Civil Defence volunteers rewarded for long service
New HQ to be officially opened on Friday.
Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin TD, has presented long service medals to eight dedicated Civil Defence volunteers from Cavan with a combined service of over 300 years.
The medals were awarded to members for completing 30, 40, 50 and even 60 years of service.
Thirty-year long service medals were presented to Neil Doherty, Andrew Sexton, Siobhán Cooney, Teresa McGovern, and Francie Brady. Fr Seán McDermott was awarded a 40-year medal, Eithne O’Reilly received a 50-year medal, while Francie Duignan was awarded a medal for an astonishing 60 years’ service.
The Tánaiste said: “I am delighted to formally honour the long and distinguished years of service of these Civil Defence members. They have each dedicated so much of their lives to serving their communities in times of need.
“The Civil Defence plays an essential role in so many aspects of daily life, whether responding to search and rescue, flooding or other events. It is because of this vital role that the Government is committed to continuing its investment in the modernisation of the Civil Defence to ensure that this invaluable organisation continues to grow and carry out its crucial work.”
The presentations come ahead of Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke TD, officially opening the new Cavan Civil Defence Headquarters at Pullamore, Dublin Road, Cavan Town, on Friday afternoon.
The event will also be attended by Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council, Philip Brady.
At the April monthly meeting of elected members, approval was given for the local authority to borrow €1 million, in accordance with Section 106 of the Local Government Act, and subject to Ministerial sanction, for the new Civil Defence premises.
The new Civil Defence HQ comprises three adjacent commercial units, which have been amalgamated into one single facility to provide training rooms, office space, stores, volunteer welfare facilities, and storage for large equipment and vehicles such as boats and ambulances.