SHANNON’s Order of Malta branch are to be aided in their efforts to find a place to call home in the county.
At Tuesday’s meeting of the Shannon Municipal District, Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) appealed to the Shannon Municipal District to “work with our local Order of Malta to help them acquire a space they can call home”.
She continued, “This year they celebrate fifty years in Shannon and yet have no place to store equipment or have meetings. It would be great if during their fiftieth year we could help them achieve a home”. The Shannon woman also requested that a civic reception be held in their honour.
Senior executive officer in the Shannon MD, Jason Murphy acknowledged the “valuable contribution” made by the Order of Malta to the town and surrounding areas over the past five decades. “Shannon MD will work with the local group and explore available avenues to assist them in identifying suitable space”.
Founded in Jerusalem in the 11th century, the Order of Malta has a long history of service to the vulnerable and the sick. The Order of Malta operates across the world through 12 Priories, 47 national Associations, 133 diplomatic missions, 1 worldwide relief agency and 33 national volunteer corps, as well as numerous hospitals, medical centres and specialist foundations.
The Order first arrived in Ireland in 1171 and since the establishment of the Order of Malta Ambulance Corps in 1938, it has become a major provider of first-aid services and training, ambulance transport and community and elderly care services on the whole island of Ireland. With over 4,000 volunteers in over 80 locations, the Ambulance Corps offers first aid, ambulance and emergency care services in most of Ireland’s principal cities and towns, and through its youth section provides youth development, training programs and sporting activities.
Speaking on Tuesday, Cllr McGettigan outlined that both she and Cllr John Crowe (FG) were approached by local volunteers. “They are fifty years in Shannon and have no home to call their own, I was astonished by that”. The proposal was seconded by Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF).
Following the dissolution of the Shannon Town Council in 2014, the budget for civic receptions at a Municipal District “went with it,” Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) flagged. He said that the Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council would be entitled to decide if a civic reception was held.
