Post Polio Support Group Ireland THE SURVIVOR Irish Polio News Vol 12 Issue 3 WINTER 2016

Contents Do you have an URGENT NEED? From the Chair – Chairperson’s Address 3 World Polio Day – 2016 6

Mondello – Scooter Scramble 7

EPU Update – John McFarlane 11

Retirement of Directors 13

Contact Kerrie or Lillian in the PPSG office Unite for Rights – Brendan Moore 14 01 889 8920 Polio Hero Medal – Jim Costello 15 or by email: Rotary – Polio Eradication 16 Kerrie: [email protected] Lillian: [email protected] PPSG Traffic Study Submission 17 Advice Online Shopping - Tips 18 informAtion Talk to us. Book Review – Anne Burns 19 Support We are here AdvocAcy to help Social Support Group – Updates 21

A LiStening eAr Tolls & Driving - Updates 27

confidentiality Assured Fundraising News 29 Noticeboard – reports & useful info 31 Please note: The office will be closed from 1pm on Thursday 22nd December and will reopen on Tuesday 3rd January at 8.30am. We look forward to hearing from you in 2017. Cover photo: Pictured at Mondello are (l-r front) James McCarthy, Lorraine Harte, Ciaran Kilkenny with (back row) Mondello Stewarts who helped make our day with the Sam Maguire!

1 The SURVIVOR WINTER 2016 2 The Publicity & Campaigning relation to the Polio Fellowship of Network is now up and running and Ireland’s responsibility to support is supported by Emma Clarke Polio Survivors. I am pleased to say Conway, our part-time that they have agreed to fund the Development Officer. Emma two part-time positions of organised some great events for Development Officer and Member World Polio Day on 24th October & Volunteer Recruitment Officer for Chairperson’s Address including arranging for certain one year. We are also involved in buildings around the country to be further negotiations to explore other lit up in blue and a Scooter Scramble ways that they might support our FROM at Mondello Park in County Kildare. work on behalf of Polio Survivors. More information on these events is THE included in this edition. You may recall in my last update that I mentioned some changes that CHAIR As many of you will know from would involve amendments to our previous editions of the Survivor, the Constitution and would require the recruitment of new members and approval of the membership at an volunteers is essential if we are to Extraordinary General Meeting am pleased to report that we are sustain our activities. We have now (EGM). We anticipate that this will now in the process of finalising appointed a new part-time Member take place in the New Year. We will Ithe new strategic plan for our and Volunteer Recruitment Officer send out notices to this event when Organisation. As part of the (MVRO) who will the arrangements are completed. process, we have conducted a survey drive this work with a representative sample of Over recent months Jim Barrett has forward. Her name It ¯ly remains f› me to wish members as well as seeking the been appointed National is Niamh Murphy yµ and yµr families a v‹y opinions of the Social Support Coordinator of the Social Support and we welcome Groups and the staff. Service and Anne Burns is the her to our m‚y Christmas and a happy National Coordinator of the organisation. Niamh new ye‰. We have also sought input from a Fundraising Network. We are will be building the Recruitment range of external stakeholders and grateful to Jim and Anne for Network to implement new others whose views are relevant to agreeing to fill these important member recruitment activities at Regards, the future of the Organisation such positions. Mick Keegan will local level. If you would like to help as doctors, physiotherapists and continue as National Coordinator please contact Niamh at the office other disability organisations. We for the Telephone Support Service. number or email her at are very grateful to those of you who Training for new Telephone Support [email protected]. have participated in the process Leaders is currently underway SUSAN DOWLING Chairperson which will help us develop a which will enable us to expand the We have been having discussions roadmap for the future. service to more members. with the Rehab organisation in

3 The SURVIVOR WINTER 2016 4 PolioSurvivorsmetMinisterforSocialProtection atÁrasMhicDiarmada,tomarkWorldPolioDay WORlDPOlIODAy

Buildings Lit Blue to highlight Legacy of Polio WE were delighted to meet Minister polio survivor and 1916 Rising for Social Protection, Mr Leo leader, Sean Mac Diarmada. Photos Pictured are various members of the Post Polio Support Group at the Varadkar, to mark the occasion of were taken in the lobby where the buildings around the country which lit blue for World Polio Day, Monday World Polio Day on Monday 24th DSP’s own dedication to Mac 24th October, to highlight the 7,000 Polio Survivors estimated to be still October 2016, at Áras Mhic Diarmada is featured in the living with disabilities brought on by the disease. Diarmada, the building dedicated to background. Notable buildings around Ireland that lit up included Dublin City Hall, Christchurch Cathedral Dublin, Cork City Hall, Kilkenny Castle and An Táin at the Town Hall, Dundalk. The Post Polio Support Group called for the public, the media and the KILKENNY medical profession to be aware of their services as there are many survivors who will need their support in years to come, but who do not know that help and a listening ear is at the other end of a phone. We had a great deal of activity on social media and featured in some online regional papers also. DUNDALK

DUBLIN

Board members Joan Bradley, Roisin Nolan, Joyce Henderson, Pat McGillion and CEO Fran Brennan were pictured with Minister Varadkar. CORK

5 The SURVIVOR WINTER 2016 6 WorldPolioDay ScooterScramble MONDEllO

We were doubly thrilled to have special guests Ciaran Kilkenny and James McCarthy of Dublin GAA and the much revered Sam Maguire to Mondello – taking part in the final heat of the Scooter Scramble. James McCarthy held up the rear along with Post Polio Support Group CEO Fran Brennan, both on boot scooter models from Beechfield Healthcare – the compact size is valued by Polio Survivors who need to be able to transport them from place to place – but they didn’t match the speed of the large models lent to us by Lifestyle Mobility. While contentiously, non-motorised wheelchair user Peter Barron crossed the line first, it was our own Brigid Quigley O’Brien who came first in the Scooter Race with Dublin Player Ciaran Kilkenny taking second place, Polio Survivors remaining undefeated in their command of these vehicles. It was noted that Mondello has never had so much fun on a lunch break – as they played host to the first ever World Polio Day Scooter Scramble, which took place on Sunday 23rd October. The event was held during the lunch hour of the Irish Rallycross Championship on the ‘Straight’ at Mondello Park. It is not often that you pitch Rallycross drivers against Mobility Scooter drivers – but we did it, with hilarious results. It seems the Rally drivers are quite a competitive bunch – but our valiant members showed every bit of tenacity known to Polio Survivors and certainly ran the cleanest race! The Rallydriver heat was won by European Champion Derek Tohill, adding Scooter Scrambler to his winning titles.

7 The SURVIVOR WINTER 2016 8 To add to the success of the day our intrepid volunteers circulated the crowd collecting funds which will assist with our Winter Heating Grant for those polio survivors who struggle with the high cost of heating bills every winter.

The fantastic amount €476.50 was raised at Mondello, with thanks to all our volunteers, the staff and the spectators who were so generous.

A huge thank you to the Dublin GAA – Ciaran and James were so giving of their time and keen to participate and chat to our members, to the Rallycross Drivers who really got on board (literally) and had such fun with the Scramble, to our members and supporters who helped out and to Lifestyle Mobility and Beechfield Healthcare who supplied scooters. And not least of all – a heartfelt thanks to Mondello Park, particularly Declan, Phillip, Keith, Leo and Sharon – and all the staff who helped us with the running of this event.

9 The SURVIVOR WINTER 2016 10 At the EPU Board meeting in Dublin, October 2016, it was decided Areyou EPUUpdate to survey all membership organisations about the numbers of making NOVEMBER 2016 polio Survivors believed to be in ByJohnMcFarlane epu president - John mcfarlane their countries, and compare these awill? with international World Health The membership and area of influence of the European Polio Union continues Organisation statistics. to grow. In June 2016, the EPU held its AGM in Piestany, Slovakia, which saw the biggest gathering of organisations from across the continent to date. It is believed that in the European Please consider leaving area there are currently 760,000 Apart from EPU's direct member associations, we were joined by a Legacy to the Survivors, about 25% less than 20 Post Polio Support Group representatives from Hungary, Poland, Austria and from as far away as years ago, an inevitable consequence Georgia. of an ageing Survivor population. in your will. Courtesy of a grant from the September saw the long awaited The EPU's next Board meeting will European Federation of and ground breaking first Pan- be in Copenhagen in early spring Leaving a gift to the Neurological Associations, we were Pacific and Australasian conference 2017. Group in your Will able to subsidise the costs for those on PPS. It attracted world leaders in The EPU 2017 AGM and Annual can help us greatly to delegates from eastern European the social and medical field of Conference is to be held in Lobbach, continue to provide countries, which has helped spread treatment and management of polio Germany on the weekend of 23rd - support to the word about all polio Survivors and PPS. Although primarily 25th June. Its programme will be being part of a much larger polio Polio Survivors. organised by Polio Australia, it lent published shortly. It has been family. heavily on the advice and confirmed that the 3rd European experience of those who had Apart from the standard business of Conference on Polio and PPS will be You can alternatively organised similar conferences in an AGM, the delegates were able to held in Stockholm in mid 2018, the request donations Copenhagen and Amsterdam in enjoy the delights of the medical exact date to be confirmed. to the Group spa facilities at Piestany, and attend recent years. The EPU President, in lieu of flowers. presentations from staff of the spa, John McFarlane, was on both the The EPU is going from strength to as well as Slovakian medical organising and scientific strength, and has become a force practitioners, who specialise in committees. Proceedings of the that is now consulted by leading treating polio Survivors and those conference have been published in medical, social and academic Formoreinformation with PPS. It sent all back to their the Journal of Rehabilitation institutions. Its influence and pleasecontact: home countries with ideas and Medicine, while videos of all membership will continue to grow [email protected] knowledge to impart to their own proceeding and plenary sessions with further exciting developments, membership and national medical will be available shortly on the Polio to be pursued and announced at the Orring018898920 authorities. Australia website. beginning of 2017.

11 The SURVIVOR WINTER 2016 12 This year, two Directors, Evelyn Wainwright and Pat Guy, stood down from the Board of the PPSG. UniteforRights RETIREMENTOFDIRECTORS By Brendan Moore North East Social Support Group

Evelyn Wainwright joined the Board in an active role in the work of On Friday 4th November, I attended the Unite for Rights Conference in January 2006. She had already Organisation. the Carrickdale Hotel, Dundalk. It was organised by Martina Anderson, established herself as a committed Pat Guy was elected as a Director at the Sinn Féin MEP and Co-President of the European Parliament’s Disability volunteer with the Organisation in the Intergroup. south of the country, as Convenor of AGM in 2011. Pat was already well The conference was attended by many disability organisations both north the Cork Social Support Group, a known to the membership as and south of the border. We heard speakers talk about various disability position which she continues to Convenor of the Social Support Group in Dublin South West, and as a Leader issues which affect people in the EU and in the U.K., as a result of the occupy. During her time as a Director, recent British exit from the EU. They also spoke about inclusion, dignity with the Telephone Support Service. Evelyn became a member of the Social and equality for the rights of people with various disabilities in Ireland. Support Committee, where she was a Pat joined the Social Support great contributor to the discussions. Committee, where he was a dedicated Among the speakers were Martina Anderson, An-Sofie Leenknecht, Human Rights Officer at the European Disability Forum, and fellow PPSG She also became a member of the contributor, and played an active part member and CEO of the Disability Federation of Ireland, Senator John Fundraising Committee, organising a in discussions on the future structures Dolan. number of events in the Cork area. of our Organisation. It is hoped that With her 10 years experience, it is Pat will contribute to work with the It was an informative morning during which I learned more about the hoped that she will continue to play PPSG in the future. rights of people with disabilities in the EU and the Human Rights Act, which protects the fundamental rights we all have as human beings and allows us to challenge the authorities if they violate them. We may not have to use them, but they are there if we need to.

We are very grateful to Evelyn and Pat for taking on the role of Director and working tirelessly as active volunteers for the good of the Organisation and their fellow Polio Survivors. Without dedicated people like them, the Group Brendan with Martina Anderson Brendan and would not be able to continue its work. Sinn Féin MEP Senator John Dolan

13 The SURVIVOR WINTER 2016 14 Polio PolioEradication Eradication ProgressCollette O’Neill (Rotary) Conference The world is closer than ever to for the polio programme and will provide Celebrates eradicating polio with only 19 cases of a basis for the eventual withdrawal of all wild polio to date as of 12th July 2016. The OPV, following eradication of poliovirus PolioHeroes two endemic countries have 8 cases in types 1 and 3.

Pakistan and 2 cases in Afghanistan, a As part of the End Game Strategy for polio reduction of 60% for the same period in Post Polio Support Group Ireland eradication, the inactivated polio vaccine 2015. The End Game Strategy 2013-18 co-founder member, Jim Costello, is (IPV) is being introduced into the routine aimed at delivering a polio free world by one of five Polio Heroes who was immunisation systems of every country 2018 at a cost of $5.5 billion over this presented with a Louis Pasteur that currently uses the oral polio vaccine period. However, due to the continuing medal, during a major conference to (OPV). To date, 96 countries have wild polio transmission in two endemic celebrate World Polio Day, Monday a Polio Survivor. We are delighted introduced IPV, which will help to boost countries this year, an additional $1.5 24th October, in Paris. It is believed that Jim has received this medal and immunity against all types of poliovirus, billion is currently projected to be that the last ever polio infection that Polio survivors are also not giving children higher protection against necessary to finish the job in 2019. This is from a virus found in nature will forgotten in the global fight against paralytic polio. This is the most ambitious, because if transmission of the polio virus happen this year, which means the this terrible disabling disease. largest and fastest globally synchronised is stopped in 2016, vaccinations must world can be declared Polio free by vaccine introduction in history. Sanofi Pasteur, the largest producer 2019, according to the conference. continue for another three years to secure of polio vaccines organised the Paris certification of a polio free world. The gains in polio eradication made to

To celebrate this turning point in conference to look at science, date are precarious and constantly at risk Between 17th April and 1st May, every human history, Sanofi Pasteur held epidemiology and the community of being reversed. Polio remains endemic country in the world currently using oral this major meeting of scientists, response to Polio. in two countries – Afghanistan and poliovirus vaccine (OPV), withdrew the ministers and NGO leaders, at Pakistan. Eight other countries are Jim Costello contracted Polio in trivalent vaccine (tOPV) and replaced it which the five Polio heroes were considered to be vulnerable Cameroon, 1958, when he was just 15, and is with the bivalent vaccine (bOPV). This recognised. Jim represented Polio Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Iraq, Nigeria, the only man in Ireland still using an programme involved 155 countries, and Survivors; the other four heroes Somalia, South Sudan and Syria. Iron Lung. Although Jim's condition will continue to protect infants from were Pakistani polio workers, who is often more severe than those poliovirus types 1 and 3, while have risked their lives to administer Until poliovirus transmission is interrupted whom he has supported and withdrawing the type 2 component, the vaccine, against great adversity. in the endemic countries, all countries encouraged over the years, his thereby mitigating the risk of seeding new remain at risk of importation of polio, The Post Polio Support Group incredible strength of character and type 2 circulating vaccine-derived especially vulnerable countries with weak Ireland is extremely proud of this positive attitude to life makes him poliovirus (cVDPV2). With careful public health and immunisation services, recognition of Jim Costello, who an inspirational figure and the very planning and thorough oversight, the and travel or trade links to endemic gave testimony at the conference as embodiment of an iron will. switch will represent a huge achievement countries.

15 The SURVIVOR WINTER 2016 16 PPSGsubmission OnlineShopping- toTrafficStudy CanItWorkforyou? The coming into operation of Luas was carried out of the disabled car by Jackie Minnock Cross City, expected towards the parking bays affected by the end of 2017, and associated traffic proposed measures. Any bays management measures has led to which are removed as a result of Online sh»ping can be the proposal of a development of a these measures will be new civic space at College Green. accommodated in close proximity.” a blessing › a c¦se, As a result of this, concerns were Further to the meeting we were raised by the Finglas Social Support invited to a Public Consultation but that is the same Group, as to whether the needs of Workshop on 16th November in the people in wheelchairs or with Mansion House, at which Johnny f› most things these mobility issues were being taken Sullivan, Bridget Quigley O’Brien into account with these plans. and Paul Sinclair represented the days, isn’t it? The Post Polio Support Group made Post Polio Support Group. We are a submission to the Transport Study delighted to be part of this process and followed up with it and to work towards ensuring that I am quite familiar with ebay, and adventures, while iTunes has subsequently, which led to a anyone travelling around Dublin buying books for my Kindle on increased my music collection meeting with engineers from city is able to get as close to their Amazon, but I was introduced to without the added burden of Dublin City Council and ourselves. destination as possible, within these the wide and varied world of finding more room for my Johnny O’Sullivan and Larry plans. Sportsdirect and iTunes by my record/CD collection. I have heard Delahunty discussed the issues children, now young adults, for We do have some drawings of the that Spotify is even better for music faced by wheelchair users at a proposed changes, on our website which I can say I am grateful. as you can listen to the music meeting in Capel Building on the or contact Emma at [email protected] or Through Sportsdirect, I have 27th September. We were reassured 01 889 89 20. purchased various items, from without having to purchase - but that taxis would still be able to footwear (buying men’s sandals) to I’m sure there must be a catch there access the pedestrianised areas, walking poles to aid me in my somewhere! which was a concern. Access to disabled parking bays is necessary Can anyone recommend any other websites for helping us out for car users is highlighted as one of in our day-to-day lives? Please let us know. the main issues raised. In the measures arising from that the We would love to hear from you council has stated that: “A survey [email protected]

17 The SURVIVOR WINTER 2016 18 BookReview

One task is to do up a sign for the London, at the start of the family’s “FarewelltoRyan’sDaughter” by Joan McDonnell premise’s window to say “Painters journey home. Reviewed by Anne Burns Wanted”, to be told to take it down The book is written in a chirpy and as it reads: “Panters Wanted”! humorous style – a fantastic read was delighted to read the second Evoking memories of the 1970’s and a real page-turner! I hope Joan book published by well known including fashions (501 jeans), publishes a third book. ICork member Joan McDonnell music (Elvis) and major events (the (nee Ryan). Joan was born in the oil crises), plus the long postal 1950’s in Limerick, moving to London strike in 1979 obliging a home visit in 1973 when she married Vincent as family in Ireland didn’t have McDonnell following a three week phones and were reliant on letters romance – the appropriately titled to keep in touch. ‘Farewell to Ryan’s Daughter’ concerns the period of her life in The book devotes very moving London. Each chapter borrows titles coverage of the great joy, though of popular songs such as “Send in the concern, on Vincent Junior’s early Clowns”, “The Streets of London”, arrival by emergency caesarean “Working Nine to Five”, “Vincent” section at just 2lb and 9 ozs weight, and “Ring of Fire”. three months of intensive care and successful pioneering surgery a Deficiencies in the domestic science year later which restored his health. department are related such as brand Joan is now lonely at home, new saucepans ending up as missing work and her exchanges at sacrificial victims and her already Joan recounts jobs such as Gilberts and visa versa. A novel skimpy woollen jumpers shrunken to laboratory assistant where she solution for the 1970’s allows her to leprechaun size at the local assists her boss mixing paints and return to her job with a type of laundrette. In “If I had a Hammer”, later sees herself in a mirror work related nursery set up for * Joan’s 2004 publication “A Spring Joan shows off her DIY skills, hanging glowing in luminescent paint in baby Vincent. in my Step” tells of growing up with polio in Ireland during a time of up two pictures while standing “Over the Rainbow”. Joan gets used to London life but great poverty and was serialised in precariously on a kitchen chair! When she is yearning for life on home soil 2013 on the bedtime RTE radio Vincent (called Mac in the book), sees During her time as a clerk at W. and proposes purchasing a small programme The Book on One to them, he can’t contain his laughter as Gilbert, Builders and Decorators holding. The final chapter “Green, mark 20 years since the founding of he tells her one of them is hanging she earns nicknames including Green Grass of Home” reflects the Post Polio Support Group. upside down. Leprechaun, Lofty, and Flash. Joan’s thoughts, after 11 years in

19 The SURVIVOR WINTER 2016 20 There is a cafe and shop selling SocialSupport FinglasGoesto books, paintings and little Groups reminders of the great men of Kilmainham 1916. There are also disabled toilets. God was looking down on our Finglas Group on 5th September 2016. The sun was splitting the rocks, and what better way to start the day Of all our day trips to date, we but to head to the Hilton Hotel and have a few drinks in the sun before would put Kilmainham at our 3pm guided tour at Kilmainham Gaol. number one as a place to visit. We would recommend that other Bernie, Monica, Bridget, Geraldine, We were a group of 12 in all, including special friends from the groups consider a visit there Lorraine and Paul in the cell dedicated to Portlaoise and Kildare branch. Our guide was David, who was excellent, sometime. Mrs Joseph Plunkett, nee Grace Gifford and would be well recommended to any tour group. His general knowledge was superb, and no matter what questions were thrown at him, he always knew the answer. He was also extremely friendly. KilkennyTableQuiz

Quiz Winners (l-r), Niall Harper, Kilkenny Social Support Group Members Teresa and Seamus Howley at the Table Quiz and Rose Shelly Photo (l-r) Bridget Quigley O'Brien, Ciaran, Bernie O’Sullivan, Geraldine O'Neill, On Monday 19th September, the Kilkenny Social Support Group had Lucy Greene, Monica Sheehan, Johnny O'Sullivan, Peter Barron, Colette O'Reilly and a table quiz in the Aspel hotel Kilkenny with 19 members attending. Lorraine Harte plus Steven, an American visitor who joined our group for the tour. A big thanks from our members was given to Jim Barrett, who was not The tour lasted thirty minutes. It was very wheelchair accessible and only the Quiz Master on the night, but who also set the q u e s t i o n s we were allowed to take as many photos as we wished, including the and with the help of Michael Walsh, who did the tallying and Liam guide taking a photo of the group. After the tour, the entrance ticket Dowling who collected the sheets from members, the quiz was a great allowed us go to Kilmainham Museum. There are three floors in all and success. Afterwards, members had tea/coffee and sandwiches, everyone agreed that it was an enjoyable night and that it was great a lift that fitted one chair at a time. We could easily have spent a full day to meet up. in the museum, with so much to read and plenty to see.

21 The SURVIVOR WINTER 2016 22 SocialSupportGroups SocialSupportGroups

ClareGroupCooleParkTrip TheCorkSocialSupportGroup

The Group enjoyed a very pleasant outing, with a meal in the Café, before viewing the Audio Visual of the life of Lady Gregory, followed by a look at the museum and a stroll out to the walled garden where the famous autograph tree is situated. Lady Gregory “A good afternoon,” says Edwin Bailey, Convenor of the Clare Social Support Group, who meet regularly, giving Polio Survivors the opportunity to learn from each other in an understanding environment.

Marian Thompson & Susan Willie, Marian & Susan Enj¼ing the C›k Christmas P‰ty which was held in C›k’s Vienna W³ds Hotel, ¯ 20th N¸emb‹

Pictured are Post Polio Support Group Clare members at a summer outing to Coole Park during Heritage Week, from left to right Edwin Bailey, Mary Fitzgerald, Peggy Walsh, Peter Fitzgerald, Beryl Gallagher, Dolores Pierce, Patrick Gallagher and Finbarr Garde, Mary Teresa Nolan seated centre Harry Pierce Philip Flaherty and Barbara and Marian Garde

23 The SURVIVOR WINTER 2016 24 SocialSupportGroups Time to Remember willingly, and for this we are very KilkennySocialSupportGroup grateful. We Are The Sum Of Our We were seen on Nationwide (RTE) Collective Achievements this year, and other members have also appeared on TV over the years. As 2016 comes to a close, we need to This type of publicity is excellent for acknowledge the fact that as our group. survivors of polio, we are still here and offering support to one another We have never let the politicians through our combined activities and forget who we are. Some members achievements, not alone this year, have made visits to Dáil Eireann but throughout the years. over the years. Our talents have been made known We are part of the European Polio in various books, most recently Union. There is strength in numbers "How We Survived and Surprised". for sure. In this important year in the history We care about each other through Pictured is Joan Anne Walsh, member of the Kilkenny Support Group of Ireland, we discovered we were our Support Groups/Ring-Ring receiving a cheque for €300 on the 11th August, from the Store Manager, part of the Rising through Sean programme, and we volunteer Tesco, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary as part of their Tesco Community Fund. MacDiarmada. within the support group at Board Schools, clubs, organisations and deserving causes fill out an application and Committees levels. form, giving a brief outline of their needs for funding from Tesco, who We were ‘going blue’ in October for choose three to benefit. Over 8 weeks customers receive a blue token from World Polio Day – and not just from We look forward to continuing the the cashier, which they can place in one of three tubs and at the end of our sensitivity to weather. work in 2017, reminding the world that time, Tesco makes a donation between the three causes of up to Those who do the thankless job of that as Polio Survivors – ‘We’re Still €1,000. fundraising on our behalf do so Here’. Congratulations to Brendan Moore, Fundraising Outgoing Social Support Committee pictured at a lunch Network and North East Social Support Group on 3rd August last. member, who was the proud winner of a Louth Public Participation Networks Community & Front row: Voluntary Awards 2016, in the Older Persons & Peter Barron & Paul Sinclair. Disability Section, in recognition of his valued Back row: Jimmy Andrews, community and voluntary contribution to Joan Anne Walsh, Pat Guy enhance the quality of life in Co. Louth. The & Jim Barrett Award was presented by Counsellor Paul Bell, An The only member missing from Cathaoirleach, Louth Co. Council on Wednesday the photo is Nuala Buckley. 23rd November.

25 The SURVIVOR WINTER 2016 26 • Diabetes treated by insulin and/ • Persistent drug misuse or TollRoadExemption or sulphonylurea tablets (your dependency doctor will advise if you are on Disabled drivers and disabled passengers whose vehicles are tax exempt these or not). There is no need • Serious psychiatric illness or under the Drivers and Passengers with Disabilities Tax Relief Scheme, to report diabetes that is mental health problems are also exempt from toll charges on every toll road in the state. Under managed by diet and/or other the eflow system in operation on the M50 toll bridge, as you drive under medication • Sleep Apnoea syndrome. the eflow gantry on the M50, the photographic equipment will detect your vehicle registration number and recognise that you should not be • Epilepsy • Narcolepsy charged. • Stroke or TIAs (*1)(minor • Any condition affecting the strokes) with any associated On all other toll roads, the toll road operator will issue special passes to driver’s peripheral vision facilitate such exempt passage. Passes issued by any one operator, will symptoms lasting longer than be accepted by all other toll road operators. one month • Total loss of sight in one eye For further information, and to apply for a pass, please contact your • Fits or blackouts nearest toll road operator. A list of toll road operators and their contact • Any condition affecting both numbers can be found on: www.ddai.ie • Any type of brain surgery, brain eyes, or the remaining eye, if the abscess, or severe head Injury driver has only one eye (not involving in-patient treatment, also brain tumour, spinal injury including colour blindness or MedicalIssues or spinal tumour short or long sight) andDriving • An implanted cardiac pacemaker • A serious hearing deficiency. • An implanted cardiac If you have any long-term, or permanent injury or illness that could affect • Any persistent problem with defibrillator (ICD) (*2) your safe driving ability, Irish and EU legislation requires that you advise arm(s) and/or leg(s), where the driver licensing authority. • Repeated attacks of sudden driving needs to be restricted to disabling dizziness There is a list of diseases and disabilities which need to be reported on certain types of vehicles, or application for, or renewal of, a driving licence. If you have one of these • Any other chronic neurological those with adapted controls conditions, your driving licence application must be accompanied by a condition, such as multiple medical report. These include - see opp page: sclerosis, motor neurone disease • Adaption of the driver’s vehicle Upon reaching the age of 70 years, drivers have to renew their licence or Huntington’s disease to enable driving, due to a and re-declare every three years. To comply, all that is required is a • Parkinson’s disease physical disability medical report from a medical practitioner confirming fitness to drive. It is important to be aware of this issue, and particularly to make sure that • A serious problem with memory, • Severe learning disability. your insurance is not affected if you failed to declare an illness or or periods of confusion. condition. For full information, please see www.rsa.ie/RSA/Licensed- • Persistent alcohol misuse or Drivers/Safe-driving/Medical-Issues. dependency *This list is not exhaustive

27 The SURVIVOR WINTER 2016 28 FUNDRAISING NEWS FUNDRAISING NEWS TheCorkSocialSupportGroup GaelforceWest The Cork Social Support Group held a fundraising Quiz Night in Pictured in action is John Clogher, Co. Roscommon, who took part the Vienna Woods Hotel, Glanmire on Thursday 8th of September in Gaelforce West this year raising vital funds for the Post Polio and they raised over €1,700 in the process. Well done to all Support in the process. John’s mother Marian, (pictured with him), involved for organising such a great night with lots of prizes! is a member. John says, the event went very well in very tough conditions – he finished it in 5 hours and 54 minutes.

SurvivorSweepstakes– AutumnResults The numbers drawn in our Autumn Survivor Sweepstakes member draw were 6, 7, 8 and 10. There was no jackpot winner, but four members matched 3 numbers winning €50 each. Congratulations to Tom O’Reilly, Margaret Heath, Shirley Martin and Hannah O’Sullivan. The results can be checked on www.randomresult.com using ticket number: 140775MTUJY. Our next draw is included with this edition of Survivor – please support us in this fundraising endeavour if you can – the cost as always is €5 for one line, or €10 for three lines. If four numbers are not matched, we will run a side long draw and all entries received will have a chance to win a guaranteed prize of €1,000. We will also have some spot prizes for Match 3 winners! AfantasticachievementandweareverygratefultoJohn Don’t miss out! Return your envelope by Friday 16th December. forraising€470!

29 The SURVIVOR WINTER 2016 30 NOTICE BOARD NOTICE BOARD

Finglas Group Trip to Galway Finglas Group Trips Away – 2017 In June the Finglas Social Support Group went to the Connaught Hotel Join Us! in Galway for a 3 night stay – 44 people from various Social Support Groups, including Finglas, Portlaoise and Kildare, all enjoyed this great February 2017 – Westport, Co. Mayo break together. It was such a success that we are organising our next Sunday 26th to Tuesday 28th February, staying in the Clew Bay Hotel trip already and anyone who wishes to join us is welcome. in Westport town. Cost €129 per person sharing, €139 for single rooms, the cost includes three night’s B&B and three dinners. To book ring The Clew Bay Hotel directly on 098 28088. Please make sure you say you are part of the Post Polio Support Group. *Please note that there are no disabled rooms in this hotel so anyone wishing to attend must be able to manage normal shower facilities.

June 2017 – Galway Sunday 11th June to Tuesday 13th June 2017, staying in the Connacht Hotel, Dublin Road, Galway. The hotel has a pool, good restaurant and is 4 star quality with many disabled rooms, some which are still (L-R) Bernie Sullivan, Geraldine O'Neill, Peter Barron, Paul Sinclair, available. Cost €195 per person sharing, cost includes three nights B&B Bridget Quigley O'Brien and Mike O'Neill and three dinners. Book directly with Tatyana on 091 381 200. Please remember to say you are with the Post Polio Support Group.

Johnny O’Sullivan and Bernie Clair Pat Guy in Spiddal enjoying the chat! Seasonal Photos - Edwin Bailey

31 The SURVIVOR WINTER 2016 32 NOTICE BOARD

The Post Polio Support Group was saddened to hear of the passing of these members recently:

Bernadette Carmody, Martin Edward, Ellen Gallagher, Dolores Gordon, William Hall, Mick Heffernan, Maureen Moriarty, Santana Osburn and Joan Richardson. We acknowledge the contribution these members have made to the work of the Post Polio Support Group – Our thoughts are with their family and friends. Snowcapped Macgillycuddy's Reeks, Co. Kerry - Edwin Bailey

Live Crib, Rathdowney, Co. Laois - Edwin Bailey

Christmas Scene Painting by Francis Bailey

33 The SURVIVOR WINTER 2016 34

BOARD MEMBERS CONTACT DETAILS FOR ThE SOCIAL SUPPORT GROUP IN YOUR AREA

ChAIR Susan Dowling DEPUTY ChAIR Joyce Henderson TREASURER Pat McGillion BRAY GROUP LOCATION Glenview Hotel AREA South East Dublin, North Wicklow CONTACT Marie McGuirk Tel: 085 1603962 E-mail: [email protected] MEETINGS Meets at 8pm on COMPANY SECRETARY Anne Shanahan the first Tuesday of most months from March through to October. If you live in this area OThER DIRECTORS Jim Barrett; Joan Bradley; Macrina Clancy; Roisin Nolan and would like to attend these social meetings, please give Marie call. Board members can be contacted via the office on 01 8898920, or [email protected] CARLOW GROUP LOCATION Dolmen Hotel, Carlow AREA Carlow CONTACT Betty O’Regan Tel: OFFICE STAFF 086 081 6816 E-mail: [email protected] MEETINGS Monday or Tuesday three or four times per year. If you live in this area and would like to attend these social meetings, ADDRESS Unit 319, Capel Building, Mary’s Abbey, Dublin 7 Tel: 01 889 8920. Email: [email protected] Web: www.ppsg.ie please give Betty a call.

CEO Fran Brennan - Email: [email protected] CARRICK-ON-ShANNON GROUP LOCATION Landmark Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon AREA SERVICES TO POLIO SURVIVORS Leitrim, Roscommon, West Cavan CONTACT Patrick McNamara Tel: 071 966 8308 E-mail: Lillian McElvaney, Email: [email protected] TBA MEETINGS by arrangement. Two or three times a year. If you live in this area and would Kerrie Donegan, Email: [email protected] like to attend these social meetings, please give Patrick a call.

ACCOUNTS Sheila Cullinan, Email: [email protected] CLARE GROUP LOCATION The Templegate Hotel, Ennis AREA Clare CONTACT Edwin Bailey MEMBERShIP & VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT OFFICER Tel: 061 368 373 E-mail: [email protected] MEETINGS Meets four to five times Niamh Murphy, Tel: 086 318 8727, Email: [email protected] yearly on Wednesdays at 8 pm. If you live in this area and would like to attend these DEVELOPMENT OFFICER social meetings, please give Edwin a call. Emma Clarke Conway. Tel: 01 889 8920, Email: [email protected] CORK GROUP LOCATION Vienna Woods Hotel, Cork AREA Cork CONTACT Evelyn Wainwright COMMITTEE MEMBERShIP 2016 - 2017 Tel: 021 484 7313 or 086 882 9267 E-mail: [email protected] MEETINGS Meets six times yearly. If you live in this area and would like to attend these social meetings, QUALITY SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE 2016 please give Evelyn a call. ChAIRPERSON Anne Shanahan DONEGAL GROUP LOCATION Clanree Hotel, Letterkenny or The Villa Rose Hotel, Ballybofey OThER MEMBERS Jim Barrett, Pat McGillion, Tony O’Connor AREA Donegal; Derry CONTACT Donal O’Boyle Tel: 087 6172112 E-mail: SURVIVOR EDITORIAL COMMITTEE [email protected] MEETINGS 2-3 times a year. If you live in this area and would MEMBERS Una Lyons like to attend these social meetings, please give Donal a call. Email: [email protected] DUBLIN FINGLAS GROUP LOCATION Currently Parnell GAA Club, Coolock AREA North West Dublin CONTACT Paul Sinclair Tel: 087 6821017 E-mail: [email protected] MEETINGS Last Wednesday of the month at 11:30am (except July, August & December). If you live in this area and would like to attend these meetings, please give Paul a call.

35 The SURVIVOR WINTER 2016 36 CONTACT DETAILS FOR ThE SOCIAL SUPPORT GROUP IN YOUR AREA CONTACT DETAILS FOR ThE SOCIAL SUPPORT GROUP IN YOUR AREA

DUBLIN SOUTh WEST GROUP LOCATION Maldron Hotel, Tallaght AREA South West Dublin MAYO GROUP LOCATION Meetings are now held in the Travellers Friend Hotel, Westport. CONTACT Pat McCabe Tel: 086 8158232 E-mail: [email protected] MEETINGS Meets AREA Mayo CONTACT Mary Ryan Tel: 087 9534130 E-mail: [email protected] four to five times yearly on Mondays or Tuesdays. If you live in this area and would like MEETINGS Meets five times yearly, Saturdays between 2pm and 5pm. If you live in this to attend these social meetings, please give Pat a call. area and would like to attend these social meetings, please give Mary a call.

DUBLIN SWORDS GROUP LOCATION Carnegie Court Hotel, Swords AREA North County MIDLAND GROUP LOCATION Cregan Court Hotel, Athlone AREA Westmeath, Roscommon, Dublin CONTACT Máire Farrell Tel: 087 628 3340 E-mail: [email protected] East Galway CONTACT James Kinahan Tel: 0906 481372 or 087 6768076 E-mail: MEETINGS First Tuesday of every month (except July & August) at 11am. If you live in this [email protected] MEETINGS Meets twice yearly. If you live in this area and would area and would like to attend these meetings, please give Máire a call. like to attend these social meetings, please give James a call.

ENNISCORThY GROUP LOCATION Riverside Hotel, Enniscorthy AREA South Wicklow; NAVAN GROUP LOCATION Ardboyne Hotel, Navan, Co. Meath AREA Meath, Westmeath Wexford; Waterford CONTACT Brendan Culliton 086 890 8702 E-mail: and South Louth CONTACT Patrick Nolan Tel: 086 3138809 E-mail: [email protected] MEETINGS Meets on the 1st Tuesday of most months at 8pm. If [email protected] MEETINGS If you live in this area and would like to attend social you live in this area and would like to attend these social meetings, please give Brendan meetings, please give Patrick a call. a call. NORTh EAST GROUP LOCATION currently meeting in the Shirley Arms Hotel, GALWAY GROUP LOCATION Menlo Park Hotel, Galway AREA Galway; South Mayo CONTACT Carrickmacross AREA Cavan; Monaghan; North Louth CONTACT Convenor Mairead Rao Rapolu Tel: 087 6870024 E-mail: [email protected] MEETINGS Meets four to five Mathews Tel: 086 815 8156 Email: [email protected] MEETINGS Meets four times yearly on Wednesdays at 8 pm. If you live in this area and would like to attend to five times yearly on Mondays at 2pm. If you live in this area and would like to attend these social meetings, please give Rao a call. these meetings, please ring the PPSG Head Office. KERRY GROUP LOCATION Manor West Hotel, Tralee AREA Kerry, West Limerick CONTACT LAOIS-OFFALY GROUP LOCATION Maldron Hotel, Portlaoise. AREA Offaly, Laois CONTACT Dolly Lawlor Tel: 066 718 5475 or 087 204 3795 E-mail: TBA MEETINGS Meets twice Bernie O’Sullivan Tel: 057 934 3760 or 086 064 7227 E-mail: [email protected] MEETINGS yearly. If you live in this area and would like to attend these social meetings, please give Contact Bernie. If you live in this area and would like to attend these social meetings, Dolly a call. please give Bernie a call. KILDARE GROUP LOCATION Monaghan’s Harbour Hotel, Naas AREA Kildare CONTACT Peter SLIGO GROUP LOCATION City Hotel, Sligo AREA Sligo, South Donegal, North Leitrim Barron Tel: 086 854 6948 E-mail: [email protected] MEETINGS Six times a year CONTACT Monica McGowan Tel: 087 242 0700 E-mail: [email protected] If you live in this area and would like to attend these meetings, please give Peter a call. MEETINGS Twice Yearly. If you live in this area and would like to attend these meetings, KILKENNY GROUP LOCATION Aspect Hotel, Kilkenny AREA Kilkenny, Waterford, South please give Monica a call. Tipperary CONTACT Pat Skehan Tel: 085 2443588 E-mail: [email protected] MEETINGS 4-5 times a year on Mondays or Tuesdays at 7.30 p.m. If you live in this area and would like to attend these social meetings, please give Pat a call.

LIMERICK GROUP LOCATION Strand Hotel, Limerick AREA Limerick, East Clare, North Tipperary. CONTACT Helen Jordan Tel: 061 321791 Email: helenenrightjordan @hotmail.com MEETINGS Meet 1st Monday of the month Feb to June & Sept to Nov at 8pm. On Bank Holiday weekends- the 2nd Monday. If you live in this area and would like to attend these meetings, please give Helen a call.

37 The SURVIVOR WINTER 2016 38 WiLLS Please remember the Post Polio Support Group in your Will, or request donations to Post Polio Support Group in lieu of flowers. Be assured all bequests and donations will be put to good use. Thank You

miSSion StAtement To create awareness and to provide information regarding the late effects of polio among Polio Survivors, statutory agencies and the wider medical profession, and to ensure that the needs of Polio Survivors relating to their condition are met to enable them to live with dignity.

DISCLAIMER: While every care is taken to ensure accuracy, neither the Editor nor the Board can accept liability. The views expressed in this magazine are not neccessarily their views or the views of the Group. Neither the Group, nor the Editor, endorses any product or service mentioned in ‘THE SURvIvOR’.

Published Dec 2016 by Post Polio Support Group, Unit 319, Capel Building, Mary’s Abbey, Dublin 7. Tel: 01 889 8920 Fax: 01 889 8924 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.ppsg.ie Registered Charity No. CHY 11356 Company limited by guarantee and not having share captal. Registered in Ireland No: 354283