In the first of our three-day series on services for the elderly, Kelly O’Brien looks at how an Age Action computer literacy programme is helping the senior citizens of Cork adapt to modern technology.

IN MODERN day society, the voices of the elderly are often silenced. Older people are constantly overlooked and made to feel invisible. Their needs often go unmet.

Gary Kirby and Kevin Ludon from Eli Lilly with John Glendinning from Kinsale pictured at at the opening of the new Age Action office on the Model Farm Road in Cork. Pic: Gerard McCarthy 

These are truths consistently highlighted by Age Action, a voluntary organisation working on behalf of older people all across the country.
In Cork, the organisation developed a number of services, including a wildly successful computer literacy programme which shows older people how to use modern technology.
At 91-years-old, John Glendinning is the oldest person to have completed the course and is now able to keep in contact with friends and relatives overseas.
“I’m in touch with a friend in Canada who is 99 and she’s looking forward to being 100 and she still uses a computer. I’ve a cousin in South Africa who I’m in touch with too and we send emails to each other which is great fun,” he said.
“Before we would send letters maybe a couple of times a year but now we can talk over email. I haven’t tried Skype yet but that’s something to try in the future.”
John first heard about the Age Action course when he received a flyer in his post box. He had previously tried to learn about computers in a group setting but, as he suffers from deafness, John felt he was holding the class back and decided to give it up.
“I saw this flyer which came in and it was one-to-one training and I said that is just exactly what I want,” he explained.
“I had actually done a computer course, a simple computer course, but the trouble was, being deaf, I was a drag on the class really. Everybody was very good but obviously I was holding everybody else back. The instructor would talk about things and I wouldn’t hear and he’d have to come around and speak to me personally. That wasn’t really good enough so I had to give that up.”
But 91-year-old John, who lives in Kinsale, was determined to master computers, the internet, and technology in general.
“There’s so much to find out. It’s an absolutely incredible machine that we can learn so much from. There’s so much to do. I’ve just started really with email and looking up things on Wikipedia. You could spend hours on it.”
Originally from England, John, who describes himself as “a blow in”, first arrived in Cork in 1946.
“I was in the Navy at the start. I first came to Ireland with the mine sweepers and we spent a year mine sweeping out of Cobh, and I enjoyed it so much I decided I’d like to stay and live in Ireland and of course I married an Irish girl and came to live here in 1960. She wouldn’t come to England so I had to go to Ireland,” he reminisced.
“I’ve been here ever since. I spent 25 years in Glanmire, I was seven years in Ovens and I’m now 25 years in Kinsale. It’s a beautiful place to live. It has changed a lot in recent years. It’s very much a tourist town now and it’s always packed with people. Ireland has treated me very well. I’ve enjoyed living here, I wouldn’t like to live anywhere else. Kinsale’s a great place.”
While John’s wife unfortunately passed away three years ago, the couple had given birth to three beautiful daughters. Since they are based in Clonakilty, Kilkenny and Spain, John’s new found computer skills also come in handy for staying in touch with them.
John said he is delighted to have kept going with the Age Action Getting Started training, and is even thinking of doing another course to further improve his IT skills.
“Eli Lily are organising a course so I’m going to do a week with them, that’s one-to-one as well. It’s no good for me in a classroom because I can’t hear, so one-to-one suits me fine,” he said.
“I have a laptop and I have the internet at home. It’s absolutely essential. If I didn’t have a computer I’d be completely lost. I have to pay bills, for example, from my computer. I have to get money from the bank using the computer. You’re lost without it.”
Since Age Action first launched its Getting Started programme, it has trained more than 27,000 elderly people how to use computers. In Cork, the programme helps roughly 800 older people each and every year.
For more information, go to www.ageaction.ie.

Age Action CEO Eamon Timmins and Regional Manager John O’Mahony pictured at at the opening of the new Age Action office on the Model Farm Road in Cork. The new office will help cater for growing demand for Age Action’s services in Cork and across munster. Pic: Gerard McCarthy 

Courses like this are a necessity, says Margaret

Margaret O’Leary, from Cúil Aodha, has just embarked on Age Action’s Getting Started computer training programme.
So far, she said, the course has been absolutely fantastic and has been an eye-opening experience.
Margaret was brought up with Irish as her first language and, after some farm work, left the country to work abroad as a nurse.
When she returned to Ireland, the Cúil Aodha woman studied to become a teacher and secured a post at the Swift Language School.
While teaching, she also set up a Bed and Breakfast on Western Road, which she now runs with her husband.
“The computer skills come in very handy for the B&B but I need to learn more,” she explained.
“I was in last night doing the course. I love it. It’s very, very good. We do copy and pasting, we do anything that we’re interested in really, it’s very flexible. If you’re interested in something, they’ll show you how to do it which is great. I’d like to be able to master everything, if I can at all. All the other students like it as well.”
Margaret said computer literacy is essential these days and people need to know how to use computers and the internet for almost everything, from paying bills to sending emails.
“Courses like this are a necessity. They’re very, very good.”
Margaret said some day she will have to move on from running the Bed and Breakfast, but still needs something to keep herself busy. Whatever that may be, she explained, she will need improved computer skills to do it.
“I’m not sure exactly what I want to do next, but I’m sure it will involve computers in some way, shape, or form. They’re very important,” she said. “I use computers for emails all the time now, but not very much more so I do need to improve.”
But there is also another element to the classes that people might not necessarily realise. Margaret explained that for a lot of people, it’s important to have something to go to, and there can be a social element to the course as well.
“There are so many people out there that are at home and wouldn’t come out if they didn’t have something like this, some course or something, to go to. It’s good to get out and meet people.”
For more information about Getting Started, go to www.ageaction.ie.

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A HOUSEHOLDER, fearing death threats, over-reacted when three men arrived at his home searching for an early-hours house party and he struck one of them in the head with a hurley and also assaulted a second man.

William Hutchinson, aged 37, was at home at 23 Glenfield Avenue, Ballyvolane, when three men with the wrong directions had called to his house looking for a house party.
Defence solicitor, Graham Hyde, said that while Hutchinson completely over-reacted to the men looking for a party he did have reason to feel under threat from others at that time.
A viable explosive device was previously found under his car and on another occasion such a device was posted in through his letterbox.
Hutchinson pleaded guilty at Cork District Court yesterday to a charge of assault causing harm to Martin Healy, aged 43, and to a charge of assaulting Luke Hurley, also 43.
Detective Sergeant Kieran O’Sullivan said that on February 15, 2015, the two injured parties and a third man were at a social event and got a taxi to Glenfields Avenue to go to a house where they had been told a party was taking place.
“Unfortunately, they went to the wrong address. That was the home of William Hutchinson.
“Mr Hutchinson came out and without saying anything he struck Mr Healy over the head with a hurley causing him to fall to the ground.
“His friend, Mr Hurley, went to his assistance and Mr Hutchinson attempted to strike him also,” Det. Sgt. O’Sullivan said.
The three men — the two injured parties and their friend — went away to the house where the party was taking place and gardaí were notified.
Later Mr Healy had to get four staples to his head wound.
Det. Sgt. O’Sullivan said gardaí got a warrant to search the home of Hutchinson subsequently and they found clothing worn by the accused that morning which was stained by the blood of the injured party.
A hurley was also found with blood stains of the injured party.
Hutchinson had a security camera at his front door and footage from that was examined. While it did show the various parties it did not capture the assaults.
Inspector John Deasy said the accused had several previous convictions, including one for assault causing harm in November 2000.
Mr Hyde submitted that contrary to the prosecution outline of what happened there had been an exchange of words.
“I should hope it would be accepted there was some verbals between them,” Mr Hyde said.
Outlining two previous attempts on Hutchinson’s life, Mr Hyde did not outline the background to this except to say he had liaised with the gardaí.
Mr Hyde said the accused was so concerned about his safety that he varied his daily routines.
Judge Olann Kelleher said: “It is a serious matter. Of course people are entitled to protect their property but this man — no questions asked — comes out with his hurley and attacks these people and one of them gets four stitches.” The judge adjourned sentencing until Friday saying that he wanted to get updated medical information on Mr Healy’s head injury.

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A 56-year-old man was arrested yesterday and charged with the sexual exploitation of a teenage boy at a location in County Cork.

Dahesh Patel of Dillon’s Court, Dillon’s Cross, appeared at Cork District Court yesterday on a charge of sexual exploitation of a minor on June 21, 2015.
Detective Garda Fergal Long objected to bail being granted to the accused because of the seriousness of the alleged offence and because he said Patel — a UK national — was a flight risk.
Defence solicitor, Denis Linehan, said the accused had been living in Ireland for the past 19 years and had extensive property interests here with his partner, owning 15 apartments in various locations in Cork city and county and would not be a flight risk.
Judge Olann Kelleher heard evidence from the prosecution and defence and then suggested that they might agree conditions on which the accused could be released on bail.
After a brief adjournment, Inspector John Deasy said the State would agree to the accused being remanded on bail for one month on conditions which were agreed by the defence.
The bail conditions required a €5,000 independent surety, the surrendering of his UK passport, signing three times a week at Mayfield garda station and having no contact, direct or indirect, with any witness, and not leaving Ireland until the finalising of the case.
Insp Deasy said a book of evidence was being prepared as the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed trial by indictment.

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A YOUNG woman threatened to set her dogs on gardaí and she later attacked one officer by kicking him and scratching his neck with her nails until she drew blood.

Teri Mulcahy, of Steam Packet Quay, Passage West, pleaded guilty yesterday to a charge of assault causing harm to Garda Joseph Halpin.
Inspector Bill Duane said gardaí responded to a call about a disturbance on October 29, 2014, at an apartment complex at Railway Street, Passage West.
Noises were coming from the apartment complex and when the gardaí entered a number of people left without causing any difficulty to gardaí.
At one of the apartments, they met Teri Mulcahy, who was under the influence of alcohol and was abusive to gardaí who were present.
“She threatened to let her two dogs loose on them,” Insp. Duane said.
Garda Joseph Halpin looked in the window of the apartment and saw two dogs present inside.
“Ms Mulcahy then kicked Garda Halpin in the thigh and went for his neck with her nails scratching him and drawing blood,” Insp. Duane said.
She attempted to punch and kick gardaí who were also present.
Insp. Duane said the young woman was aggressive and continued to be aggressive when she was taken into the patrol van.
Judge Aeneas McCarthy asked: “What is behind this thuggery?”
Defence solicitor, Eddie Burke, said the young woman had actually been the victim of an assault that night in which she sustained head injuries.
“That is the reason gardaí were called. She had a very bad time on the night. She mixed up gardaí with the people who assaulted her,” Mr Burke said.
Judge Aeneas McCarthy asked if the gardaí were in uniform on the night and Inspector Duane replied that they were in uniform.
Mr Burke said that fortunately the neck injuries to the garda consisted of scratches.
He said the accused had spent 28 days in rehabilitation to get sober, but had certain difficulties and went drinking on the night in question.
Mr Burke said intoxication was exacerbated by her being on heavy medication at the time.
Judge McCarthy adjourned sentencing for two months to allow time for the preparation of a probation report.

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The Garda Emergency Response Unit was called to a closed Cork City Garda station tonight after a man in his 60s threatened to set himself alight.

The man, who was half dressed, had petrol and a lighter. Traffic diversions were put in place as gardaí acted to stop the man, who is from the Mallow Road area, from harming himself.

It is the second time since Christmas that he has made such threats. The incident occurred just before 7.30pm at Watercourse Road Garda Station.

The man has a history of psychiatric problems and was brought to the Bridewell Garda Station where he was assessed by a doctor, according to Sergeant Myers.

There were traffic delays in the Watercourse Road and O’Connell Street areas as a result.

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One man has died and another is in a critical condition following a two car crash in Cork this evening.

Gardaí are at the scene of a collision on the R618, Cork to Ballincollig Road, at an area known at Leemount Cross.

The collision occurred at about 8.30pm.

One car with five men in their early 20s on board collided with a second car occupied by two women in their late 20s.

A passenger in the first car, a man in his early 20s, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the car, a man in his 20s, has been taken to Cork University Hospital, with what are described as critical injuries.

The other three occupants of this car (all men) and the two females from the other car were all taken to CUH, their injuries are not thought to be serious.

The road at the scene is closed and diversions are in place. Garda forensic collision investigators are at the scene carrying out an examination of the crash site.

The road is not expected to re-open before mid-day tomorrow.

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Garda forensic experts will continue examining the scene of a fatal two-car crash in Cork this morning.

One man, in his early 20s, died and another suffered critical injuries in the collision at Leemount Cross in Ballincollig last night.

One car with five men in their early 20s on board collided with a second car occupied by two women in their late 20s.

The road remains closed and diversions are in place.

It is not expected to re-open before 12pm.

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A man is due in court this morning charged in connection with the shooting of a young woman in Cork at the weekend, writes Eoin English of the Irish Examiner.

The 29-year-old man, who has been in custody since his arrest soon after Ciara Sheehan was shot in the neck after a gun was fired through the window of her boyfriend’s house early on Sunday morning, is due to be charged with three firearms offences.

It follows consultation between the Gardaí and the DPP in the early hours of this morning.

Meanwhile, Ms Sheehan, who is continuing her recovery in Cork University Hospital, has taken to Facebook this morning to thank people for their well wishes.

“I just want to say thank you to everyone for the well wishes and all the nice messages,” she said.

“I’m getting there day by day.

“It hasn’t clicked (with) me yet but I will get there and I’m feeling a lot better. On the road to recovery now so onwards and upwards.”

A woman aged 22 and a man in his late 60s arrested as part of the investigation have been released without charge and a file is being prepared for the DPP.

READ MORE: Cork woman shot in neck expected to make full recovery

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A 29-year-old man has been remanded in custody until later this month on gun charges related to the shooting of a young woman in an attack on a house in the northside of Cork city last weekend.

Gavin Sheehan of Laurel Ridge, Shanakiel was arrested in the early hours of last Sunday morning by Gardaí investigating the shooting of Ciara Sheehan in Hollyhill.

The DPP issued directions to charge the man last night and he was brought before Cork District Court today.

The accused is charged with three offences, namely possessing a handgun, a 9mm calibre round and with recklessly discharging a weapon.

Gavin Sheehan made no reply when the charges were put to him.

A woman aged 22 and a man in his late 60s arrested as part of the investigation have been released without charge and a file is being prepared for the DPP.

Ms Sheehan is continuing her recovery in Cork University Hospital.

In a Facebook post earlier today Ms Sheehan thanked people for their well wishes.

“I just want to say thank you to everyone for the well wishes and all the nice messages,” said Ms Sheehan.

“I’m getting there day by day.”

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Gardaí are renewing their appeal for information about a missing 17-year-old from Co Cork.

Christopher Palmer, who is from Macroom, was last seen in Cork on April 23.

However, he was spotted in Cavan four days later on April 27.

He is described as being 5 foot 7 inches in height, of slight build with light brown hair.

Anyone with any information is being asked to contact the Gardaí.

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Fianna Fáil leader Micheal Martin has overhauled the party’s front bench and promoted seven first-time TDs to his new shadow Cabinet, writes Juno McEnroe.

The party leader said that the decision on who would be spokespeople for different areas had been “difficult” as he unveiled Fianna Fáil’s shadow ministers for the new Dáil term.

A number of strong-performing TDs were left in their positions but, in the main, Mr Martin moved many deputies sideways into new roles, while also bringing new ones up the ranks.

There were also a number of notable names absent from the list of the new front bench, with many speculating that Carlow-Kilkenny’s John McGuinness and Sean Fleming had lost out and been demoted.

Michael McGrath, Barry Cowen and Willie O’Dea and Billy Kelleher were all left as the party’s spokespeople on Finance, Housing, Social Protection and Health respectively.

Elsewhere, Dara Calleary was moved across from Jobs to Public Expenditure, Charlie McConalogue transfers from Education to Agriculture while Eamon O’Cuiv goes from the latter brief to the new Regional Development spokesperson position.

The details of the new FF front bench #iestaff pic.twitter.com/INggfoIf2x

— McConnellDaniel (@McConnellDaniel) May 18, 2016

Robert Troy also goes from the area of Children to Transport while Timmy Dooley leaves the latter role for Communications.

A number of first time TDs were given spokesperson roles including Mayo’s Lisa Chambers, Cork’s Margaret Murphy O’Mahoney and Cavan-Monaghan’s Niamh Smith.

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Gardaí have appealed for witnesses following yesterday’s fatal road accident in Ballincollig, Cork.

The two car collision occurred on the R618, Cork to Ballincollig Road near Leemount Cross at approximately 8.50pm yesterday evening.

A passenger in one of the cars, a man in his early 20s, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver and a second passenger in the car (both men aged in their 20s) seriously injured in the collision are currently in Cork University Hospital.

The occupants of the second car, two women aged in their late 20s and early 30s, were also taken to Cork University Hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.

An examination of the crash site was carried out by Garda forensic collision investigators and the road has since reopened to traffic.

The local coroner has been notified of the death.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Ballincollig Garda Station 021 421 4080 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.

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A CORK City Councillor has hit out at the local authority’s plans to close one of the city’s oldest laneways.
Cork City Council is currently proposing to extinguish public access to the historic Elbow Lane, which runs between Penney’s and Cook Street from Oliver Plunkett Street and Patrick’s Street.

The Oliver Plunkett St. entrance to Elbow Lane.
Picture: Denis Minihane.

The move has been criticised by Fianna Fáil councillor Kenneth O’Flynn, who said historic laneways are part of the city’s culture and should be celebrated.
Elbow Lane dates back to the 1800s and is still used by businesses in the area today for deliveries and storage.
Mr O’Flynn said, “Elbow Lane is actively used by the businesses in the area for deliveries. It is also one of the oldest lanes in the city — instead of closing them, we should be opening them up and showing them off. In other cities, historic lanes like these have been converted into bars and restaurants and other unique settings.”
The decision to close the laneway is believed to be associated with the potential redevelopment of Penneys. The clothing retailer has acquired a number of neighbouring buildings and now controls most of the entire block bound by Patrick Street, Cook Street, Oliver Plunkett Street and Robert Street.
The development would double the size of Penneys’ Patrick Street presence and give it one of the biggest retail outlets in the country.
Mr O’Flynn has criticised the move as one that favours multinational business over Cork traditions.
He said, “Closing off the laneway is virtually gifting them as much as 30,000 square feet by the time they build five storeys on top of it. Penney’s discussions with Cork City Council have been very cloak and dagger. I’m concerned that their every demand is being facilitated at the cost of the history and unique character of the street. What makes Cork so special is this character.”
Mr O’Flynn said he will “vehemently oppose” the closure of the lane when it comes before Cork City Council in the coming weeks.

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SOME 280 women from Cork travelled to the United Kingdom for abortions last year.
Figures released by the UK Department of Health show a decrease in the numbers giving Cork addresses at UK abortion clinics in 2015, with 345 travelling to the UK for the procedures in 2014.
It comes as part of an overall decline in the number of women giving Irish addresses at UK abortion clinics.
A total of 3,451 women were registered with Irish addresses at UK clinics last year, down from 3,735 in 2014 and a height of 6,673 in 2001. This is a drop of 48% across a 14-year period.
The report states that 18 of the 3,451 women who gave Irish addresses were under the age of 16. A further 58 were registered at age 16-17, while the largest segment, age 20-24, accounted for 832 of those giving Irish addresses.
Some 231 women travelled from Ireland but did not list a county when giving their address.
Women travelling from Ireland account for two-thirds of all women travelling to the UK for abortions.
The Netherlands is recorded as the only other country that Irish people have travelled to for abortion procedures in significant numbers according to the data. Commenting on the figures, Head of the HSE Crisis Pregnancy Programme, Helen Deely said, “This decline is welcome. It appears that the abortion rate is stabilising. It declined relatively rapidly between 2001 and 2007. In recent years, the decline has been more gradual.”
Ms Deely said the decline may be accredited in part to a rise in the number of women ordering abortion pills online.
“Data from the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) suggests that some women may be ordering the abortion pill online. If a woman takes the abortion pill and has prolonged heavy bleeding, bad pain, fainting or other complications, it is important that she attends an emergency department or GP straight away.”
Ms Deely said the safest option for any woman considering an abortion is to seek a recognised procedure in the UK or other country where abortion is legally available, rather than ordering abortion pills from online or other sources.
She said, “Women of all ages and socio-economic background experience crisis pregnancy. While nationally representative studies show that most women choose to become parents, others choose to have an abortion. If a woman makes the decision to have an abortion, it is safer for her to attend an abortion clinic in the UK or other country where abortion is legally available, than ordering the abortion pill online and taking it at home alone.”
Ms Deely added that free counselling services are available in more than 50 locations nationwide for women experiencing crisis pregnancies.
She said, “While knowledge of the risks of unprotected sex have improved and the abortion rate has almost halved, the fact remains that unplanned pregnancy and abortion is still a reality for women. We need to continue to ensure that women experiencing crisis pregnancy are aware of the free crisis pregnancy counselling services that are available nationwide. We also need to ensure that women who decide to have an abortion are aware that free post-abortion medical check-ups and post-abortion counselling is to them available in Ireland.”
See www.positiveoptions.ie.

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In the second of Kelly O’Brien’s three-day series on services for the elderly, she looks at how Age Action’s Care and Repair programme is helping older people in Cork regain a sense of independence.
AS WE grow older, even a seemingly basic household tasks can become difficult to manage.
For elderly people who can’t stand on a chair, for example, changing a lightbulb is suddenly an enormous challenge. Other chores such as trimming hedges, mowing the lawn, or fixing a lock can also seem insurmountable.

Pat Kelly from Blackrock uses Age Action’s Care and Repair programme .
Picture: Larry Cummins

Younger people may think these problems insignificant but, for an older person unable to do these tasks themselves, and who might not necessarily have any family or friends to call upon, these issues can often mean the difference between staying at home and moving to residential care.
As such, Age Action has launched a service called Care and Repair in an effort to combat the issue.
The premise is simple — older people can phone the service and Age Action will organise for a Garda-vetted individual to call to their house, for free, and carry out minor repair jobs. If they can’t fix the problem, they will then recommend a trusted tradesman they can call.
Blackrock man Pat Kelly first heard about the programme when he was acting as a carer for his neighbour. As he grew older, Pat started to use the service himself and has described it as an essential service for older people.
“I looked after my mam and my dad for years and then I was looking after my neighbour, who was sort of a recluse, and he wanted to change his front doorknob. So I got on to Age Action and they sent two men down to replace the knob,” he explained.
“Not only did they replace the knob, they also found that his kitchen tap wasn’t working properly. They replaced the kitchen tap and one of his back windows was broken so they replaced the window as well for him. Things he wouldn’t even have asked for, but they did it for him anyway.”

Oonagh O’Driscoll, St Lukes Home, Vincent Kelly, Age Action Volunteer, Eamon Timmings, CEO Age Action, and John O’Mahony, Regional Manager, Age Action, at the opening of the new Age Action Office, unit 14 Melbourne Business Park, Cork.
Picture: Denis Scannell

A number of years later, Pat, a former bread van driver and factory worker who is now 72, needed help in his own house, and remembered how the programme helped his neighbour.
“There was some storm damage to my house a few years ago. My shed roof was damaged. I got on to Care and Repair and they sent a carpenter down to repair my shed roof. Then I had a problem with a blocked sink. I got on to them again and they sent down a plumber who freed the blocked sink for me. They were very helpful,” he said.
“A lot of older people can be very, very naive or susceptible to people calling to the door saying ‘I’ll clean your gutters’ and all that.
“But I would advise older people to have nothing to do with these cowboys. Get Age Action on the phone instead. Having directly benefited myself, I’m trying to make more older people aware of them.”
People have to be very careful who they let into their houses these days, he cautioned, and urged older people not to leave their doors unlocked.
“We grew up in different times where people were more trusting. Those days are gone,” he said.
“For years my front door key was just left in the door. Going back up until about 30 years ago that was the case. It was there so long it actually rusted.”
But last September, Pat went through a traumatic experience – his house was burgled.
“I used to always leave my back door open because my sister living next door, her and her family would use the back door. So I had gone out to a meeting, and my niece who lives with me and takes care of me, she had gone out with her children. And we were watched. We had to have been watched,” he said.
“It’s traumatic to go home and find all your bits and bobs thrown all over the floor. Your security is gone. I’m still getting over it.”
The thieves stole a sum of money and a piece of jewellery that had sentimental value.
“My niece was saving up money to put in a radiator in my room and to put a stove in. She had €1,500 put away. They got that money and also a sapphire ring that had belonged to my mother that was 120 years old. They took the sapphire ring and I never saw it again.”
After the incident, Pat went on local radio to talk about it and there was a huge outpouring of support from the people of Cork city and county.
“People donated money to replace the money that was stolen and I had a stove fitted and a burglar alarm was fitted and I was also supplied with a safe,” he said.
“It’s a wonderful city and a wonderful country to be living in. We have scumbags, but for every scumbag there’s a thousand good people. And I’m delighted I’m a Corkman.”
Pat, who battled with depression after the death of his parents, said that if it wasn’t for the help of the people of Cork, and if it wasn’t for the help of The Carers Association and of Age Action, he’s not sure if he would still be here today.
He urged every older person to get in touch with Age Action, sooner rather than later.
Age Action, which is based on Model Farm Road, runs a Care and Repair serivce as well as a computer literacy programme. It also advocates on behalf of older people to enact political change.
For more information, go to www.ageaction.ie or phone 01 4756989.

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A MAN who trespassed with others by drinking in an uninhabited property pleaded guilty to charges arising out of that and to handling stolen property where he sold a stolen gold ring.

Inspector John Deasy outlined details of both incidents involving Dominic Rodgers, 20, of 18A Mourne Avenue, The Glen, at Cork District Court.
On May 19, 2015, the accused and others were found on the property at Ard Patrick Avenue, Assumption Road, Cork. Garda Agnieszka Pizlo observed the accused in the back garden of the house and trying to climb over a back wall.
Rodgers admitted trespassing and causing criminal damage to a fence. Diarmuid Kelleher, defence solicitor, said there was no intentional damage but that the defendant and others had caused some damage to the fence going in and out of the property.
The second offence related to July 29 2015 when a ring was stolen in the course or a burglary at Comeragh Park in Cork. Rodgers was not involved in that offence but the person who stole the ring gave it to him and asked him to sell it for him at a second hand shop. Mr Kelleher said that foolishly, the accused agreed to do so.
“He stupidly brought in a ring for a friend who gave it to him to sell. The friend could not bring it into the shop himself as he was barred from the premises.
“He pretty much partly guessed it was stolen but he did it to oblige a friend,” Mr Kelleher said.
The solicitor said the defendant had been doing much better in his life since these offences and was now actively playing soccer with a team for whom he plays up front.
Judge Olann Kelleher remarked that in fairness to the accused he was being up front with the court too so he would not impose a jail sentence.
He said that he could do a community service order of 200 hours instead of four months in prison.

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Drugs-squad gardaí raided a house at Drinan Street, in Cork, and found €1,800 worth of cannabis stored in Tupperware boxes and €600 of cash.

Inspector John Deasy said, at Cork District Court, that the raid was on the home of Alan Carroll, at 2 Miller’s Court, Drinan Street, Cork, on August 11, 2013.
Garda Des Cogan had obtained a search warrant for the premises.
Insp Deasy told Judge Olann Kelleher that, in the kitchen of the house, they found two Tupperware boxes, inside which was plant material wrapped in cling-film.
On analysis, this was found to be cannabis grass, with a street value of €1,800.
In the same cupboard, gardaí found €600 in cash. This was seized, along with the drugs.
Weighing scales, and other items associated with drug-dealing, were also found.
Carroll, aged 23, pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis and having it for the purpose of sale or supply.
Eddie Burke, solicitor, said Carroll was only 20 years old at the time.
Mr Burke said that the defendant had since gone back to education and had a good work record.
Judge Kelleher fined him €750 for having drugs for his own use.
He said that Carroll could do 240 hours of community service, instead of six months in prison, for having the drugs for sale or supply.
The €600 cash was forfeited to the State.
Judge Kelleher made an order for the destruction of the seized drugs.

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RESPECTED Cork businessman Dónal Lehane died unexpectedly on Tuesday while on holidays.

At the Cork Person of the Year Award at the Rochestown Park Hotel were L to R., Lord Mayor, Cllr Chris O’Leary, Donal Lehane, Director, Rochestown Park Hotel and Cork County Mayor Cll. John Paul O’Shea. Pic: Tony O’Connell.

Mr Lehane’s life scaled a steady upward trajectory in business. He began transporting and selling pigs before starting in the motor trade.
He established Macroom Motors Toyota dealership, which he later ran with his son John, and he had recently opened the new Lehane Motors Toyota franchise and Cork Lexus garages on the Airport Road.
Mr Lehane co-owned and developed the now iconic Rochestown Park Hotel with his brother, friend and business partner Johnny Lehane.
The husband and father of two is survived by his wife Lilly and their children John and Helen.
Mr Lehane lived in Ballyvourney in the house in which he grew up. His father was a shoe maker in the village and according to locals was soft-spoken and gentle like his son.
Renowned music composer Peadar Ó Riada said that this humble and unassuming quality was an unusual find in a successful businessman, and that the whole town was hugely proud of him.
“Dónal and his brother Johnny were unusually close. Dónal was always there quietly backing Johnny. He was a pioneer, he was bold in business yet he was a humble man. He did not show signs of success in his personal life. He was a very committed Christian and a Catholic,” said Mr Ó Riada.
“He was not in business to be wealthy.He just happened to be successful at everything he did.”
Mr Ó Riada said that Mr Lehane was also a great believer in the local Patron Saint Gobnait, and was a frequent visitor to the healing well nearby, which has been a major place of pilgrimage in Munster since pagan times.
“It’s customary to praise people when they die but in Donal’s case it’s true and well-deserved. He was a good man. People here were shocked to hear the news. He was a constant presence in the village and he will be greatly missed. But he’ll have no problems on the other side. He lived his life well,” said Mr Ó Riada.
Mr Lehane’s funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.

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INDEPENDENT TD Michael Collins has said that people will continue to die while the government delays implementing the recommendations of the the Ambulance Capacity Review report.

Independent TD Michael Collins. 

The document was delivered last year, but was not published until yesterday. The report shows says the ambulance service is incapable of meeting the targets set for responding to serious emergencies, and requires a multi-million euro investment and restructuring to be brought up to standard.
Mr Collins had sought the publication of the report as a county councillor, and made it an issue during his negotiations with Fine Gael to facilitate a minority government.
He said that the government resisted releasing it until a similar document specific to Dublin was ready, but Leo Varadkar, then the Health Minister, assured him that it would be released in the coming weeks. However, Mr Collins said that the government will not allow a debate on the issue until the Dublin report is ready.
“I want to talk about it, but it looks like I won’t be allowed. While they are buying time people are dying,” he said.
He said that the problem was particularly bad in rural areas like West Cork and there was no need to wait for a report to identify the problems.
“We could have told them this five years ago. In West Cork our ambulances are going to Kerry and Cork City. The capacity isn’t there,” he said.For life-threatening incidents like heart attacks or injuries, the target set is that first responders should be on the scene within eight minutes in 80% of cases.
In the Cork urban area – the second busiest area for ambulance calls after Dublin – this is achieved 36.3% of the time. For Midleton, the target is hit 42.7% of the time, 41.8% of the time in Youghal, and 37.5% of the time in Mallow. While first responders are often called to the scene to be their within eight minutes, a separate target of 19 minutes is set for an ambulance to arrive. In the Cork urban area, this is met 86.7% of the time, but for rural areas, this drops to 44%.
The average turnaround time for an ambulance dealing with an emergency and being ready to be deployed again stands at 74 minutes in major urban areas, 93 minutes in big rural towns, and 110 in rural areas.Lightfoot, who drafted the report, recommended a major overhaul of the service which would involve employing 609 new staff and 72 new ambulances, and adding new departure points for ambulance teams so that they have a wider spread over rural areas.

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A JAIL term of 11 months was imposed on a young man convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to stolen dogs.

Stephen Coughlan, aged 18, of 67 Maulbawn, Passage West, pleaded guilty to a number of animal cruelty and other charges when he appeared before Cork District Court.
Judge Olann Kelleher imposed the total sentence of eleven months imprisonment on Coughlan.
The charges relating to the dogs dated back to August 2014.
Inspector Adrian Gamble said the dogs had been stolen from Kennedy’s Pet Farm between Cork and Killarney on August 16.
Coughlan was not charged with stealing the dogs, but with handling the stolen animals two days later at Ballyhandle, Crossbarry..
The charges contained details of the cruelty involved, stating, for instance, that four Shihtzu pups were too young to have been taken from their mother and that unnecessary suffering had been caused.
Another charge referred to three Pugs and one Chihuahua being contained in a cage that was only suitable for one dog with related deficiencies in ventilation and water supply, again causing unnecessary suffering.
In a more recent offence last month on April 26 Coughlan was travelling in a Toyota Landcruiser that came to a checkpoint on the Mallow Road.
Inspector Gamble said Coughlan slowed down at the checkpoint but then suddenly sped off passing cars on the inside.
The inspector said Garda Michael Twomey followed at a safe distance on his official motorcycle and he later caught the defendant when he stopped the jeep and ran a short distance through a field.
Coughlan pleaded guilty to driving the stolen vehicle.
He also admitted driving off without paying for petrol at four different garages in October and November last in Bandon, Frankfield and two garages in Carrigaline.
Accused sentenced to four months for assaulting taxi-driver and kicking his car

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