A hardworking Laois volunteer emergency crew ranging from teens to adults have moved into a brand new base.
Portlaoise Order of Malta Ambulance Corps HQ is now in the IDA business park on the Mountrath Road, Portlaoise.
They held an official opening on Sunday, May 11, with special guests including Adrian Ahern KM Member of the Irish Association and past OiC, Damian Leech Asst. Regional Director, David Birchall KM representing the National Director. See more below photos. Tap NEXT or the arrows to view them all.
Also there were Councillor Conor Bergin, Ken Morley representing Laois County Council, Willie Aird TD, Tom Curley Lay Chaplin, Representatives from the Portlaoise Community First Responders, Karon Connolly Deputy CLO, Betty Kelly, members past and present, Cadets, parents and grandparents .
Marie Carroll from the Portlaoise group spoke to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.
“We are extremely grateful to Laois County Council for their help and support with providing a new home for us. Ken Morley was very helpful. Cllrs Conor Bergin, Catherine Fitzgerald, Marie Tuohy and Willie Aird were also extremely helpful and liaised with us and the council. Behind the scenes thanks to Tracy, Noel and Des for all the work they do.
“With this new premises the future of the Senior and Cadet unit is secure and we can continue our community care initiatives,” Ms Carroll said.
Cllr Conor Bergin was one of the speakers at the opening.
“The Order of Malta have a long-established presence in Portlaoise, serving County Laois and surrounding areas. As a Councillor, I worked with the Order of Malta and Laois County Council over the last few years to deliver a new modern facility.
Well done to Noel, Tracy, Marie and all the cadets in the Portlaoise branch for their hard work and many thanks to Laois County Council for delivering this new facility,” he said.
It was a busy weekend, with some Portlaoise Order of Malta members also up at dawn the day before, to be on duty at the Portlaoise Darkness Into Light walk from Portlaoise Prison Campus.
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“An early start for our crew David, Piotr, Tracy and Cadets Tilly, Willow, Fionnan, Oisin and Jamie today who provided Medical and Ambulance cover for the Darkness Into Light Portlaoise walk. Well done to the Cadets who walked the route and kept an eye on all the other walkers. Thanks all,” their branch said in praise of the members.