The Ambulance Heroes in our Sky

Listen below to Jerry O’Sullivan of Radio Kerry bringing you an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at what goes on at the base of Ireland’s first charity air ambulance, the Irish Community Rapid Response service. Jerry visited the base in Rathcoole, Millstreet, where spoke to Ruth Bruton and John Murray where he learned that they actually have two helicopters in Rathcoole, and about the technical goings on behind the scene, and how they are funded:

[read more …] “The Ambulance Heroes in our Sky”

Presentation made to ICRR Air Ambulance Group following recent Charity Truck Run

Following the recent Truck Run for the ICRR Air Ambulance Helicopter a staggering Sum of €15,312.57 was presented to ICRR last Monday over at their base in Rathcoole. Daniel Lucey of Millstreet Vintage Club who spearheaded the organising team for the Run was delighted with the outcome. He thanked all the people who helped make this happen and would like to thank Everyone for their support and generosity. Without the help of all the following the Event would not have been the success that it was namely the O’Keeffe Family (Gordon and Breeda) for the use of the Premises at K and L, the Buckley Family (Danny and Eileen) of Cloverhill Foods, Millstreet Town Park Committee for the use of the Park for the launch of the Run, an Garda Síochána in Millstreet and Kanturk for their support and help, the Bike Marshals for keeping the Run running so smoothly on the day, the Media and Photographers for their coverage, Joanne in McCarthy’s for organising a Table Quiz, a special thanks to all the people who donated Spot Prizes, to the hauliers and drivers who supported the event, and last but not least to all the hardworking team at Millstreet Vintage Club, friends and non-members for all their help.

 

[read more …] “Presentation made to ICRR Air Ambulance Group following recent Charity Truck Run”

Table Quiz in McCarthys Bar Millstreet on Tonight Friday Sept 27th

Table Quiz in McCarthys Bar Millstreet on Tonight Friday Night Sept 27th in Aid of the ICRR Air Ambulance Service starting at 8.30pm Sharp.

Table of Four – 40 Euro

Plenty Room for Teams of 4 and for a Great Cause,always a great Night Out.

Following the Quiz Music by Joe Guerin.

Everybody Welcome.

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Historic Launch at Rathcoole Airfield on Monday Morning

With national media present at Rathcoole Airfield on Monday morning, 2nd Sept. 2019 – Coordinator supreme, John Kearney and his superb Team witnessed their dream become reality when Tánaiste Simon Coveney officially cut the tape to launch the start of the all-important Air Ambulance Service.   Here we share the first four of many more images recalling the historic event.  Click on the images to enlarge.  (S.R.)

Sheila Fitzgerald with Pascal Sheehy of RTÉ

Rathcoole Aerodrome

Rathcoole Aerodrome (ICAO: EIRT) (also called Rathcoole Airfield) is situated just north of Rathcoole Village, about 9km north-east of Millstreet. It has a single grass strip (approx. 450m in length and 18m wide) running to the south of the River Blackwater.

The airfield has numerous aircraft based there, including:- a Piper J-3 Cub (G-ATKI), Cessna 210 Centurian (EI-AWH), a homebuild Vans RV-6(G-BYDV), a Chevron 2-32 motor glider (EI-CAU), a Streak Shadow (EI-CZC), and a Medway EclipseR (EI-CRY).
It is operated by the Rathcoole Flying Club – Tel: 029-58004. Or contact- Jerry Creedon. Tel: 022-22344

The runway headings are: 09/27

This aerodrome is licensed by the Aeronautical Services Department of the Irish Aviation Authority.

Rathcoole airfield was opened during the 1960’s by the McCarthy Family who who ran a popular and much needed pipe and tile business in Rathcoole. It was at a time when air travel was in its infancy and the development created quite a stir in the locality. It is owned and maintained by Donal Mc Carthy.

Air Ambulance

In August 2019 the country’s first charity air ambulance service, led by the Irish Community Rapid Response charity, started operating from the Aerodrome. The service is centrally located for all of Munster and deals with severe medical emergencies that need to be transferred to hospitals quickly.

See more at ICRR.ie, and also in our news pages

How to get there?

Rathcoole is about 9km north-east of Millstreet. Directions are HERE [GMaps]

 

 

Approaching Rathcoole Airfield (2019)

Videos

2019: Zenith CH701 landing at Rathcoole, County Cork

2016: AFTA CFI Daniel Lynch performing a short-field landing into Rathcoole airfield in C172 G-CFMM.

Near Accident

In 2007 The pilot of a microlight aircraft had a narrow escape when a spare helmet bounced out of the back seat and smashed into the rear propeller as he was taking off from Rathcoole airfield near Mallow in Co Cork… [Irish Times]

Links:

Cork Airport: Rathcoole Airfield

Wiki: Rathcoole Aerodrome

Charity Truck Run a Fantastic Success

Last Sunday July 28th was a day that wont be forgotten too quickly in both the Millstreet and General Duhallow Area and the Reason for this was the holding of the Millstreet Vintage Club Charity Truck Run which was in aid of the ICRR Air Ambulance Service,almost 140 Truckers hit the Road to take part in the Event which saw Trucks come from both near and far with Entries coming from as far away as Tipperary and other parts of Munster and very highly supported by Local Hauliers as well,the Event was based out of the Fantastic K and L Transport Depot in Millstreet and just after 12 Noon the colourful array of Vehicles left K and L with the Vintage Vehicles leading the Group to take on a journey which saw the Run make its way on to Rathmore,Knocknagree,Ballydesmond,Newmarket,Kanturk,Biddys Green,Sandpit House,Rathcoole,past the Air Ambulance Service Base and back into the Finish at K and L,lots of people were out to support the Run and they were not to be disappointed as it was a sight to behold as it made it’s way along the Duhallow Roads,as the Run approached the finish in Millstreet it was accompanied by the Aer Ambulance Helicopter overhead which since today Tuesday July 30th has now gone live and into Full Service.
Before the Run got underway John Kearney of the ICRR Air Ambulance Group gave an insight into what this Service will mean to both Truck Drivers and the General Public alike outlining the benefits of such a vital Service and he also paid tribute to Millstreet Vintage Club for making the Event happen and was overwhelmed by the amount of support that was evident on the day.
Event Organiser Daniel Lucey was absolutely delighted with the turnout,Daniel and all the Team at Millstreet Vintage Club paid tribute to all the Hauliers who took time out from there weekend off to support the Run and to the General Public who attended and who very generously supported the Event,Daniel would like to thank each and everyone of you all for your contribution in making the Event such a success,
Daniel Lucey would also like to thank all the Hardworking Team of Club Members and Friends of the Club who helped out on both the lead up and on the day of the Run itself,without this help the Event would not be able to go ahead,also sincere thanks to the O’Keeffe Family for the use of such a fantastic Facility in K and L and to the Buckley Family for the use of the Clover Hill Facility,also many thanks to the Marshals,Bike Marshals and An Garda Siochana for doing a great job out on the Route to keep the Event running so smoothly and safely,to the people who looked after all the Sign On,Documentaton,Selling of Tickets etc we thank you all for your help,to the Catering Team who kept everyone well looked after with Tea/Coffee Scones etc,to Tony O’Brien for looking after the BBQ,to Willie Fitzgerald and his Country Roadshow for keeping us Entertained for the Day,to all the Media/Photographers/Video people who covered the Event on both the lead up and on the Day itself we thank you very much for the support,thanks also to our Peace Commissioner Catherine Pomeroy for overseeing the Raffle and to Dromtarriffe Hall Committee for the use of there Tables and Chairs,and finally to all the people that donated spot prizes and items for the goodie bags thanks so much for your Generosity it’s very much appreciated.
We will let people know soon what the final figure collected once all donations have been collected and Millstreet Vintage Club are delighted to be part of a process in supporting such a Worthy Cause in the ICRR Air Ambulance Service.

If you would like to make a Contribution you can still donate to the ICRR Air Ambulance with the following BIC and IBAN details IBAN:IE24MATN99221206094207 BIC:MATNIE21XXX

Some great Photos and Video are to be found on the following links
https://youtu.be/cE37SyG2r6w
https://youtu.be/2Km_L7dUMMc
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php…
https://www.facebook.com/BDsnaps/?ref=br_rs
https://www.facebook.com/daniel.lane.1422409
https://www.facebook.com/denis.oleary.58?fref=search&__tn__=%2Cd%2CP-R&eid=ARAz2ncGJ-rfRQxoJtRDO-u3BEygm6MGfYPIRS734ePANdcy5aXcCpjYTbLZsbgvaL0bUPQJITSDjekj

Millstreet Vintage Club Charity Truck Run Sunday July 28th (Note be prepared for Extra Traffic on Clara Rd at Mass Time)

The Millstreet Vintage Club Charity Truck Run in aid of the ICRR Air Ambulance Service  will be kicking off Tommorrow from 12 Noon with all the Trucks on display before the Start and at the Finish of the Event up at K and L.

The Trucks are Scheduled to Return to K and L by 2.30pm approx.

The General Public are very welcome to come along to see the Trucks up close.

There will be a draw with up to 50 great Prizes to be won,Tickets are priced at €5 each and all Proceeds will go to the ICRR Air Ambulance Service, Millstreet Vintage Club would like to thank all the Sponsors of these great Prizes for there Generosity.

The General Public are encouraged to go out and Cheer on the Trucks as they pass through there Area,check out the Route Map below.

PLEASE NOTE
Millstreet Vintage Club are asking people attending 11.30am Mass next Sunday to be mindful of Parking on Clara Road due to the Clubs Charity Truck Run taking place.There will be Stewards on duty to keep the area as clear as possible.Thanking you in advance for your co-operation.

General Public and Truckers Invited to come along to the Millstreet Vintage Club Charity Truck Run on next Sunday

 

WITH JUST 2 DAYS LEFT TO THE CHARITY TRUCK RUN PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL HAULIERS AND INDIVIDUALS CAN BRING AS MANY TRUCKS AS THEY WANT THERE IS NO RESTRICTIONS ON THE AMOUNT OF NUMBERS TO TAKE PART IN THE TRUCK RUN WE HAVE PLENTY ROOM FOR EVERYONE,LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU ALL.

 

Millstreet Vintage Club are inviting the General Public to come out to Spectate and Support the Trucks as they make there way along the Route for the Charity Truck Run which is being held on next Sunday July 28th,the Event which is in aid of the newly formed Irish Community Rapid Response Aer Ambulance Service,will kick off from the K and L Depot in Millstreet at 12 Noon,it will then travel on to the following areas namely Rathmore,Knocknagree,Ballydesmond,Newmarket, Kanturk,on to the Mallow Killarney Rd over to the Sandpit House,on to Rathcoole going past the Air Ambulance Base and back to the Finish in Millstreet for a BBQ and Entertainment at K and L Warehouse, if you wish to Travel the Route
Denis O’Sullivan Coach Travel will have a Bus taking part in the Run and People are very welcome to come onboard the Bus and be part of the Run if they wish on the Day,the Trucks will be on display at the K and L Depot before they Depart and when they Return back to Millstreet at the conclusion of the Event and the General Public are very welcome to come along to see the Trucks up Close and Personal.

PLEASE NOTE
Millstreet Vintage Club are asking people attending 11.30am Mass next Sunday to be mindful of Parking on Clara Road due to the Clubs Charity Truck Run taking place.There will be Stewards on duty to keep the area as clear as possible.Thanking you in advance for your co-operation.

 

Air Ambulance Helicopter to get the Green Light

Finally it looks like the Air Ambulance based in Rathcoole is to get the go-ahead:

“Minister for Health, Simon Harris, TD, announced today (Friday) that a new aeromedical service in the South will be launched in the coming weeks following the signing of a Service Level Agreement between the HSE and Irish Community Rapid Response.
Welcoming the news, Minister Harris said “I am delighted that a new aeromedical service in the South will commence shortly. I would like to thank the HSE National Ambulance Service and Irish Community Rapid Response for its commitment in developing this Service Level Agreement and ensuring the necessary clinical and corporate governance arrangements are such that the new service will be safe, robust and sustainable.
The service will see the establishment of a charitably funded Helicopter Emergency Medical Service in the South, which will operate from Rathcoole Aerodrome, just northeast of Millstreet, County Cork. The service will complement the existing aeromedical services and improve aeromedical access to the South of Ireland …”

[read the full statement on the Department of Health website]

[read more …] “Air Ambulance Helicopter to get the Green Light”

Great Response to Launch of Truck Run for Irish Community Rapid Response Aer Ambulance

Millstreet Vintage Club would like to thank everybody for there support at the Launch of the Truck Run in the Town Park in Millstreet yesterday and also for the generosity shown by the General Public toIRand there Team who gave a fabulous insight into what they do and to the benefits of having an Air Ambulance Service in the locality and also beyond,John Kearney who is heading up the Air Ambulance project gave invaluable information to all the People who attended at the Event and hopefully this will give an even better picture of what potential this Service will have when up and Running.
Truck Run Clerk of the Course Daniel Lucey of Millstreet Vintage Club would like to thank all Club Members and Friends who helped out on both the lead up to yesterdays Launch and on the day itself and all at very short notice and without everyones help the Event would not have been the success that it was and reminds us that The Truck Run for Irish Community Rapid Response will take place on Sunday July 28th and will be based out of the K and L Transport Complex in Millstreet.
Photos Courtesy of Daniel Lane and ICRR Group. [f]

If you wish to do so you can now Donate to the ICRR Air Ambulance with the Instructions stated below.

IBAN: IE24MATN99221206094207

BIC: MATNIE21XXX

 

Launch of Millstreet Vintage Club Truck for ICRR Air Ambulance Tomorrow Sunday June 2nd at the Town Park at 4pm

The Launch of The Millstreet Vintage Club Truck Run which is supporting the Irish Community Rapid Response on the provision of an Air Ambulance from Rathcoole will take place on tommorrow Sunday June 2nd in Millstreet Town Park,the Truck Run itself will take place on Sunday July 28th.This Service when up and running will be critical in getting emergency cases from inaccessible locations to Hospitals.
So why not come along to Millstreet Town Park Tomorrow at 4pm to see at first hand what this unique Service is all about,Everybody is very welcome to attend.

While they wont be there in Person Donald Trump,Daniel ODonnell and Wife Majella along with Mickey Mouse have all given the thumbs up to this great and potentially life saving Service and all of them can be seen in various locations around Millstreet Town promoting the Launch of the Truck Run and Donald Trump in particular is gutted he can`t be in Millstreet Tomorrow given the fact that he is going to be in the Country in a couple of days time. 

If you wish to do so you can now Donate to the ICRR Air Ambulance with  the Instructions stated below.

IBAN: IE24MATN99221206094207

BIC: MATNIE21XXX

Good Luck to Ellen

The best of luck to Ellen from Rathcoole N.S. (#9 below), and Millstreet Camogie Club, who will be playing in Páirc Ui Chaoimh for the Cork Primary Camogie team at half time of the first round of the Senior Hurling Championship, Cork v Tipperary on this Sunday 12th of May. Go n-éirí an t-ádh leat!

[read more …] “Good Luck to Ellen”

Mushera Mountain Climb Presentation to Irish Air Ambulance Group in Aubane Community Centre on Tonight Thursday Feb 7th at 8pm

The Proceeds of the Annual Christmas Morning Climb will be presented to Representatives of the Irish Air Ambulance Group on Tonight Thursday Night Feb 7th at 8.00 pm sharp in Aubane Community Centre. To all those who climbed on Christmas Morning we would love to see you there and Everybody Welcome to come along on the Night.

Death Notice: Con-Joe Murphy, Curraraigue

The death has occurred of Cornelius Joseph (Con-Joe) MURPHY
Curraraigue, Rathcoole, Cork. On 13th January 2019, peacefully in the loving care of the nurses and staff at Marymount Hospice Cork. CORNELIUS JOSEPH (CON-JOE). Beloved husband and best friend of Joan (née Twohig) and loving father of Marie (Ashe) and John (Jack). Sadly missed by his wife, daughter, son, sisters Margaret (O’Leary) and Maureen (Healy), daughter-in law Sheila, and Marie’s partner David. Grandchildren Michelle, Shane, Siobhan, Sinead and Niall, great grandchild Noah, nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, relatives neighbours and friends. May he rest in Peace.
Reposing at Tarrant’s Funeral Home, Millstreet on Monday from 6pm to 8pm followed by removal to St John’s Church, Dromagh. Requiem Mass on Tuesday at 12 noon, burial afterwards in St Mary’s Cemetery, Millstreet. Family flowers only, donation in lieu to Marymount Hospice, Cork. Enquires to O’Leary Funeral Directors, Knocknagree on 0872229866. [RIP]

New Air Ambulance to be based in Rathcoole Airfield

RTÉ news yesterday featured the new Community Air Ambulance which touched down in Kerry Airport, but it never said that it will be based out Rathcoole Airfield.

“We had initially looked at Cork Airport but felt that north Cork would be a better location as it would give us more land coverage. The weather also tends to be a lot better in north Cork than at the airport  as it is farther away from the sea, a consideration we felt was vitally important in maintaining a 24/7, around-the-clock service. There was also the issue of securing suitable hangar space at Cork Airport. For many different considerations, Rathcoole is the perfect location for the service, which we hope to have operational within the next six weeks This will be a real asset for the north Cork region,”

[read more …] “New Air Ambulance to be based in Rathcoole Airfield”

Death Notice: Dan Desmond, Crinaloo

The death has occurred on Tuesday 21st August 2018 of Dan DESMOND, Crinaloo, Rathcoole, Cork. Passed away peacefully in CUH, cousin of the late Martin, deeply regretted by his mother Kathleen, auntie Theresa, uncle Paddy, his cousin’s, work colleagues at Cork County Council, his friend Honor, neighbours and a large circle of friends.

Lying in repose at Tarrants Funeral Home Millstreet on Wednesday from 6pm to 8pm followed by removal to Kilcorney Church. Requiem Mass on Thursday at 12 noon with burial in the adjoining cemetery. May He Rest in Peace. [1]

A Fleadh to Remember for Leah

Leah Murphy from Laught had some weekend at the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Drogheda. Firstly on Saturday she was part of the mighty Crossfield Ceili Band that won first place in the U18 Céili Band competition (Marie O’Neill, Anna Buckley, Darragh Twomey, Aubane, were also members of the band). Then on to Sunday, and with three solo competitions to play in, she got placed in all three!! 2nd place in Fiddle Slow Airs,  2nd place in English Singing, and 3rd place in Rogha Ghléas. Mighty going , we’re delighted and so proud  🎶 🎻 👍 😀 😀

 

[read more …] “A Fleadh to Remember for Leah”

Sliabh Luachra Cycling Club Sportive

Sliabh Luachra Cycling Club Sportive

will take place on

Sunday, 1st July

and will be going through the following areas between 9am and 1pm

Ballydaly,        Millstreet Town,           Lackabawn, Kilcorney,      Moll Carthy’s bridge,    Inchamay, Curraraige ,    Boggeragh Wind Farm,         Nadd,      Lyre,                  Rathcoole,                         Liscahane,    Knocknakilla,   Aubane,                           Laharn,    Horsemount

Enquiries  –  0877023562 or message our Facebook page

Rathcoole Mentors bring All Ireland Glory for their Students

Well Done to the two Teachers from Rathcoole, Annmarie O’Riordan and Siobhan Buckley, who guided their students Maggie Moynihan from Cullen and the Instrumental Music Group from Borris in Ossory in Laois to overall victory on Saturday in the Scór Na nÓg All Ireland Finals.

Maggie celebrated her All Ireland Victory with her wonderful Singing Teacher Annmarie O’Riordan without whose support encouragement and work today’s victory wouldn’t have come about.

[read more …] “Rathcoole Mentors bring All Ireland Glory for their Students”

2017 Irish Red Cross Leslie Bean De Barra award

Gerald Duggan  Rathcoole was recently  nominated for the 2017 Irish Red Cross  Leslie Bean De Barra  award for his commitment to caring for his parents.
In  his recognition for the award Gerald, his brother John and Patrica Guerin attended the Cork Irish Red Cross event at the Oriel House Hotel, Ballincollig .  Members of the Local Red Cross branch Kanturk/ Millstreet were present to share in the celebrations.

[read more …] “2017 Irish Red Cross Leslie Bean De Barra award”

Final reminder for Return of Aubane Community Alert Renewal Forms by next Tuesday Oct 31st

Final reminder for return of Aubane Community Alert renewal forms and fee to be submitted by no later than next Tuesday Oct 31st to either John F. Kelleher, Secretary, Bernard Crowley, Chairman or Any Member of the Aubane Community Alert Group.

 

Successful Millstreet Vintage and Classic Car Club Car Run and Barbeque last Saturday Night

Millstreet Vintage and Classic Car Club held a highly successful Car Run and Barbecue last weekend, the 40km Car Run started out from Millstreet last Saturday Evening at 7.00 pm, travelled firstly down through the lovely Grounds of Drishane Castle. Then it moved on to some scenic countryside as it made its way to Knocknakilla, Saint John’s Well, the Kerryman’s Table, on to a short stop in Kilcorney, from there it headed to the Eagle’s Nest, where another brief stop was had in stunning countryside with the Run finally winding its way on to the Event finish at Moll Carthy’s Bridge Bar, where a lovely barbecue with some refreshments were enjoyed by all. The weather was perfect for what was a lovely drive and the event was well received by everyone who took part.

Event Organiser John P. Kelleher and Millstreet Classic and Vintage Car Club would like to thank the following: Noel C. Duggan Hardware for the use of their yard to park and display all the beautiful cars, the Bush Bar for the use of their premises for event sign-on and registration, O’Leary’s Butchers for the lovely barbecue which was provided, Herlihy’s Centra and O`Keeffe’s Super Valu Millstreet for supplying some refreshments, Matthew and Noreen Sheehan of Moll Carthy’s Bridge Bar for providing and managing a great Venue for the barbecue and to Tom of TMC Photography, Matthew Twomey Photography, Sean Radley,Shane O`Leary of Munster Drone Services and John Tarrant for covering the Event and taking some great Photos. Also many thanks to the hardworking marshals who helped along the route to keep the event running smoothly and safely and finally to all the people who brought out their lovely motors and took part. We say a Big Thank You to Each and Everyone of You. Without your support this Event would not have been the success that it was, and hopefully we will do it all again in the not too distant future.

Photos courtesy of Tom Corbett {TMC Photography}, and Matthew Twomey  {m2merallyphotos}.


[read more …] “Successful Millstreet Vintage and Classic Car Club Car Run and Barbeque last Saturday Night”

Annual Mass at St John’s Well Mushera on Tonight Tuesday 27th June.

Mass will be celebrated at St John’s Well Mushera on Tonight Tuesday 27th June at 7.30pm, hopefully the Weather will be fine on the Evening.

[read more …] “Annual Mass at St John’s Well Mushera on Tonight Tuesday 27th June.”