Honouring the lifesavers in the midwest
Exceptional blood donors
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Sean Collins, Nenagh; Pat Carey, Thurles; Peter O’Donoghue, Thurles; Helen Kenneally, Tipperary and Gerry O’Rourke, Terryglass pictured at the IBTS Donor Award Ceremony at the Greenhills Hotel on Ennis Road, Limerick, honouring remarkable individuals from Limerick, Clare, Tipperary, and Kerry.Image 2 of 3
Sean O’Gorman, Tipperary; Theresa Maher, Nenagh; Maura Flynn, Bansha; Martin Ryan, Cappawhite and Kevin Brennan, Tipperary pictured at the IBTS Donor Award Ceremony at the Greenhills Hotel. Photos: John AllImage 3 of 3
Eugene Fitzpatrick, Nenagh; Margaret Ryan, Ennis; Sharon Aherne, Tipperary Town and Claire Molloy, Thurles pictured at the IBTS Donor Award Ceremony at the Greenhills Hotel on Ennis Road, Limerick, honouring remarkable individuals from Limerick, Clare, Tipperary, and Kerry.The Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) recently held its Donor Award Ceremony at the Greenhills Hotel on Ennis Road, Limerick, honouring remarkable individuals from Limerick, Clare, Tipperary, and Kerry. These dedicated blood donors received awards for their significant contributions, reaching the milestone of 50 and 100 blood donations.
Grace O’Sullivan, area manager for the IBTS, opened the evening, expressing her gratitude: “We warmly welcome everyone gathered here tonight to celebrate the selfless acts of our donors, whose contributions empower us to save countless lives every day.”
Cllr Gerald Mitchell, Mayor of Limerick City & County, congratulated the awardees. “It is an honour to be here to recognize the incredible generosity of our community's donors. Your dedication not only sustains lives but uplifts the spirit of our entire community,” he remarked.
During the event, donors who had reached their 50th donation were awarded the gold blood drop, while those achieving their 100th donation received the prestigious pelican award. The evening also included a poignant moment as a guest speaker shared how blood donations had critically supported her family’s health, deeply moving the audience with her heartfelt story. Deirdre Ann Barr, Chairperson of the IBTS Board, highlighted the impact of the donors: "Tonight's recipients embody the purest form of giving – a gift that transcends all barriers. Each donation is a lifeline, and tonight we celebrate that extraordinary gift."
Orla O’Brien, CE of the IBTS, outlined the critical need for new donors: “As we continue to supply vital blood products daily, our goal to recruit 15,000 new donors in 2024 is more crucial than ever. Your contribution is not just a donation; it's a beacon of hope.”
The event highlighted the on-going necessity for donations, emphasising that blood is perishable and constant replenishment is essential to maintain a stable national supply. Prospective donors and those interested in contributing again are encouraged to visit www.giveblood.ie or call 1800 222 111 for more information on clinic locations, dates, and how to make appointments.
As the IBTS continues to innovate and adapt to the needs of a diverse Ireland, it remains more committed than ever to ensuring the health and well-being of its communities through the generous acts of its donors.