McManus golf classic raises funds for brigade ambulance

LIMERICK sporting figure, JP McManus has made another major contribution to sport in the city and county.

This time his generosity will ensure that injured players can be brought to hospital in a new ambulance purchased by Limerick’s St John Ambulance Brigade.

The members of the brigade provide medical cover for all major sporting events in Limerick.

Money from Mr McManus’s golf classic at Adare Manor last year has enabled the brigade to purchase a fully equipped ambulance at a cost of over €100,000.

The ambulance will be handed over at a ceremony at the brigade’s premises in Parnell Street next Tuesday.

Mr McManus will give over the key to the vehicle.

Limerick brigade superintendent Philip Tuohy said: “The St John Ambulance Brigade in Limerick is now recognised as being one of the leading provides of first aid courses, talks and demonstrations in the Mid-West to private companies and individuals availing of the health and safety-approved public courses.”

Mr Tuohy said as a registered charity, St John Ambulance Brigade operates on a voluntary basis with no Government funding.

He said: “We rely solely on the generosity of the business sector and the public as well as flag days and church gate collections to remain in existence.”

Brigade chaplain Fr Dermot Breen will bless the ambulance prior to a Mass for all deceased members of the brigade.