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24th February 2015 • Volume 22, Issue 06 • Leader House, North Street, Swords, Co. Dublin. • Tel: 8•400•200 • info@northcountyleader.ie
Hope For ‘Men’s Shed’ Group In Portmarnock Those looking to join the ‘Men’s Shed’ movement in Portmarnock and surrounding area, have been given some hope that a suitable ‘shed’ facility may be made available to them in the coming weeks. The County Council confirmed that they were currently working with the group.
Pictured here, Alex Stimpson (aged 3) from Swords was on hand to support ‘Bumbleance’ the children’s ambulance service, which plans to increase its fleet from two to five units. Bumbleance units will be fitted out with décor and interactive features needed to entertain and reduce stress on sick children when travelling to and from treatment centres. The ‘child-friendly’ ambulances play an important role in easing the stress on sick children when being brought for treatment, and this is something we want to make available more widely," said Bumbleance founder, Tony Heffernan.
At a recent area meeting, the local authority revealed that staff from its community, culture and sports division have been working with the group for the last couple of years. A Men’s Shed is a dedicated, friendly and welcoming meeting place where men come together and undertake a variety of mutually
new skills and develop your old skills. An objective of the group is to enhance or maintain the well-being of the participating men. Local councillor, Brian McDonagh (Lab) is a By Jennifer McShane supporter of the moveagreed activities. Men’s ment, and he told the Sheds are open to all County Leader that there was a real men regardneed for the less of age, group to have background a permanent or ability. It is home in the a place where locality. you can share “The Men’s your skills Shed groups and knowlare very edge with popular here others, learn Cllr. McDonagh
in the North County, as they provide another outlet for men that isn’t necessarily to do with sports or involves going to the pub,” he said. “There are a few groups scattered around the locality, but there isn’t as yet a permanent place
for any of the groups,” he said, adding that many other local councillors supported the group. In a motion to the County Council last month, it was noted that a men’s shed group already exists in Continued on page 12
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Inspirational Molly Battles On Brave little Molly McNally, the inspirational six year old Balbriggan girl, who has undergone a bone marrow transplant operation at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital in Crumlin, is recovering very well from her ordeal. Her parents, Gerry and Emma have been constantly at her bedside, providing her with the love and support she needs. Gerry spoke to the County Leader about the courage and resilience that Molly has shown, since she entered hospital on 25th January last to have her vital transplant operation. He said, “We’re delighted with the progress Molly has shown, and her consultant, Cormac Owens is very pleased with how she is progressing. The first week was all about chemotherapy, where she underwent 17 rounds of chemo in her first week in hospital,” he said. When Molly got her stem cells back, that is called Day zero, and after 10 to 15 days, they expect to see white cells developing. Molly is now making her own white cells and her own nutrifils (good white cells). These repair damage done to her mouth, throat and gut and they also repair her immune system.
Nothing is left to chance and they cover every option. As I’ve said before, we wouldn’t let Molly go Gerry said that Molly’s energy levels are good and anywhere else in the world for her transplant operaher weight is improving. “She is sitting up and is in tion. She is in great hands and has a great relationgreat form, playing with her DS. The main concern ship with her consultant and all the nurses. Last with such a transplant is with the liver, and doctors Sunday marked 16 months since she was first diagare keeping a close eye on her fluids. If the liver nosed with Neuroblastoma. It’s been a long, hard takes in too much fluids, it can swell, but thankroad, and hopefully there is light at the end of fully everything is good so far,” said Gerry. the tunnel,” said Gerry. Molly’s courage and fortitude in how she Meanwhile the fundraising campaign for has borne such a serious illness, is an inspiMolly continues, with the much anticiration to all. Gerry explained, “The medical pated, ‘Bust Up For Molly’, a charity team say she is ahead of schedule. She boxing event, which will take place in the had a rough time, but fair play to her, she Bracken Court Hotel in Balbriggan on 2nd never complained ; she just gets on with it May. This is expected to be the biggest and is always smiling and good humoured. fundraiser to date, and preparations are With any luck, she could be out in as little as beginning already. two weeks, providing there is no infection.” Another way to help is to sign up to The Molly Gerry and Emma have been fulsome in their Molly McNally McNally Miracle Trust, which is eagerly praise for Crumlin Hospital, and how they seeking runners in the Women’s mini-marathon in treated Molly. “Crumlin Hospital is second to none. June to sign up for the charity, by going to the Molly Their attention to detail with children is fantastic, and McNally Miracle Trust facebook page, if you would both Emma and I couldn’t praise them enough. like to support this excellent cause.
By Patrick Finnegan
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