on 01 809 2174 or email maireadbyrne@beaumont.ie.

Eircom.net Eir had announced plans to start charging a monthly fee of €5.99 for its eircom.net email addresses from April. However this charge has now been postponed indefinitely due to Covid-19.At some time in the future they may impose this charge, so we would recommend that now is the time to look at switching to a new email provider and changing any account details that use the eircom.net address.

Scams & Fake News There are a lot of scams and fake news going around on social media, including whatsapp and text. Please be wary if you are asked for your bank details and never give out any personal or financial information to an unverified source by email or over the phone.

Be careful where you get your info on #Covid19 – use only trusted mainstream media, like RTE News, Irish Times, Irish Independent etc., or thejournal.ie. Always look at the source of ‘news’ – is it from someone you know, or is there a proper source, like the HSE? If something makes you feel panicky or upset, it’s important to know if it really is true. Often times fake stories are sent around to manipulate people’s feelings and make you more likely to send it to other people. If in doubt, google it. Often this helps to show if something is true or fake.

There is a good article in the Irish Times, (you can access it on our website), which explains step by step how to bring over your contacts and old email

to a new service, once you’ve set that up. Gmail is probably one of the easiest and most popular options.

Spring 2020The SURVIVOR 109

Many polio survivors use wheelchairs, scooters or other forms of assistive technology and these are things that should not be overlooked in the fight against Covid-19.

Covid-19 can survive on surfaces, so it is essential to clean down any surfaces you touch frequently, or which could be touched by others.

If you push your tyres, you are basically touching every surface they touch. If you wear gloves, think about where you put them down. Do these need to be cleaned? Did you wash your hands before and after wearing them? Use anti-bacterial wipes to clean your hands after being out if you touch push rims on a wheelchair.

Wipe down your wheelchair or scooter (especially push rims, tyres, and

joysticks) or rollators, walking aids, grab rails etc., with anti-bacterial wipes or a cloth with disinfectant spray. Try to include wheels, wheel locks, frame and arm supports, push handles or foot supports.

Around the house regularly clean grab rails or other supports you touch frequently. Wash your hands before and after doing this, and before and after you eat. Be aware of your eating habits when using your wheelchair or scooter. Don’t forget your mobile phone and remote control!

Wheelchair users may be more at risk of droplets in the air, for example from talking to people taller than you. Increase your social distance to at least 6 feet.

R.I.P. Polio Survivors Ireland was saddened to hear of the passing

of these members recently:

Alison Hunter, John Van Bevan, Ronan Lynch, Alan Clinton Roberts, Bryan Kelly, Kay McShane,

Patsy McNamara, Thomas Patrick Murray, Maura Connor, Belinda Redmond, Maura Bracken, Dick Kiernan,

Jacqueline Govin, Vera De Valera

We acknowledge the contribution these members have made to the work of Polio Survivors Ireland – our thoughts are with their family and friends.

Up until now, qualifying people with disabilities have been exempt from fees at some of Ireland’s tolls. However, the system was very confusing as different companies own different toll plazas and had different ways of providing this facility. Transport Infrastructure Ireland has now standardised the system and you can apply for a disc which is fixed to the car windscreen and is evidence of your entitlement to exemption from the fees at ALL toll plazas.

This new scheme, the Disability Toll Exemption scheme (DTES) for Irish Toll Roads opened for applications in February 2020, for drivers of disability modified vehicles.

The scheme allows disability modified vehicles that qualify for exemption under the Revenue Commissioners Drivers and Passengers with Disabilities Tax Relief Scheme (VRT7), to be exempt from charges on Irish toll roads.

The National Scheme will replace the cards that were previously issued by Dublin Tunnel and other Toll Plazas.

Once your vehicle has been registered and approved you will be issued with a disc which needs to be affixed to the vehicle’s windscreen. This will allow your disability modified vehicle to drive hassle free through all Irish Toll Plazas.

In order to apply you will need the following information:

• Individual Contact Details

• Your Vehicle Registration Number (Licence Plate Number)

• Your Vehicle Registration Certificate or Motor Tax Disc which provides validation that your vehicle qualifies for the Disability Toll Exemption Scheme under the Revenue Scheme Rules.

You can fill out an online registration form available at www.dtes.ie or call the local number 1800 11 55 00 and an operator will assist you.

Upon issue, the disc will be valid for a period of 2 years and a new disc can be applied for using the procedures outlined.

Please note, this scheme only applies to those drivers with disability modified vehicles. It does not apply to those with disability parking permits only.

DISABILITY TOLL EXEMPTION

Wheelchair and Assistive Technology Precautions during Covid-19

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Our campaign to reach polio survivors who are not currently engaged with the organisation continues as we build numbers and create a stronger voice for those who had polio. So far, 373 new people have signed the Polio Register.

This year we plan to roll out the register in the North East, Midlands and South West, budget and time allowing. We will shortly be highlighting the campaign in Meath,

Louth, Cavan and Monaghan so watch local papers and listen out to radio for our adverts. If you know a polio survivor who is not a member, please encourage them to sign the register. They can do so over the phone, on the website or by sending in one of the forms – some of these may still be in GP and hospital waiting rooms.

Our fifth Area Meeting took place recently in the Cahir House Hotel, Cahir, Co. Tipperary on Thursday 20th February.

Once again we were delighted to have 25 members and non-members come along to hear more about Polio Survivors Ireland’s work.

So far we have covered Enniscorthy, Dungarvan, Newbridge, Carlow and Cahir. Area Meetings will resume when it’s safe to do so.

We are keen to meet people, particularly new members or people on the Polio Register, who might perhaps like to become members.

Questions and discussions have been wide ranging during the meetings, from medical cards, to funding, to sourcing hospital records. There is a light lunch to break up proceedings which gives people an opportunity to chat more socially about different issues they have experienced.

Our Active Members have been very supportive of these meetings, especially those involved with either Social Support, Telephone Support or our National Networks. We are always keen to meet people who might give some time to help provide some of our peer services.

Our National Networks are a hugely important aspect of our Publicity, Fundraising and Recruitment work and members ‘on the ground’ are essential to make this work.

If you would like to attend a meeting, whether it’s in your area or not, please do contact the office. We will notify members in each area by text and details will be included in our e-newsletter to members who have given us an email address.

Polio Register UpdateArea Meetings PANTONE Hexachrome Cyan U

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For more, see: www.polio.ie/national-polio-register/

Do you have an URGENT NEED?

Contact Ciara in the office at 01 889 89 20

Or by email asic@ppsg.ie Confidentiality Assured

Contact Kerrie in the office at 01 889 89 20

Or by email fsw@ppsg.ie

Talk to us. We are here to help

ADVICE

INFORMATION

SUPPORT

ADVOCACY

A LISTENING EAR

If you think you could help

Polio Survivors Ireland by

joining a network and doing

‘Just 3 Things’ to help – please

contact Emma on 01 889 8920,

or email DO@ppsg.ie.

Polio survivors at the Area Meeting in Cahir recently

Spring 2020The SURVIVOR 1413

Some unusual things have been left to charities over the years.

According to an Irish Times’ article a few years ago, Oxfam UK has received gold teeth, a dentist’s chair, greyhounds and shares in the original Woolwich Arsenal Football Club.

More traditionally, and fantastically, the €6m left to charity by Elizabeth O’Kelly in 2017 made headlines, being an enormous sum of money which would do great good.

Most people don’t have €6m floating around our bank accounts or down the back of the couch. However, at some point, most of us will need to think about making a will. Whether it’s to ensure that there is no ambiguity about who gets your grandmother’s wedding ring, or if it’s to ensure a family home is fairly divided, at some point, it’s important to put down on paper what happens when inevitably we pass on.

Leaving money to charity is something that anyone can do. As well as potentially making a contribution to others, most people leave a legacy because they want to feel that their life

mattered. Deciding what you want your legacy to be can give your life meaning and purpose. No matter how great, or small the gift you can leave is, it matters to someone.

It was reported in the Irish Independent that many people feel they have nothing to leave. But given that if you pass away without a will, your spouse is entitled to two thirds of all you leave while any children get the other third divided between them, on a practical level you should make your wishes known.

A good solicitor will advise you how best to direct what you own, but that requires a will. After you look after those who are nearest and dearest to you, leaving as much tax-free as possible, there may be room to leave something to a charity of your choosing.

While you should be specific about the charity, it is advised not to over-direct what the money is used for. For example, deciding to leave it for research if a specific charity doesn’t do research may not be a good idea. Equally, directing that it is spent only in a particular area can be problematic for the charity if there are very few members in that area. You could instead decide to leave it for general purposes or unrestricted.

In the case of Polio Survivors Ireland, you could designate it for spending on aids and appliances, or winter heating grant, for example, which gives much more scope for us to help different polio survivors

across the board.

We are very fortunate to have

Holohan Lane Solicitors available

to advise any members who wish to

make a will, free of charge. See ad.

Are you making a will?Contact Alan Raftery at

01 872 7120 or email legal@holohanlaw.ie and Alan will explain

everything you need to know to draft your will.

Please consider leaving a Legacy to Polio Survivors Ireland in your will.

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

providing support to polio survivors.

You can alternatively request donations to the charity in lieu of flowers.

LEAVING A BEQUEST

The requirement for those over 70 (under certain circumstance) to provide a medical report when applying for a driving licence is being removed at this time due to the coronavirus crisis.

From now until 31 July 2020, persons of 70 years of age or over can apply for, and renew, their driving licence

in the normal way through the NDLS public office without the need to submit a medical report. However, this is only if they do not have a specified illness.

In making this announcement, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, also asked ALL motorists to take the utmost care while driving.

Over 70 Driving LicencesUPDATE

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A Physiotherapist RemembersBy Marie O’Donohue, M.C.S.P.

Some time ago I heard someone on RTE TV say that all the

doctor and physiotherapists who treated polio patients in the pre Salk vaccine days were now dead. Well, I am still very much here, and I thought I should share with you my experiences before I join the category referred to above.

In 1951, I was a newly qualified Physiotherapist working in the Royal Victoria hospital in Belfast. In June of that year there was a serious outbreak of Polio all over the North of Ireland. All the patients were brought to the Fever Hospital called Purdysburn, about 5 miles outside Belfast.

They had no physios, so they asked the Royal for help – three of us agreed to go and we worked there from the June of ’51 until the February of the following year. Remember this was pre-Salk days so our only protection was a gown, mask and plenty of hand washing!

Hundreds of patients were admitted, many requiring treatment in an iron lung. These machines helped patients whose respiratory system was affected and initially they were in the iron lungs at all times. As they improved we stopped the lungs for a short time, a few times during the day, gradually increasing their time out, so weaning them off total dependency wherever possible.

These iron lung machines were donated to every hospital in the United Kingdom by the industrialist and philanthropist, Lord Nuffield. He was the man who made his money in the first place by designing and building Morris cars - remember the Morris Minor?

There was a large map of the province in the doctor’s residence, and a small flag was pinned on it marking where each patient came from. This was an effort to see if there was any connection between cases, but the patients came from all over the province and no connections were ever established.

Sadly, there were some mortalities, but gradually most patients improved, and as they did we increased their activities.

Equipment was basic, and physiotherapy consisted of passive movements, stretching the non-affected muscles (to prevent contractions) and sensory stimulation of the paralysed muscles, and then gradually increasing the activity for the affected muscles by balance exercises and walking.

When the epidemic was over, and there were no new admissions, we moved out of the hospital to a few wooden huts at the Back Gate. Here things were more relaxed and we had good fun with the children.

Rehabilitation was well organised; an orthopaedic team came once a fortnight from Musgrave Park hospital. The team consisted of an orthopaedic surgeon, Mr. Wilson, and two orthopaedic nurses. One of the nurses, Miss Morris, was a marvellous woman – she was both an orthopaedic nurse and a Physiotherapist (later in her life she was given an OBE from the British Crown, in recognition of all her work over the years). We

did muscle tests and between us agreed on the splints required and Ms Morris made them then and there on the premises.

In the months and years following the epidemic the same orthopaedic team from Musgrave Park Hospital travelled all over Northern Ireland to the major towns where the patients were brought in to be seen – this ensured continuity of care and treatment.

We were looked after very well by the Purdysburn staff and hospital. The food was good and much appreciated by someone living in digs as I did then. To get to work I and the other two physiotherapists took a country bus out from the city every day, and the bus driver would wait for us if we were late in arriving!

It is all a very, very long time ago and despite everything I look back with fond memories, and wonder what happened to all those children we cared for, as well as wondering whether I am the last of that care team. Perhaps I will never know, but then again – perhaps you the reader will know otherwise.

PAST TIMESPast Times – a new feature in Survivor where we will publish recollections, historical articles and personal stories

This article first appeared in The Survivor, Autumn 2010. Marie was a member who passed away a while ago and her nephew gave us permission to reprint it.

The SURVIVORThe SURVIVOR 2019 Spring 2020

ROLE OF THE GP

Did you meet Walt Disney in Dublin in 1959?

Darby O’Gill was the first Disney film to get its first showing outside the US, due to Walt Disney’s love for his ancestral country. The film, which has for many years been a firm family favourite, featured performances from Albert Sharpe, Janet Munro, Sean Connery and Jimmy O’Dea.

Directed by Robert Stevenson, its screenplay was written by Lawrence Edward Watkin adapted from the books of Herminie Templeton Kavanagh. The film is a tale about a wily Irishman and his battle of

wits with leprechauns. Walt Disney himself and Sean Connery both attended the world premiere which took place in Dublin’s long lost Theatre Royal.

One of our members found this photo online which we reproduce here with Disney’s approval - if you recognise yourself and have memories of this occasion, do get in touch, or simply enjoy a trip down memory lane.

Pictured is Walt Disney at the world premiere of Darby O’Gill and the Little People, in the Theatre Royal, Dublin, June 24th 1959. The premiere, at Dublin’s Theatre Royal, was a charity event for disadvantaged children and you will no doubt spy the tell-tale callipers and crutches that suggest that the children photographed are in fact those who had polio in the 1950s in Ireland.

Credit: Used by permission from Disney Enterprises, Inc.

We often hear of difficulties experienced by members who do not feel that their GP or local health practitioner ‘understands their polio’. However, the role of the GP is still a crucial resource that can have a much bigger role in long term health. A polio survivor’s health may not be solely dictated by their history of polio. Polio survivors are unfortunately just as susceptible to the same medical conditions as others. Often given their mobility issues, this will make them more susceptible to certain conditions, such as High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Diabetes, Cancer, Mental health issues, Back Problems, and further conditions that arise as we age. GPs should be the initial point of care for most of these conditions, but sometimes the importance of their role is ignored by polio survivors who have potentially had a bad experience.

It is understood that many GPs have never seen a polio survivor. As a result knowledge and understanding of Post Polio Syndrome and Late Effects of Polio is low, unless they happen to have one or more patients who have worked to inform them of their needs.

If you feel your GP isn’t understanding and you don’t have the option of changing GPs, our latest leaflet ‘Late Effects of Polio’ might help to educate them in brief.

There is also the ‘Blue Book’ but the leaflet is a starting point for a busy GP and we would encourage you to seek a copy to provide to them (available from the office).

It can be difficult to deal with the healthcare system, particularly with the current crisis, however we would always encourage you to telephone your GP with any health concerns that arise. Polio is one difficulty that cannot be changed, however there are illnesses that proper and timely treatment can help manage or even prevent.

Polio survivors may not wish to spend any further time in a healthcare setting than they already have, particularly important right now with the coronavirus. However, the Covid-19 cases in hospitals are contained, numbers on trolleys are currently next to none, so if you need medical attention, do not put off going to the hospital, or contacting your GP with any concerns.

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A wonderful photo of some of our members at the Carriage Driving End of Season Awards. Presented by Val, Chairperson of the Carriage Driving group to Marie, Joyce and Josephine. Well done ladies!

As the year drew to a close, many of our groups enjoyed 2019 Christmas get-togethers. Here are some photos of our Bray Social Support Group, enjoying their Christmas lunch in December.

SLIGO CHRISTMAS LUNCH

BRAY SOCIAL

We had 15 members from as far away as Sligo, Donegal, Leitrim & Roscommon attend our Christmas lunch in the Sligo City Hotel in November. While there was a tinge of sorrow because two of our members had died since we’d last met, it was good to have a social occasion, and the support of Polio Survivors Ireland for the event was noted. Our dinner was followed by a talk on mental well-being from Dermot Lahiff who is counselling coordinator with NW STOP Suicide. This was a light-hearted talk on how to look after your mental health and how to keep positive in times of stress.

Some of our Sligo Members enjoying the Christmas Lunch

Social Support Groups

CORK CHRISTMAS PARTYCork Polio Survivors had their Christmas Party in Vienna Woods Hotel, on Sunday 29th November 2019. The hotel provided a beautifully decorated room, high quality meals and staff who were most efficient and very pleasant. Music was provided by Mr. Jim Ahern, which greatly added to the occasion.

There were thirty-two happy people in attendance. Great thanks and acknowledgement to Miss Eileen O’Mahony, Social Support Convenor and her excellent team. A most enjoyable evening was had by all and we are looking forward with enthusiasm to meeting once again when it’s safe to do so.

Our Dublin South West Social Support Group met in December for their Christmas get-together. They say it turned out to be a great day with everyone having something different to eat, as the choice was brilliant, and well presented.

Some of our Cork Members enjoying the Christmas Celebration

Dolores, Jimmy, Sadie and Anthony (top left) on way to Bray

DUBLIN SOUTH WEST GET TOGETHER

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FUNDRAISING NEWS

Mansion House Live Crib Collecting

Members of Polio Survivors Ireland once again volunteered for a day at the annual Mansion House Live Crib Fuel Fund collection, on Friday 13th December.

With weather dry and typically crisp, the setting at the Mansion House was wonderfully atmospheric for the public to enjoy. Visitors (of all ages) sat on Santa’s throne to make a wish. A letter box was also provided to post a

letter to Santa, while children at the Crib could take away a lovely Christmas card to colour in. Added to all this were Christmas Carols and other seasonal music wafting through the air!

Polio Survivors Ireland has been very fortunate to receive a donation in previous years, from this, the oldest charity in Dublin, so it is a pleasure to support it.

We wish to thank everyone who replied to our appeal for volunteers - we had a fantastic response and do appreciate the efforts of members to try to fit some time

into this busy period. Our volunteers on the day were Pat, Joan, Frances, Ann, Frank, Georgina, James, Pat, Dolores, Roisin, Nigel, Madeleine, Terry and Anne.

CLEW BAY TRIP

SEPTEMBER 2020 TRIP

Our annual pilgrimage to the Clew Bay Hotel, Westport, took place in mid-February 2020. A group of 39 people from different Polio Survivors Ireland groups joined us. The weather was dreadful, plenty of rain and strong winds that lasted throughout, however, us brave soldiers decided not to let the weather ruin the trip and we enjoyed every moment of it.Some travelled by car, while a number of people got the train. A mini coach was waiting at the station to bring us to the hotel. The staff at the Clew Bay were very pleased to see us and gave us a warm welcome. The hotel has won many awards for their food, in particular, their breakfast; they cook it

fresh when you arrive each morning. Dinner was equally good. The hotel organised a band on two nights and on the third night we had our own Marty from the Kildare Social Support Group. We are blessed with the amount of very good singers in our group. The locals are amazed by us and we use the words ‘Post Polio Group’ which is a good way of letting people know we exist.

Our Annual Trip to the Connaught Hotel will now take place over three days in September: 6th, 7th and 8th September 2020Double/Twin Room: €234 per person, includes 3 breakfasts and 3 dinners. Single Room: €368 - includes 3 breakfasts and 3 dinners. The Connaught is a 4 Star Hotel and has a swimming pool. To book, please contact the Connaught Hotel on 091 381200. Remember to tell them you are with the Post Polio /Polio Survivors Ireland Group as the above rates are special to us.

Camera caught our good friend Johnny chatting up the women again!

Dublin North City SSG

All are welcome to join us on this trip. Dublin North City Social Support Group

FUNDRAISING NEWS

We are delighted and very grateful to the congregation and community of St. Patrick’s Cathedral as we have been kindly supported by Saint Patrick’s Cathedral Community Fund, with a small grant to us to fund aids and appliances for polio survivors.

Polio survivors require a variety of Aids and Appliances to assist them in remaining independent, staying mobile and avoiding falls. These include Orthotics such as callipers, crutches, special footwear and braces, and Mobility Aids, such as rollators, wheelchairs and motorised scooters. This grant will help us to fund orthotic inserts or rollators for those who need them to maintain their independence and keep them from falling.

You can find out more about this beautiful building which is the National Cathedral

of the Church of Ireland by visiting their website www.stpatrickscathedral.ie. The building is a busy place that serves as a place of worship, a visitor attraction and as a host for many events. A dedicated team of staff, volunteers and members of the Cathedral community are responsible for ensuring this building’s ongoing life and ministry is maintained for future generations to enjoy.

As the largest cathedral and one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Ireland, Saint Patrick’s has been at the heart of Dublin and Ireland’s history and culture for over 800 years. The website has a fascinating timeline where you can learn more about the development of the Cathedral and the fascinating characters who make the story of the Cathedral and its place in history what it is today.

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FUNDRAISING NEWSSurvivor SweepstakesWinter Winner 2019

Mansion House Reception

Thank you to everyone who entered the Winter Survivor Sweepstakes. We truly appreciate the support, especially at this time of year. The draw took place on December 18th, in Capel Building, witnessed by Alan Raftery, Holohan Lane Solicitors. The numbers drawn were 1,3,9,13. There was no match 4 winner.As promised in our Winter draw €1,000 must be won. We held a second draw using random numbers for each entry and the €1,000 winner is Dan Ahern! Congratulations Dan!Winners of the three €50 spot prizes are Joe McLoughlin, Brigid Fee and Libby Hendricks. Congratulations to all.

The winning numbers can be checked using this ticket: https://www.randomresult.com/ticket.php?t=1504022TLLFZ

Members at the cheque presentation with the Lord Mayor

Our next draw is coming soon.

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YOUR FEEDBACK- Your opinion counts! Polio Survivors Ireland is your charity, your support organisation, your service and we are always eager to hear your ideas on how we can improve our services and supports and our organisation! You don’t have to wait until a conference or meeting to feedback information, opinion, or tell us about your experiences that might help us to help you. Feel free to contact Fran Brennan at ceo@ppsg.ie or on 01 889 89 20. If you have any suggestions or contributions to make to the Survivor Magazine, please contact Emma on DO@ppsg.ie or call the office. It is your magazine and we want to hear from you.

Never ForgetMagie Din Beag, aged four in 1865, was lifted on to her father’s shoulders at Abraham Lincoln’s funeral. Her father said to her: ‘Never forget that you were at Abraham Lincoln’s funeral!’He said it at the time, she told me, and again at intervals throughout the rest of his life.She told it to me in 1956 when I was ten, and said: ‘Never forget that you once knew an old woman who had been at Abraham Lincoln’s funeral when she was four’. Fifty years ago now;so what I say to you is: never forget that you once read something by someone who said they had known when they were young someone who said their father told them they had been to Abraham Lincoln’s funeral.

Taken from Ennismore News February 2020 – attributed to Bernard O’Donoghue, a contemporary Irish poet and academic, born in Cork. Submitted by Jackie Minnock BOARD SUB-COMMITTEES 2019 – 2020

GOVERNANCE & COMPLIANCE

Fintan Foy (Chair), Pat McGillion, Ankita Ahluwalia, Fran Brennan (CEO)

SERVICE, QUALITY AND SAFETY

Joyce Henderson (Chair), Elaine Twomey, Roisin Nolan, Susan Dowling

FINANCE & AUDIT

Macrina Clancy (Chair), Miriam Kavanagh, Pat McGillion, Marie Hyland

BOARD NOMINATIONS

Pat McGillion (Chair), Fintan Foy, Marie Hyland, Joan Bradley

SURVIVOR EDITORIAL COMMITTEE

MEMBERS Una Lyons, Jackie Minnock - Contact via Emma do@ppsg.ie

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP 2019 - 2020

CHAIR Pat McGillion DEPUTY CHAIR Joyce Henderson TREASURER Macrina Clancy

COMPANY SECRETARY Fintan Foy

OTHER DIRECTORS Robert Alcorn, James Doorley, Marie Hyland, Miriam Kavanagh, Frank Mitchell, Elaine Twomey. Board members can be contacted via the office on 01 8898920, or info@ppsg.ie

ADDRESS Unit 319, Capel Building, Mary’s Abbey, Dublin 7 Tel: 01 889 8920. Email: info@ppsg.ie Web: www.polio.ie

CEO Fran Brennan - Email: ceo@ppsg.ie

SERVICES TO POLIO SURVIVORS

Kerrie Donegan, Email: fsw@ppsg.ie Ciara Hudson, Email:asic@ppsg.ie

ADMINISTRATION Paul Turner, Email: info@ppsg.ie

MEMBERSHIP & VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT OFFICER Contact office vacancy being recruited.

DEVELOPMENT OFFICER Emma Clarke Conway. Tel: 01 889 8920, Email: do@ppsg.ie

BOARD MEMBERS

OFFICE STAFF

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Poetry Corner

CROSSWORD ANSWERS: Across: 3 SuperValu. 6 Crimecall. 11 Roosevelt. 14 Jim McCann. 15 Avocado. 16 Disney. 17 Cavan. Down: 1 Charleville. 2 Dudley. 4 Parasite. 5 Blarney. 7

Lottie Ryan. 8 Goulash. 9 Holohan. 10 Atwood. 12 Coddle. 13 Salk.

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

Josephine O’Reilly Tel: 087 2351243 Email: josieoreilly101@yahoo.ie MEETINGS If you live in this area and would like to attend these social meetings, please give Josephine a call.

CARLOW GROUP LOCATION Dolmen Hotel, Carlow AREA Carlow CONTACT Betty O’Regan Tel: 086 081 6816 Email: betoregan933@gmail.com MEETINGS 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 Bailey Tel: 061 368 373 Email: edwinbailey@eircom.net MEETINGS If you live in this area and would like to attend these social meetings, please give Edwin a call.

CORK GROUP LOCATION Vienna Woods Hotel, Cork AREA Cork CONTACT Eileen O’Mahony Tel: 087 648 8916 Email: eomahony01@gmail.com MEETINGS If you live in this area and would like to attend these social meetings, please give Eileen a call.

DUBLIN NORTH CITY GROUP LOCATION Currently Parnell GAA Club, Coolock AREA North West Dublin CONTACT Paul Sinclair Tel: 087 6821017 Email: paulsinclair@eircom.net MEETINGS If you live in this area and would like to attend these meetings, please give Paul a call.

DUBLIN SOUTH WEST GROUP LOCATION Maldron Hotel, Tallaght AREA South West Dublin CONTACT Pat McCabe Tel: 086 8158232 Email: photopat3@yahoo.com MEETINGS If you live in this area and would like to attend these social meetings, please give Pat a call.

DUBLIN SWORDS GROUP LOCATION Kettles Country House Hotel, Swords AREA North County Dublin CONTACT Office Tel: 01 889 8920 Email: info@ppsg.ie MEETINGS If you live in this area and would like to attend these meetings, please give the office a call.

GALWAY GROUP LOCATION Menlo Park Hotel, Galway AREA Galway; South Mayo CONTACT

Office MEETINGS If you live in this area and would like to attend these social meetings, please give the office a call.

KILDARE GROUP LOCATION Monaghan’s Harbour Hotel, Naas AREA Kildare CONTACT Martin Brennan Tel: 085 766 2885 Email:martinbrennan88@hotmail.com MEETINGS If you live in this area and would like to attend these meetings, please give Martin a call.

KILKENNY GROUP LOCATION Aspect Hotel, Kilkenny AREA Kilkenny, Waterford, South Tipperary CONTACT Pat Skehan Tel: 085 2443588 Email: patskehan@hotmail.com MEETINGS If you live in this area and would like to attend these social meetings, please give Pat a call.

CONTACT DETAILS FOR THE SOCIAL SUPPORT GROUP IN YOUR AREA

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LAOIS-OFFALY GROUP LOCATION Maldron Hotel, Portlaoise. AREA Offaly, Laois CONTACT

Bernie O’Sullivan Tel: 057 934 3760 or 086 064 7227 Email: ggcp@iol.ie MEETINGS 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, North Tipperary. CONTACT Office MEETINGS If you live in this area and would like to attend these meetings, please give the office a call.

MAYO GROUP LOCATION Travellers Friend Hotel, Westport. AREA Mayo CONTACT Mary Ryan Tel: 087 9534130 Email: maryryan32@hotmail.com MEETINGS If you live in this area and would like to attend these social meetings, please give Mary a call.

NAVAN GROUP LOCATION Ardboyne Hotel, Navan, Co. Meath AREA Meath, Westmeath and South Louth CONTACT Teresa Brennan Tel: 086 1679431 MEETINGS If you live in this area and would like to attend social meetings, please give Teresa a call.

SLIGO GROUP LOCATION City Hotel, Sligo AREA Sligo, South Donegal, North Leitrim CONTACT

Monica McGowan Tel: 087 242 0700 Email: monicamcgowan@eircom.net MEETINGS If you live in this area and would like to attend these meetings, please give Monica a call.

WEXFORD GROUP LOCATION Riverside Hotel, Enniscorthy AREA South Wicklow; Wexford; Waterford CONTACT Contact Sharon Sinnott Tel; 086 085 3040 Email: sinnott.sharon@gmail.com MEETINGS If you live in this area and would like to attend these meetings, please give Sharon a call.

CONTACT DETAILS FOR THE SOCIAL SUPPORT GROUP IN YOUR AREA

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ORGANISATIONAL COMPLAINTS POLICY- As a member organisation, polio survivors are at the heart of our work. While we endeavour to ensure that our services are of the best possible quality, we do recognise that from time to time a polio survivor or someone on their behalf, may wish to express a dissatisfaction or to complain about the services and supports provided to them. Our Complaints Policy outlines the procedure for making a complaint – this is available on our website www.polio.ie/policies or you can request a copy from the office. Our complaints officer is Joyce Henderson and you can submit your complaint to Joyce by sending a letter addressed to Joyce at the office address, marked ‘Private & Confidential’.

Spring 2020The SURVIVOR

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 effects of polio among polio survivors, statutory agencies and the wider medical

profession, and to ensure that the needs of polio survivors relating to their condition are met to enable them to live with dignity.

DISCLAIMER: While every care is taken to ensure accuracy, neither the Editor nor the Board can accept liability. The views expressed in this magazine are not neccessarily their views or the views of the charity. Neither the charity, nor the Editor, endorses any product or service

mentioned in ‘THE SURVIVOR’.

Published April 2020 by Polio Survivors Ireland, Unit 319, Capel Building, Mary’s Abbey, Dublin 7. Tel: 01 889 8920 Fax: 01 889 8924

Email: info@ppsg.ie Web: www.polio.ieRegistered Charity No. CHY 11356 CRA No. 20030926

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

UNSUBSCRIBE: If you no longer wish to receive this magazine from Polio Survivors Ireland please email DO@ppsg.ie or call 01 889 8920.