Big Hearts At Croi Heart And Stroke Centre Galway

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On 21 July, Judges Visited The Croi Heart And Stroke Centre, Co. Galway

Once they arrived at the “Croi House”, they were given a presentation into what the charity organisation is about. Neil Johnson, head of the Croi Heart and  Stroke Centre told them:

Croí has been to the fore in the fight against heart disease and stroke in the West of Ireland since 1985. In the past 27 years, the Foundation has worked tirelessly, and financed its work through an active fundraising programme, all with the aim of reducing the impact of heart disease & stroke on families in the west.

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Knowledge Is Power

The services that the Croi Heart And Stroke Centre Galway offer to the public:

  • Life saving training
  • Health initiatives and classes
  • Nutritional information for healthy eating
  • Clubs such as “Women at Heart”  which promotes a healthy lifestyle for women

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The Heart House

Following the presentation was a tour of the facilities. Neil explained to them that,

All training rooms are equipped to deliver life-saving courses in CPR, defibrillation, stroke recognition and choking resuscitation to a wide variety of groups, from allied health care professionals, community groups, through to mums and toddler groups.

The charity receives high praise from the community who regularly take part in events such as fundraisers, fun runs, etc.

To learn more, visit the Croi Heart and Stroke Centre website.

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“There Is Such Progress Here And It Is A Wonderful Place To Live In”

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In Late July, The Judges Visited Springlawn Community Group, Longford!

The judges arrived to an estate decorated with hanging baskets and gardens blooming with flowers. The sunshine on their arrival helped!  First off was a presentation about the establishment of the Springlawn Community Group that has set out to tackle a once declining area. Currently they offer programmes to promote social inclusion such as:

  • Rural Development Programme (Leader)
  • Local Community Development Programme
  • Rural Social Scheme
  • Rural Transport Programme
  • Services to Older People funded under Dormant Accounts
  • Traveller Primary Healthcare Project
  • Volunteer Centre
  • Youth Service

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Making A Difference

The Springlawn Community Project, which incorporates Springlawn Community Childcare LTD, Longford Community Policing Unit, and the Springlawn Residents Community Development, has seen a major clean up in the area as well as the development of a community resource centre and modern, state-of-the-art childcare facility. 

Local Gardai have commented that there has been a “dramatic decrease’ in what was once a problematic area.

 

Seeing The Change

The real results are witnessed by residents every day.  Resident Carmel O’Shea said,

Myself and my family have lived in Springlawn for 28 years and over those years we have seen some changes. Many issues are now being resolved and there is progress here that makes it a wonderful place to live in.

For more information, visit the Springlawn Community Longford Website.

 

 

It’s All Happening In Lanesboro

Early August, The Judges Visited Lanesboro,Co. Longford

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They arrived on a sunny day and a very enthusiastic showcase to explain the Lanesboro Tourism Co-Op Society.  This took place at the local library, and the presentation highlighted the efforts made by the society to increase tourism in the area of Lanesboro. Seadna Ryan, who presented, stated that Lanesboro’s “calling card”  was its schools, facilities and landscapes.

Plans by the area to boost foot fall include:

  • Underground ESB cables
  • Flood lighting on the bridge
  • Forestry and a cycle way to link Lanesboro to the Royal Canal at Killashee
  • Mid Shannon Wilderness Park
  • A sustainable and vibrant community for everyone

A Prestigious Effort

Members from all parts of the community were present. Among them were the local scouts who secured an old barge and its next project was to restore her to her former glory. Liam Kelly, Scouts Leader told judges:

This barge – the 113B- was constructed in Dublin in 1937 and was used on the canal until the late 1950’s. It was used by CIE from 1960 – 2010 on Lough Ree when it was then decommissioned. We now have it in our possession – thanks to Waterways Ireland – and we are going to restore it. It will become the mother ship of the Royal Canal and will be used for local trips and to support the kayakers, canoers and all those who engage in watersports locally.

Following the presentations, some of the judges were brought on a  tour of the area, while others were entertained by the playing of the harp by Edel Loftus and her daughter. Local Margaret Nahilly also read a poem entitled ‘Woodland on My Doorstep”.