Tough young patients awarded bravery medals

FIGHTING illness can be a tough thing, especially when you’re young.

But smiles were brought to the faces of some boys at Cork University Hospital when the president of the GAA, gardaí, navy officers and officials from the HSE came bearing gifts, including bravery medals.

Christy Cooney presented some of the Children’s Ward patients with Cork GAA jerseys, signed by team members.

In addition, the GAA president presented the hospital with all 32 county jerseys which will be hung in the corridor next to their ward.

Bishopstown community Garda John Long and a number of his colleagues attended the function.

They have carried out a number of fundraisers along with members of the other services for the charity, the Cork City Hospitals’ Children’s Club.

The club annually organisers trips for sick children and is arranging one to Disneyland Paris.

Bravery medals were presented to the children by John Looney, chairman of the Cork City Hospitals’ Children’s Club, and by Togher-based Superintendent Charlie Barry.

“These children have been through an awful lot and we’re delighted to be involved with such an organisation which is working on their behalf,” Supt Barry said.