Life in a New Age Leopardstown Park Hospital Newsletter July 2011 Issue 31 Vol 8 In this Issue A Week in May ...... 1 A Week in May Veterans in the News...... 2 By Noirin Scully The Day Care Centre ...... 3 And what a week it was. A week when the dark clouds of bankers, builders and bail outs The Tailor of Termonfeckin ...... 4 were banished from radios and TVs and instead we watched our visitors as they were Frankie Hennell’s Corner ...... 5 welcomed to our shores. A Eulogy for Margaret Comiskey ...... 5 A Deadly Storm ...... 7 Poetry Corner ...... 7 North Irish Horse Regiment Dinner – 20 May 2011 ...... 8 Woodies...... 8 The Dawn Chorus ...... 9 Advocacy Group ...... 9 The Breeding Season ...... 10 Malnutrition in the Elderly ...... 11 Mary Sheridan...... 12 A Letter from an Old Friend and Colleague...... 12 The Boston Globe...... 13 Leopardstown Park Hospital Trust ...... 14 Condolences ...... 14 Congratulations...... 14 Perhaps the most astonishing feature of the in College Green, his message was the same. Results of Children’s Art Competition.....15 visit of Queen Elizabeth was the way our There are better times ahead. Dare we say Memorable Events for Residents and perception of the British Monarch changed. it? Is feidir linn! Day Centre Clients ...... 16 Her respectful bow in the Garden of Rounders and Astounders ...... 17 Remembrance, her solemn demeanour at the Veterans Report...... 18 War Memorial, her visit to Croke Park, her Remembrance Ceremony ...... 18 interest in the history of the Rock of Cashel together with her obvious enjoyment at the Letter received from An Taoiseach Enda Kenny, T.D...... 19 English market in Cork showed us the Royal British Legion Dun-Laoghaire human side of Banríon Eilís a dó. & Irish Metropolitan Branch Garden Party ...... 19 Leopardstown Park Hospital Garden Fete 2011 ...... 20 In that same week, on the 19th May, we said goodbye to Dr Garret FitzGerald who died in the Mater Private Hospital after a short illness aged 85. A man of great intellect, he was a historian, a writer, an economist, a barrister and a politician who was elected Taoiseach in 1981. We remember him not Although President Obama was only here only for his great achievements but also for for a few hours, he brought with him such his integrity. He was unique. an air of energy, enthusiasm and optimism Leopardstown Park Hospital Board, Photographs of Queen Elizabeth and President Obama , 18. which has been in short supply lately in by kind permission of Maxwells Photo Agency. Tel: 01 295 5055 Fax: 01 295 5957 Ireland. Whether downing the obligatory ISDN: 01 2160500 Photograph of Garret FitzGerald pint in Moneygall or giving that great speech courtesy of the Irish Examiner. Email: [email protected] Website: www.lph.ie LPH NEWS

Veterans in the News

During the visit of Queen Elizabeth to the Rathdrum War Memorial in Co. Wickow June 2011 Islandbridge, some of the Veterans in Dear John, Leopardstown Park Hospital were featured While watching the Queen’s visit on TV they did a segment when you came on the screen at Leopardstown. Are you the John Crisp who lived in Hill in the on the RTE News. John 1930’s and were you a friend of my late brother Eric Taylor? We lived down the road Crisp was one of the from you and I understand you and Eric were good friends. As I was only five I really Veterans and later he did not get to know him, but I have vague memories of you calling to the house. received the following letter. After all these years it would be great if you are that John Crisp. George Taylor

We are glad to report that P.S. I understand you had a sister Pat and that you served in Tank Corps in W.W.11. John and George have One of my aunts –Florence Barrett, was a sister in the Ministry of Pensions Hospital, arranged to meet for a as Leopardstown Hospital was known in the 1950’s and 1960’s. chat about times past.

The Day Care Centre By: Noirin and Rita

One of the great pleasures of working on Liana is the opportunities we have of meeting people and hearing their stories. We hear about those who have lived their lives in inner city surroundings, in rural settings, or perhaps in military life. All stories have been interesting, absorbing and entertaining and we feature three of them here.

MARIE CUMMINS Marie is from Tuam, Co Galway. that approximately forty adults plus Her father, Mark Killilea, was a well children attended. A game of golf was known politician and her brother, also arranged with prizes donated in Mark Mark Killilea, also followed his father Killilea’s (Snr.) name. The festivities into politics. He was appointed Minister went on until the small hours with a of State at the Department of Posts and sing song and at which Marie was Telegraphs and subsequently appointed persuaded to give a solo performance, as to the European Parliament. He has now she used to belong to the choral society retired. in Ballinrobe. After leaving school, Marie worked Following Marie’s unfortunate in the Irish Tourist Board. She married accident, she moved to to Positivity would best describe Marie’s Jimmy (James Joseph) Cummins, a her daughter’s home and she outlook. Two years ago she travelled to doctor from Mayo, and in 1958 he commenced attending the Day Care Lanzarote to attend the wedding of her commenced in private practice. They Unit at Leopardstown Park Hospital on niece. Coming out of her bathroom in had one daughter, Sharon, who is one day a week. She has the height of her hotel, she tripped over a vacuum married and lives in Deansgrange, Co praise for the friendly staff and for the cleaner carelessly left outside the Dublin. Unfortunately Jimmy died in care she experiences at the hospital and bathroom door and as a result Marie 1988 at the very young age of 56. has a special mention for the suffered a bad fall and broke her hip. Marie and her extended family Physiotherapists who have worked hard She was taken to hospital where she enjoyed a wonderful party recently. It to help her to regain some of her spent some time before being airlifted was arranged by her nephew and held in mobility. back to Ireland for treatment. a hotel in Mullingar and Marie reckoned

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JOHN WRIGHT riding out. His apprenticeship lasted for year old Vestogan as his best race. The nine years. horse he most loved was Height of Conscription was still in force at this Fashion (who came second in an Irish time and young men had to spend two Grand National twice, on one of these years in the armed services. However occasions to Arkle.) those in certain categories of jobs were He was retained by the McGraths, exempt and one of these exemptions but was permitted to ride for other applied to farm workers. John’s stables as the need arose. employer stated that John was just such John retired from racing at the age a worker and so would not have to join of 38. In 1956 he went to work for up. While attending a race meeting, the Seamus McGrath, Trainer and son of Joe Born in Liverpool in 1930 John most police came looking for John, McGrath. He became Liaison Officer in certainly does not look his age. He had presumably with the intention of the Publicity Department of Irish one brother and eight sisters so it goes arresting him but John managed to Hospital Sweepstakes and he held this without saying it was a busy household. make his escape and he made his way to position until 1966. Being small in stature and a lightweight, Ireland Married to Margaret, originally from John overheard a remark made by the During his racing career here John , they have five family GP that perhaps he should think became very well known to the racing daughters and ten grandchildren. John of becoming a jockey when he left community and was a much sought after attends the Day Care Centre which he school. On leaving school, he lightweight jockey. He rode many finds a great help as he battles a remembered what the doctor had said winners in race courses throughout (serious) medical condition which has and he went to work as an apprentice Ireland, including the Curragh, , resulted in the loss of sight in one eye, jockey in stables in Wiltshire. Working a Leopardstown, Naas, Phoenix Park, but he considers himself lucky as he had seven day week, he was up at 6.30 am Killarney, Limerick Junction, Sligo, a career that he loved and has a good and worked until midday, then back on Listowel and Tralee (to name but a few). family and he looks forward to his once the job again at 4 pm and he worked He also rode in the Cesarewich where a week visit to the Day Care Centre until 6pm. The work was hard and he had two winners Sword Flash and which he enjoys immensely. involved cleaning out the stables, Height of Fashion. John regards the looking after the horses and of course, 1500 in the Phoenix Park riding the two

TERESA MCGOVERN traumatic experience after which her Washington and New York and then mother took her out of that school and sailed back to Ireland to visit her home. she went to a convent school in But her travels didn’t stop there. Enniskillen. After three months at home she set off On finishing school Teresa applied to again and over the years her travels Belfast City Hospital to do nursing. Her ranged far and wide across the globe. training was hard as it was in those days The countries in which she worked where she had one day off a month and included Bermuda, Jamaica, Hawaii, Fiji, was paid the princely sum of £3 a Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand. month. Teresa remembers that she and We listened awestruck as we pictured her companions were always hungry Teresa venturing, sometimes alone, to We met Teresa, a retired nurse from because WWII was still raging and her these countries and realising that travel Belmullet, Co Mayo who now lives in mother’s food parcels were particularly in those days was not just a matter of Deansgrange, Co Dublin and attends the welcome. hopping on and off airplanes, but Day Centre in Leopardstown Park On finishing her training, Teresa travelling by sea was often the only Hospital once a week. Teresa’s father went to London to work and after some option. was originally from Cavan, and the time she decided to set sail for Canada By this time, Teresa’s lunch was family moved there where Mr where she spent three years. She worked ready and she had to go, but her story is McGovern opened a drapery business. in Southern Alberta, Montreal and so interesting that we hope to feature It was a busy home as there were Vancouver. more about her experiences in future nine children. Teresa attended school She travelled by Greyhound bus to issues. So, readers, watch this space. nine miles away until she suffered a San Francisco, Arizona, New Mexico,

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The Tailor of Termonfeckin

By Tom Harmon

A tale from the banks of the River beside the old hall which has since been Ballywater which flows through the demolished. They had swingboats, village of Termonfeckin and of Paddy jugglers, acrobats, stilt walkers, two clowns Henry, the tailor. and travelling players who acted in plays. There were very few villages in There were two plays which I think were Ireland that did not have a tailor and “East Lynn” and “Murder in the Red Termonfeckin was no exception in years Barn”. But the main attraction was a very gone by. So enter Paddy Henry. Paddy dark-skinned man, unusual in those days. was not a big man. Little would describe He was called “The Contortionist” and him as he was five foot nothing in height. could tie himself in knots, he was a kind Paddy lived in a house at the butt of of Houdini. There was a younger boy Tawney Hill which is on the road to with him who collected the money before Baltray village, passing the ICA college he put on his act. liberally applied to Paddy’s limbs. and on to Drogheda. The Roman Catholic Now in those times, a tailor’s shop Church looked down into the back of was a place where a lot of people met and As Brian was doing this Jack would Paddy’s house where there were a few discussed the news of the day both local say “Grease the so and so well”. As this sheds, one containing a few cows, perhaps and national, as TV’s were unknown and was going on Paddy was fit to be tied and three or four, as Paddy and his wife kept a radios few and far between. Jack came to swore he’d get his own back on Jack. small dairy which supplied milk and the tailor, Paddy, for a fitting and the talk After much greasing and manipulation he butter to some people in the village. Now came up about the show and the man got back to his original position but he this is only an introduction to the main who could tie himself in knots. So Jack was a sorry sight and not a pretty one. story, which, by the way, is absolutely saw his chance to get one up on Paddy Now the cleaning had to be done and a true. and he said, “Sure Paddy, you could do bath was run with plenty of near boiling water and a big bar of carbolic soap and In my father’s time, as the story-teller that.” Now Paddy was the time of person after a vigorous scrubbing he must have puts it, very few people from the country who would say “anything you can do I can been the cleanest tailor in the country bar went to town to purchase a suit of men’s do better”. As the tale progressed Paddy none. Of course all this made Jack’s day. clothes, including trousers, waistcoat and sitting on his bench, now proceeded to After a week the show left the village and jacket. Instead, when in town, they put his legs at the back of his neck with things got back to normal. bought from the drapers, what was called plenty of encouragement from Jack. Now a suit length or, in other words, the the return journey to his former position Jack went back for the final fitting of makings of a suit. This was taken to the was a disaster. He was locked and panic the suit and paid for it so Paddy said he local tailor who measured the person for set in as to what to do next. would send it to him in time for the big the suit and got instructions as to how Now, after some thought Jack day. The suit arrived in time and Paddy they liked their waistcoat and buttons suggested to Paddy’s wife to send for a was as proud as punch. His friends were done. bone setter named Brian. This was done coming to collect him in the morning with a fast pony and trap. The morning On this occasion, a local farmer and in just over an hour or so the bone came and Jack went to put on his trousers named Jack, surname I will leave out for setter arrived. Then Irish hospitality but found he could not get his feet obvious reasons, came to Paddy to have meant that he was offered a drop of the through the bottom of the trouser legs as his suit made. He wanted it for a special “Craythur”, which meant whiskey, and they were stitched together with a note occasion that was to take place in his after that the fun started. attached saying “you will need some home village of Stabannon where his Brian took one look at Paddy and grease for this job. From Paddy”. favourite team, the Parnells were playing asked for a good quantity of butter to rub another team in the County final GAA on Paddy’s limbs to make them supple. Jack’s vocabulary was colourful to say match. The team was named after At that Paddy said “I’m not going to waste the least and as you can imagine the air Parnell, who, as far as Jack was concerned, butter” which to Paddy meant money as turned several shades of blue. Worse still was the greatest national leader of them he was as tight as two pence in a rag. So his friends had arrived and viewed Jack’s all. Jack was a noted trickster was Brian looked at Jack and asked him what predicament. Of course Jack’s wife had renowned locally and outside the parish should he do. After a little thought Jack to rip out the stitches and then the as well. with a grin, suggested cart grease. This trousers had to be quickly pressed. After that all went well and Jack still got his About this time there came to the grease was used on cart axles and on the suits made by Paddy and as far as I heard village a travelling show. They pitched hooves of horses. So this black and very they remained good friends. their tents and sideshows on the green greasy substance was obtained and

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Frankie Hennell’s Corner

Dear Readers because I’m anaemic.” So the Garda says, “You’ll have to come back to Just a few lines, hoping you are the station.” So they went back to all keeping well. I’d like to tell a the station and the Garda says “I little joke before I forget it. want you to walk straight along that The breathaliser was only new on white line”. Paddy says, “I’m sorry, I the scene. Paddy was zig sagging can’t, because I’m drunk! The Quiz along the road driving very I was sorry to hear about Helen recklessly. So a Garda went after 1. From whom did Thierry () who passed away and him on his motorbike and pulled up Henry join Arsenal? Aidan’s wife who also died. All our alongside him and asked him to pull 2. What is the name of the café thoughts are with Aidan and his in the TV series Friends? over. The Garda said “Get out of family. I know God will comfort 3 What colour is saffron? the car and blow into this.” Paddy them. said, “I can’t, as I have asthma.” The Answers to the Quiz in “O.K.” said the Garda. “I’ll take a I would like to thank Geraldine the last issue… sample of your water”. Paddy said, Lee (Patient Services) for arranging 1. Cast “I’m sorry I can’t because I’m a the Choir in concert. 2. The Misfits diabetic.” The Garda said, “well 3. Gough Whitlam I will now close with my three then, I’ll take a sample of your questions: blood.” Paddy says, “I’m sorry I can’t All the best, Frankie

A Eulogy for Margaret Comiskey

By Elaine Flanagan

Henry James once said: Leopardstown Park Hospital, respite holistic care aspect which we actively “Sorrow comes in great waves, but it residents in Djouce ward or clients in pursue here. As a CNM1, she rolls over us and though it may almost the Day Care Centre, Margaret treated generously gave us her knowledge, her smother us, it leaves us on the spot, and us equally with her professional care, expertise and her skills. She was a we know that if it is strong, we are compassion and love that only Margaret strategic thinker, a calm visionary who stronger in as much as it passes and we could give. That is why we are gathered was innovative and creative. She had a remain.” here to say goodbye to Margaret but I tremendous love of nature – in would also like to speak in celebration particular dogs and horses and they also This April morning, one month after of her life gathered at her funeral in Wexford to Margaret’s death we have come here for bid her farewell. She would certainly two reasons: I have personally known Margaret since 2006 when I joined Leopardstown have approved of the hospital’s new No. 1: To celebrate Margaret’s wonderful Park Hospital but there are those of you developments with pet therapy and life here,that knew Margaret since she nesting boxes which is bringing nature No. 2: To share in her loss with Cathal. commenced employment here as a back to our residents here. So in a way, I suppose, her star continues to shine Margaret touched each and every young staff nurse in 1987. Margaret brightly amongst us. one of us in a different way as her reached us all on a deeper level of care, partner, as her friend, as her work which allowed her to develop her I consider myself to be very lucky in colleague, or as an excellent nurse, a nursing knowledge. When others would my role here. Whilst I acknowledge the credit to her profession. sit back and not stretch to further role that operationally our multi- develop skills to reach our residents disciplinary colleagues play at the Albert Einstein said, “The value of a needs, in a more person centred, hospital, it is the nurses and the carers man should be seen in what he gives individual way, Margaret progressed who ultimately provide the core and not in what he is able to receive.” forward, - she trained in acupuncture, strength. We have developed our core In one word, Margaret was a lady who massage, dementia and management and management team to recognise and gave. Whether we were residents in she was very much in tune with the actively encourage individual care for

LIANA Newsletter July 2011 5 LPH NEWS

our residents – to recognise that life in areas that she once brightened for us. after Cathal when she was gone and her addition to being physically well, also As Director of Nursing, when I do last phone call to me echoed those has to possess social elements with our my rounds, there is not a morning that sentiments. Cathal knows that we are peers and nature, to reflect our Margaret is not mentioned, with regard with him during this dark process but spirituality and has to be fun ultimately, to her loss, her special touch in we must take comfort from the fact that I believe what I’m saying is that our core complimentary medicine and her fun even though Margaret is not with us any team has to provide, teach and loving personality from her colleagues in more she is now without fear or pain. encourage love to those who trust in our the day care centre. Margaret always had This is epitomised by a short poem by care. I do believe that my core team, of a smile on her face, she bounded around Sharon A. Bryington whom I am very proud and in which the corridors of the hospital with great She leaves us then a living legacy, the Margaret played a vital role, actively vitality and you could often hear her stories she told, the lives she touched, encourages the concept with Ann, infectious laugh echoing from the Day and the Day Care Centre she Fergus, Elma, Jackie, Pom, Ramya, Linda, Care Centre. And from Matron who as a transformed. So here in this chapel in Cynthia, Deirdre, Bridie, Helen, Iris, student nurse was once sent to Matron’s the hospital that she loved, on this Florence, Pam and Liz all playing their office for engaging in laughter with beautiful Dublin morning, no goodbyes. own individual and crucial roles. As a patients on a ward – that always made Margaret’s influence was much too great sorrow fills our hearts at this sad me smile and remember. profound for words of such finality. moment, a sorrow that is deep and Margaret was a deeply private person Instead, a simple thank you to a personal to us, Margaret has silently colleague, to a friend, to a partner, and a closed the door of life and departed who came to work to care. But she was also very concerned that we would look loving nurse who enriched our lives and from us and our lives are empty in the passed through town all too quickly.

While Waiting A Poem for Margaret For Thee By Cathal O’Donovan

by Sharon A. Bryington Margaret by the way Don't weep at my grave When you meet someone for the For I am not there, first time, Some days you'd come to work, I've a date with a butterfly You may feel apprehensive, Feeling down not at your best, To dance on the air. perhaps a little shy, Thinking to yourself, oh my god If I'm missed, find a flower, But that was not how you felt I want to go home to my bed I'll be there too, when you met Margaret, and rest, Sniffing it's fragrance And I will tell you why; But then you"d see your Right next to you. colleagues She sauntered straight up to me, And you"d know it was going to Don't be sad And the first words I heard her be okay, When you remember me, say Why! Because your working with For I'm singing in the sunshine, As she smiled stuck out her Wild and free, hand and said, Margaret by the way. Flirting with the lighting, Hi, I'm Margaret by the way. Playing tag with the wind, She touched the hearts of all Chasing the thunder She had so many qualities, she met, Time and again, That none of us will ever Each in her own special way, Soaring with the eagle, achieve, She filled them full of happy Swimming in the sea, Like how to meet a total stranger memories, Enjoying all of nature And make them feel at ease, That we carry with us every day, While I'm waiting for thee. That is why we will never forget, Like a blinding ray of sunshine, She'd light the darkest day, My Margaret by the way With her beautiful smile, cheery hello That was Margaret by the way.

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A Deadly Storm Poetry Corner By Noirin Scully A poem submitted by Marie Collins, Tibradden Ward Walking the East Pier in Dún to get ropes on to the stricken vessels Laoghaire on a fine summer evening, was almost impossible. To avoid being watching the yachts peacefully sailing smashed onto the rocks, sailors jumped I Love to Live across the calm waters of the harbour, it into the seas and Captain Boyd and his is impossible to imagine how this scene men formed a chain so that some might Today Dear Lord I am 80 and could change during a fierce winter be pulled from the water; Their valiant there’s much I haven’t done, storm. efforts were in vain as a huge wave I hope Dear Lord, you’ll let Such a storm occurred in February crashed over the pier and Captain Boyd me live until I’m 81. 1861. The wind rose on Friday 8th and and his crew together with many people But then if I haven’t finished soon became one of the severest storms from the town who had come to help all I want to do, were swept into the sea and drowned. experienced on the east coast for many Would you let me stay awhile years. The gale, accompanied by rain Then the sea began to give up the until I’m 82? and hail caused huge waves that dead. The bodies of the brave crew of So many places I want to do, battered the shore and caused many HMS Ajax, the crews from the so very much to see, ships to founder all along the east coast. shipwrecks and the townspeople who Do you think you could had lost their lives, all were taken from HMS Ajax, a guard-ship, was manage to make it 83? stationed in the recently constructed the sea and following their funerals were interred in Carrickbrennan The world is changing very harbour in Kingstown, (the old name fast for Dún Laoghaire). The ship was Graveyard in nearby Monkstown village. There is much in store, under the command of Captain John This graveyard, which may be visited, McNeil Boyd who was born in Derry in contains the remains of many of the I’d like it very much to live 1812. During his career in the Royal victims of the maritime disasters which until I’m 84. Navy Captain Boyd had served on many occurred over the years in Dublin bay. And if by then I’m still alive, ships before being appointed Captain on Captain Boyd’s remains were not I’d like to stay till 85. HMS Ajax in 1858. recovered for some weeks and he was More planes will be up in the On Saturday the 9th of February the interred in the small graveyard in St air, Patrick’s Cathedral and a memorial was storm continued unabated and when So I’d really like to stick ships were seen drifting helplessly erected in the Cathedral in his memory. Another memorial to Captain Boyd and And see what happens to the towards the rocks at the back of the world when I am 86. pier, Captain Boyd and his men went to his crew can be seen in Carrickbrennan I know Dear Lord it’s much to render assistance. Graveyard. At the scene of the tragedy on the East Pier in Dún Laoghaire, there ask One can only imagine the scene. is a obelisk monument commemorating And it must be nice in heaven Although it was midday, the lowering the bravery of Captain Boyd and his But I would really like to stay sky, the mountainous seas and the crew. howling of the wind meant that trying until I’m 87. I know by then I won’t be fast, and sometimes will be late, But it would be so pleasant to be around at 88 I will have seen many things and had a wonderful time, So, I’m sure that I’ll be willing to leave at 89 ... maybe. Just one more thing I’d like to say, Dear Lord, I thank you kindly If it doesn’t put you out too much I’d love to live past 90

Memorial in Carrickbrennan Graveyard, Memorial on East Pier, Dun Laoghaire Monkstown, Co Dublin

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North Irish Horse Regiment Dinner – 20 May 2011

John Crisp, A Squadron and Gerry Chester B Squadron, North Irish Horse Regiment attended the Battle Of The Hitler Line 67th Anniversary Annual Celebration Dinner on Friday 20th May 2011 at the Belfray Co House Hotel. The Drums are the Ceremonial Band Drums of the Band the old North Irish House Regiment. (The Regiment has been reduces to 2 squadrons in the Queen Own Yeomanry) They have the Names of the various “battles” that the Regiment participated in, painted on rather like the Regimental Flag. Our thanks to Brian Crawford who supplied the photographs and details.

The Ceremonial Drums John Crisp and Gerry Chester Woodies

By Rita Conroy

If you need a new shears, where do you go? If you need a new ladder, where do you go? A mirror, some plants for your garden, a kettle, a garden seat – where do you go? You go to your local Woodies store for all DIY and gardening needs and their stores are nationwide so there’s sure to be a branch near you. However, in early May Woodies came to us. Our new Art and Craft Centre was transformed for a day by Woodies horticulturalists Marie and David (with the blessing of Simon Farrell, Manager, Woodies, ) and all for free. A wonderful thoughtful gesture, for which we are extremely grateful. The following photos bear testament to their wonderful work, with lush plants lavishly displayed, water feature, greenery of all description which gave us the ideal background for Eric Dempsey’s beautiful DAWN CHORUS presentation which included stunning pictures of a great variety of birds.

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The Dawn Chorus

By Johnny Wetherall

Wednesday 11th May at A bit late for dawn at 10am, still remarkably high. Eric Dempsey of Birds Leopardstown Park Hospital, allowances have to be made for oldies. Ireland had set up a projector and audio Woodview Art and Craft Centre Well, believe it or not we did have a equipment and was able to give a show dawn chorus and attendance was of pictures of more common birds backed up by the sound of their songs – a very informative presentation, well received by the capacity audience. The main area of the Craft Centre had been turned into a wonderful colourful garden by Woodies (the hardware and garden centre in the estate “just across the road”.) This garden was a riot of colour of heart stopping magnitude and it was difficult to drag oneself away – beautiful white rhododendron, Australian bottle brush standards, dark blue iris and a corner feature water cascade, a really glorious display and we who enjoyed this wonderful display must be grateful to Woodies for their kindness and effort in bringing such a joy to us all and thanks to Vera and her army of helpers for a lovely day with an extended dawn chorus.

Advocacy Group Martin McGarry of the Advocacy Group sent the following letter to Woodies.

To Management and Staff at Woodie’s Sandyford.

A very special thanks to all your staff who worked so hard creating our “Woodlands Garden Experience” at Leopardstown Park Hospital. It brought so much enjoyment to all our residents. It was a great pleasure to see the smile the garden brought to the faces of all our elderly residents, some of whom haven’t seen such a magnificent display of garden and woodland arrangement in many years. The stimulation from the noises of the birds, scents of the flowers, and the tastes of the fresh strawberries, will leave a lasting impression in their hearts and memories for many a year to come be it long or short.

In particular, special thanks are owed to horticulturists, Marie and David, who gave up their valuable time to help us out. It is very much appreciated.

Also to the manager, Simon Farrell for his kind and generous offer to allow the use of his stock, equipment and staff for this to take place. We wish all your staff all the best for the future and hope your business blooms in future.

Finally once again, a very warm hearted thanks from all at LPH.

Kind regards, Martin McGarry Advocacy Group Pr.

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The Breeding Season

By Eric Dempsey of Birds Ireland

Summer has at last arrived and all Eggs are fragile and their rich store around us our resident birds are busy of nutrient attracts rats, cats and proclaiming their territories and magpies, so birds must nest in selecting suitable nest sites. Even now, inaccessible places. Most species build a the first of our summer visitors are protective structure, a further demand reaching our shores and shortly they too on a bird's time and resources. Nests are will be nest building. The nesting season built therefore well in advance of the is upon us. release of eggs. Most people, if asked But what are nests? Put simply, nests what a nest was, would describe a cup- are where birds lay their eggs, incubate shaped object made of grasses wedged in those eggs and, for many species, where between branches in a tree. Such a the chicks remain until they are fledged description would be right… many birds (ready to leave the nest). do build nests exactly like that. However, as there are many species of The egg is a life support system for birds, there are equally a vast array of the baby bird. It has everything the baby nest designs and nesting places. In fact Eric Dempsey – Birds Ireland needs except a heating system. The yolk there are some birds that don’t even is a store of food for the growing chick. bother to build nests at all! It is also This is surrounded by egg white, a thick important to remember that nests are a sticky fluid which cushions the yolk and purely summer residence for nest on ledges of cliffs and, in some which will also be eaten by the chick. birds…once the breeding season is over, cities, on high-rise buildings. They can Forming eggs is demanding for the they are no longer required and are build quite large nests of twigs, grasses mother so only one egg is released at a abandoned. Nests vary from highly and straw but in some cases, Kestrels time. It is immediately attached to a elaborate and beautiful constructions to will also use old crow nests or even nest yolk and begins its journey down a long simple hollows scraped in ground. The in large, open nest-boxes. These boxes passage called the oviduct. It is fertilised following is an introduction to some of can be erected where there are no other along the way, the white protective the different nesting strategies that our suitable locations. Kestrels are also cushion is added and finally the shell. birds use. known to nest in holes in trees on Cell division begins as the egg progresses occasions. and the early embryo begins its Ground Nesters Other birds that nest on the ground development. The entire process, from Many birds choose to nest on the tend to rely on camouflage to protect release to laying, takes a day in small ground and employ many different their nest location. Many ground nesting birds, two days in larger ones. strategies for nesting. Some birds like birds like Little Terns, Ringed Plovers The early embryo, on top of the Guillemots and Razorbills simply lay and Skylarks sit tight on the nest and yolk, can be seen as a white spot about 4 their eggs on the ledges of the steepest simply blend into their surroundings. mm in extent on top of the yolk. Cell cliffs. There is no attempt to even When they leave the nest, their eggs and division stops after laying and won't pretend to build a nest. The eggs are chicks are also perfectly camouflaged. resume until incubation begins. The egg pointed and oval shaped so that, if a Other ground nesting birds like gulls is dormant at this stage and it does not parent bird should knock against it also rely on camouflage with their need heat to survive. when leaving the ledge, the egg will patterned eggs and chicks making them Most small birds won't start simply roll in on itself in a tight almost impossible to see. One ground incubating until the entire clutch has circle…if it were more rounded, it might nesting duck, the Eider, lines the nest been laid. The weight of a clutch of blue roll off the edge! Other seabirds like with her dense down feathers….one of tit eggs is greater than the weight of the Gannets nest on similar steep cliffs but the warmest naturally produced mother. It would make too great a do construct a large cup-shaped nest of substances in the world. Swans also nest demand on the bird to gather enough seaweed and other coastal on the ground and build large nests of resources to form eggs and to sit and material….including discarded fishing weed and feathers. Like all wildfowl incubate at the same time. Some species, netting. These birds rely on the fact that (ducks, geese and swans), the chicks are however, manage to do both. To their nests are on such steep cliffs for hatched with down feathers (most incubate her eggs, a bird must raise their protection. Potential predators simply chicks are hatched bald). Within a day, temperature almost to that of her own can’t reach them. Many birds of prey the nest is abandoned and all the chicks body. like Kestrels and Peregrine Falcons also take to the water with their parents.

10 LIANA Newsletter July 2011 LPH NEWS

Malnutrition in the Elderly

Authors: Glenda O’Connor, Senior Dietitian, Dr Joseph Yazbeck Medical Officer/UCD Clinical Lecturer

The elderly are the fastest growing appointments and GP visits. Such Management of malnutrition sector of society, with those aged 65 outcomes greatly compromise quality of Early detection is key to the successful years or more accounting for life and increase dependency and the management of malnutrition in the approximately 11% of the Irish need for long-term care, as well as elderly. Once malnutrition is identified, population in 2010. A satisfactory imposing a high economic cost. In 2010 prompt referral to a dietitian and nutritional status is of paramount the cost of malnutrition in Ireland was commencement of nutrition support is a importance in establishing quality of life estimated to exceed €1.5 billion per priority. and positive aging in older people. annum, representing more than 10% of However, malnutrition is a major the healthcare budget. In malnourished elderly patients, the problem amongst this population group. use of liquid oral nutritional Identification of Malnutrition supplements (ONS) is known to significantly improve energy, protein and Causes and consequences of Within any healthcare setting Malnutrition nutrient intake, weight gain, functional malnutrition and risk of malnutrition capacity (muscle strength, ADL’s, The causes of malnutrition in the elderly can be identified by the use of mobility) and to cause significant are many and may be divided into nutritional screening or assessment tools. reductions in mortality and medical, physiological, socioeconomic Screening is a rapid, simple and general complications (e.g. infections, pressure and psychological conditions. procedure that involves the ulcers). It is important, however, that Malnutrition occurs where dietary identification of patient characteristics the goals of treatment with ONS be intake is insufficient to meet nutritional known to be associated with identified for an individual patient at the requirements (the latter of which will be malnutrition (e.g. unintentional weight start of treatment. Thereafter, regular increased during illness or metabolic loss over a defined timescale, lack of and frequent monitoring of patients stress), increased nutrient losses, poor nutritional intake, current BMI etc) and receiving ONS should be undertaken to: nutrient absorption or a combination of the initiation of a defined care plan • Assess ONS acceptability. these factors. Up to 25% of cases will outlining how to treat and monitor the • Monitor ONS effectiveness by have no identifiable cause despite patient thereafter. It precedes nutritional monitoring the patients’ progress extensive investigation. assessment which is a more in-depth and towards the treatment goal (s). Goals Food intake naturally declines with specific evaluation of individuals at risk, could include energy and nutritional age, heralding the onset of what has typically undertaken by a dietitian. intake, appetite, nutritional status, been called a “physiologic anorexia of Nutritional screening is a multi- functional measures and/ or aging”. This is characterised by a disciplinary responsibility and can be clinically relevant outcomes reduction in chemo-sensory function undertaken by nurses, doctors, dietitians (pressure ulcer size, infection, quality (affecting taste and smell), reduced or other health care professionals. of life). efficiency of chewing, delayed gastric In the absence of a screening tool, • Encourage compliance with ONS emptying and increases in satiating clinical judgement will play a vital role where appropriate. hormones. These changes are associated in aiding doctors to identify • Assess whether ONS are still with anorexia, early satiety and reduced malnutrition. The following questions required or if other forms of enjoyment of food. Such a decline in should be considered when assessing any nutritional support (e.g. tube food intake, coupled with the elderly patient: feeding) are warranted characteristic loss of lean body mass • Has the patient unintentionally lost • Monitor changes in clinical and associated with age leaves the elderly at weight recently? If so, how much nutritional status (10). nutritional risk when psychological or and over how long? How does their In Ireland, malnutrition has been physical disease processes come into current weight compare to their identified as an urgent public health and play. usual weight? economic issue, but there remains a The consequences of malnutrition • Check current BMI – is the patient distinct lack of awareness regarding the can be profound, and affect every organ underweight? impact of malnutrition on the elderly system. Involuntary weight loss leading • Has the patient’s appetite declined population. It is widespread in all to decreased muscle strength, mobility over the past few months? Are there healthcare settings, and the adverse and impaired immune function. chewing or swallowing difficulties? consequences are well documented. Increased susceptibility to infection, • Is the patient acutely unwell and will Malnutrition is treatable in the vast delayed wound healing and pressure this significantly impact upon majority of cases but success depends on sores ensue, leading to increased risk of nutritional intake for > 5 days? ea rly identification of those at risk by clinical complications. As a result • Does a global assessment of the the use of a nutritional screening malnourished patients spend 30-75% patient suggest undernutrition? Is program, and prompt initiation and longer in hospital, and require more there evidence of muscle wasting, management of effective nutrition frequent re-admissions, out-patient loose clothes, poor wound healing? support measures.

LIANA Newsletter July 2011 11 LPH NEWS

Mary Sheridan A Letter from an By Yvonne Sheridan Old Friend and Colleague

Mary Sheridan’s Sweepstake Ticket 1959 Hi, I’m Mary Sheridan and I moved to LPH on 17 December 2010. I grew up in Westmeath before we moved to Dublin. After college, I worked at the Irish Hospitals’ Trust () for many years – a job that I loved. I was selected to be on the Irish Hospitals’ Sweepstake ticket for the Grand National in 1959, which was a great honour. The ticket shown (not the winning one!) was found recently in the back of a picture frame in Philadelphia . My brother Derry and I loved horse-riding as children and I’m fond of a ‘flutter’ to this day with my favourite jockey being Ruby Walsh. I also love music – the livelier the better (Elvis being my all time favourite)! I’m looking forward to a few upcoming shows - Neil Diamond in June and also Ronan Collins sings Joe Dolan in October.

Mary and her daughter Yvonne

Johnny Wetherall received the above letter from Major Elsey expressing his condolences on the death of his wife, Audrey. Major Elsey also had some lovely comments about Liana which we thought we should feature. Many thanks, Johnny and Major Elsey for allowing us to publish your letter in Liana.

Mary and Elvis

12 LIANA Newsletter July 2011 LPH NEWS

The Boston Globe

The following article appears courtesy of the Boston Globe.

For Irish Vets of WWII, Royal Visit Fulfils Hope for Reconciliation By Kevin Cullen – Globe Columnist

Leopardstown, Ireland. – They sat there, world. The Irishmen who fought in World Women who went door to door in three old soldiers, watching the television War I, including the 49,000 who died, Ireland, selling red poppies that raised in a room lined with books and memories. fought for a different reason. They money for British forces veterans “were On the TV, Queen Elizabeth II was thought that their decision to join the often greeted with terrible abuse,” Crisp standing in the Irish National War British war effort would lead to home said. “You couldn’t wear a poppy on the Memorial Garden, 9 miles away at rule for Ireland. But it didn’t happen that streets.” Islandbridge, paying tribute to the way, and instead the Irish fought the “We were unwanted people,” said Irishmen who died in British uniforms in British for their independence. Redmond, who came back from war, two world wars. The three old soldiers watched the became a doctor, and spent 35 years in “I never thought I’d live to see this,” screen as the Queen walked onto the Africa helping poor people. Jim Redmond said. deep green pitch at Croke Park, home of The three old soldiers give most credit Ireland’s national games of Gaelic football Redmond wore a British uniform, for to Ireland’s last two presidents, Mary and hurling. It was there, in 1920, that Robinson and Mary McAleese, for leading the Royal Air Force. He flew 36 missions British soldiers opened fire on unarmed over Nazi Germany as a rear gunner. the cultural change, so that Irish service in spectators, killing 14 of them, a reprisal British uniforms can be accepted and “We’re watching history” Johnny for the Irish Republican Army’s honoured. After she was elected in 1990. Wetherall said, nodding. assassination of a dozen British agents in Robinson attended an Armistice Day Dublin. Wetherall joined the British Army ceremony, breaking a taboo. when he was 17 years old. Two years later, Earlier, the Queen sat with Enda McAleese shattered the taboo by he flew a glider into Arnhem behind Kenny – Ireland’s Taoiseach, or Prime wearing a poppy soon after her election in German lines on the Lower Rhine. Minister – under a portrait of Michael 1997, showing that it could be an Irish Collins, the IRA leader who orchestrated John Crisp was a student at Trinity custom as much as a British one. She and the wipeout of the British agents. College in Dublin when the Nazis the Queen went to Belgium to honour invaded Poland. “She’s drawing a line under all of it,” the Irish and British dead. Crisp said. “It’s about reconciliation, and “Ireland was neutral, but I couldn’t “The two ladies, the two Marys, have it’s about time.” be,” he said. done us proud,” Crisp said. Wetherall is a war hero. After landing He left the safe confines of The three old soldiers were proud that his glider at Arnhem, he got out and cobblestoned Trinity College and not long the Queen had gone to the Garden of started firing. He got shot in the face, after he was driving tanks across North Remembrance a day earlier to honour losing his right eye. The Germans dragged Africa, chasing Nazis with his French and Irish rebels who fought British forces. him to a POW camp. And when they American allies. weren’t looking, he escaped. “It’s perfectly correct that we should And so they sat there, in the honour the founding fathers of this But after the war, he got a job in a car Leopardstown Park Hospital, which country,” Crisp said, “just as we should factory here in Ireland and learned “that opened in 1917 to take care of Irishmen honour British veterans and the fact that you didn’t go around talking about the who wore the British uniform. Having joining the British Army does not make war,” he said. “You just learned to keep been part of history, now they were you anti-Irish.” your big mouth shut.” watching it, a British Queen welcomed in Crisp looked up at the TV, and the Ireland, a bitter history buried like so Crisp came back to his native Dublin Queen was walking around Croke Park, a many of their friends who never made it and initially sensed that Britain’s central place once defined by atrocity, now back to Ireland from war. role in defeating the Axis powers was defined by reconciliation. appreciated. But attitudes hardened. Irish Redmond is 89 years old. Crisp is 87, nationalism had not yet figured out a way “For too long, it was not respectable to Wetherall is the baby at 86. They were to give the British credit for anything. be us,” he said, and Redmond and part of the Greatest Generation. They Wetherall were nodding. “Now it’s saved the free world. But when they came “Eventually, I ended up being quiet respectable again.” back to Ireland, they weren’t celebrated. about my military past,” he said. “It just They weren’t appreciated. was something you didn’t talk about. It I left them in the afternoon light. invited abuse. And when I thought about Three old soldiers. Three great men who “We were made to feel invisible,” how many of my friends died in the war, don’t have to hide in their own country Redmond said. it was very difficult to accept that it was anymore. Those who fought in World War II not socially acceptable to say you fought didn’t fight for Ireland, but the free the Nazis.

LIANA Newsletter July 2011 13 STAFF PROFILE

Leopardstown Park Hospital Trust

By Larry Walsh, Chairman, Leopardstown Park Hospital Trust

As Chairman of Leopardstown Park of the Hospital to the Irish Department assistance to disabled war veterans who Hospital Trust I am delighted to have this of Health, with the proviso that priority have served in the UK Armed Forces and opportunity to publicise through your of admission at all times be given to war who are resident in Ireland. This fund Liana Newsletter, the history of the Trust veterans. A Board of Management was originally created from the sale of and how it relates to the Hospital and appointed by the Irish Minister for Trust land around 1980 and in recent war veterans today. Health now runs the Hospital under years has been added to through the The Leopardstown Park Hospital Licence from the Board of Trustees. proceeds of two compulsory purchase Trust originated in 1917 when the House orders resulting from the and grounds belonging to the late Mrs. and the rail system extension along Gertrude Dunning at Leopardstown Park the perimeter of the Hospital. Since the were conveyed by Trust Deed to the then introduction of the fund some 30 years British Minister for Pensions for the ago the Trust has approved over 13,000 purpose of providing care and treatment grants to beneficiaries totalling more than € for officers and men disabled or invalided 1.7million in the during service with the Armed Forces of and Stg£1.4million in Northern Ireland. the United Kingdom or discharged from In recent years it has become such service by reason of that disability. increasingly more expensive to administer At that time the Minister for Pensions From the front, Mr. Peter Davies, The the fund and as a consequence the duly arranged for the conversion of the O'Morchoe, Dr. Anne Montgomery, Ms. Margaret trustees have decided to discontinue House and for the construction of Orr, Rita Purcell (Admin. Assistant), Mr. Larry making grants directly to disabled war Walsh (Chairman of the Trust), Ed Hillan veterans and to transfer this function to additional Hospital buildings. The (Administrator to the Trust), Ms. Margaret Hospital opened in March 1918 with Edwards and Mr. Jimmy Duggan another ex service organisation who are accommodation for 32 patients suffering already in the business of providing from ‘shell shock’ or battle fatigue. After The Board of Trustees consists of financial help to the ex service the trauma of war, the peace and myself as Chairman and six other community here in Ireland. To this end tranquillity of Leopardstown Park was a trustees, we meet regularly with the Trust has entered into an agreement wonderful haven to the war weary representatives of the Board of with SSAFA Forces Help to take over soldiers. By 1924 the number of beds at Management and we are acutely aware of this important function on behalf of the the Hospital had increased to 136 but by the many difficult challenges facing the Trust later this year. the early 1970’s the number of patients Board of Management particularly the This major change in funding will had dropped considerably and the cost of lack of adequate funding for essential allow the trustees to focus more closely running the Hospital was therefore out of improvements required to meet future their efforts in supporting the Hospital’s proportion to the number of patients. standards. In recent years the Trust has Board of Management. We are proud of Legal advice was sought at the time and made substantial financial contributions our long association with the Board and € it was agreed that the original Trust Deed amounting to 373,000 towards the as owners of Leopardstown Park Hospital be amended to allow civilians or indeed development and upkeep of the Hospital I would like, on behalf of myself and the ex service personnel other than those and we will continue to work closely other trustees, to assure all those previously specified to be admitted. In with the Board in the interests of the associated with the Hospital of our 1979 a Deed of Licence was drawn up Hospital. continuing support for the Board into the between the British and Irish As well as the Trust’s interests in the future. Governments agreeing to transfer the use Hospital the Trust also provides financial

Condolences Our congratulations to Mary McAuliffe on becoming a grandmother when her daughter Our sympathy to the families and friends of the following and son-in-law Sarah and Cillian, became recently deceased residents. proud parents to Alma Mary on the 21st June. Raymond Fagan Anne Burke Congratulations must go to the following James (Bert) Callery Helen Levis happy couples who announced their Ann Proctor Katherine Smyth engagements recently: Charles Carrick Bridget (Rita) Harding Colm Sorohan our Engineer and his fiancée Margaret Brandon Eileen Hackett Niamh Derek (staff member) and his fiancée Leona We offer our deep sympathy to: Aidan Traynor on the death of his wife, Best wishes from all your friends, colleagues Maxine Doran on the death of her mother, and residents here in Leopardstown Thomas Mullen on the death of his mother.

14 LIANA Newsletter July 2011 LPH NEWS

Results of Children’s Art Competition

Adam Hederman’s Entry Andrew Beaver’s Entry Tori McGrath’s Entry

Emily Ferguson’s Entry and her baby sister Florence Mark Nyland’s Entry

Congratulations to all our winners, very well done. We hope you have enjoyed spending your gift tokens as much as we have enjoyed receiving your entries, they were so good we decided to print them here for all to see.

Conor O’Brien’s Entry

LIANA Newsletter July 2011 15 STAFF PROFILE

Memorable Events for Residents and Day Centre Clients

By Geraldine Lee and Mary O’Toole

The Occupational Therapy and Patient Services Departments have been very busy during April and May, jointly organising and hosting several events in Leopardstown Park Hospital to celebrate national and international events of major significance.

Residents enjoying the “Cream Tea Afternoon” in honour of the historic Queen’s visit to Ireland

On the 19th May we had an extremely successful “Cream Tea” to honour the historic events of the Queen’s visit to The Royal Wedding Ireland. It began on the 29th April 2011 with the hosting of an Finally to bring opportunity for residents and Day Centre clients to watch these special few weeks highlights of the Royal Wedding while enjoying queen cakes to an end and to also and Victoria sponge etc. celebrate the visit of President Barak Obama we hosted an afternoon of American song on the 24th May. To help with the American theme and to coincide with the Presidential visit Andrea Cooper, friend of the family of Larry Butler from our O.T. Department, kindly baked some Some of the tasty American Cupcakes Residents enjoying an afternoon of American Song in celebration of tasty american cup kindly baked by Andrea Cooper to add to President Barack Obama’s visit to Ireland. cakes for our enhance our American theme We held a dance on the 12th May as part of the “Bealtaine enjoyment. Festival” which celebrates Creativity in Older People. As all of the above were such memorable celebrations we have included some photographs of the various events. We would like to take this opportunity to give a special thanks to all those who assisted, supported and attended these occasions. Your help and participation greatly added to the success of these proceedings. Thank you! In particular we would like to acknowledge our Catering Department for their wonderful contribution to our Cream Tea event. Well done guys, the scones were thoroughly enjoyed by all! Photograph of the Royal Wedding courtesy of Nightcap965

Residents and staff dancing in celebration of “Creativity in Older People” during the Bealtaine Festival

16 LIANA Newsletter July 2011 LPH NEWS

Rounders and Astounders

By Johnny Wetherall, Glencullen

The Blue Team pose for the Press The Yellow Team discuss tactics

The Blues version of the Haka No – you don’t all get to join in – it’s two teams, remember?

Amicable meeting of Blues and Yellows Will somebody please tell us what do we do now!

Happy spectators The Director of Nursing gets to home base to score

June 29th, a Wednesday and at kept a fair eye upon scoring. The Blues tries at the Aviva. Leopardstown Park Hospital the went into bat first and set a cracking Each side had two innings and the Blue sporting event of the year was held in pace. Carrie and Florence showed an team won. Player of the Day which the afternoon. A game of Rounders (a incredible turn of speed (in fact a team went to Dylan Egan who ran backwards milder version of baseball?) took place of 4 girl runners chosen from both to keep his eye on the ball, caught it in on the pitch between the car park and teams would have a good chance of one hand in the outfield – he would do the Luas Central Park stop. bringing home Gold in the 2012 well on the Irish Cricket Team. The teams were Blue, captained by Olympics 400m relay). Mary O’Grady made some of the best strikes of the A lovely afternoon’s fun for both players Gerard McEntee and Yellow, captained and spectators and the general opinion is by Colm Devine with boys and girls on game by using the bat one handed. The both teams, (see photo of the dives for “base” by both girls and boys DO IT AGAIN PLEASE scoresheet). Paul Kelly was referee and were spectacular – better than dives for LIANA Newsletter July 2011 17 LPH NEWS

Veterans Report By Geoffrey Medcalf

We regret to report the passing of interviewed included the writer John Charles Carrick on the 6th May and we Crisp, Jim Redmond, Johnny Wetherall, send condolences to his family. Charles Leo Caffrey, Stella Hill, Frank was a resident of the Clevis and was a Hetherington and Joan O’Neill. The regular attendee at the Wednesday night interview by Philip Bronwell lasted for socials. We shall miss his company. just under an hour and we managed to rather mixed so it all took place indoors. We also send condolences to Eugene appear on the screen for approximately We welcome Leonie O’Neill to the Magee, Chairman of the Hospital Board 5 to 10 seconds! Arising out of the Veterans Committee. Leonie needs no on the death of his brother recently. Queen’s visit, there were several presentations of flowers to her Majesty. introduction to those associated with The A.G.M. of the Veterans’ Support We are grateful to our Taoiseach, Enda the hospital for the past number of Group took place on May 5th chaired Kenny, T.D., who presented these years. She will be a great asset to our by Major Ed Hillan who expressed his flowers to the hospital with a letter of Committee. appreciation of the support groups work appreciation to our veterans. John Crisp, one of our Veterans, during the year. He read the list of attended a dinner of the North Irish obituaries and paid a special tribute to On the 31st May, Joan O’Neill Horse in Derry last June. John, served in the memory of Aileen Kerr and the organised an outing to the the North Irish Horse Regiment during valuable work she did for this group. Leopardstown Inn which was enjoyed by our veterans. The Army No. 1 Band the 1939/45 War. Mr Brian Crawford Many veterans of the hospital were played in the hospital on the 8th of June also attended and according to reports interviewed for the RTE News on the to a large gathering. The weather was all had a good time. visit of Queen Elizabeth. Those Remembrance Ceremony

Back row - John Crisp, Group Captain Rick Hobson, Defence Attaché, Nick Kelly. 2nd row - Johnny Wetherall, Jean Turvey, Elaine Flanagan. Front row - Olive Rowe, Stella Hill and Jim Redmond who attended the recent Remembrance ceremony at Islandbridge.

18 LIANA Newsletter July 2011 LPH NEWS

The following letter has been received from An Taoiseach Enda Kenny, T.D.

19 May 2011

Mrs Ann Fitzpatrick Patients Services Manager Leopardstown Park Hospital.

Dear Ann.

I happened to catch the piece on the 6.1 News on Tuesday and the marvellous pictures from the hospital. I was struck by the great dignity and the tremendous positive attitude those interviewed had towards the Royal visit. It was wonderful and very uplifting.

Her Majestry Queen Elizabeth accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh visited Government Buildings yesterday, a building to which her Grandfather and her Great Grandfather have historical connections. The flowers decorated the building yesterday and were remarked on by many people. I thought the patients might enjoy them.

Please pass on my very best wishes to all at the Hospital, to the patients and to all your colleagues who provide such fantastic care.

With my very best wishes.

Enda Kenny T.D. Taoiseach.

Our gratitude and appreciation go to: Jacinta Slattery: Ger Lee, Patient Services: Pam May, Welcare Centre: Stan Conroy for technical assistance: Ann and Ger, Ward Administration for their help with photography.

LIANA Newsletter July 2011 19 LEOPARDSTOWN PARK HOSPITAL GARDEN FETE

Sunday 11th September 2011 1pm to 5pm

Events will include Bric-a-brac, Bouncy Castles, Thomas the Tank Engine, Book stall, Bottle stall, Cake stall, Clothes stall, Nearly new stall, Wheel of Fortune, Bathroom Stall, Plants, Barbecue, Refreshments, etc. etc. and A SUPER BUMPER RAFFLE WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT BRING YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS ALONG FOR A FUN AFTERNOON Ample Car Parking or come by Luas (to Central Park Station) Admission €2

20 LIANA Newsletter July 2011