Cork animal charity says gift of new van to transport horses is 'literally lifesaving'

Justin Galvin of Bandon car dealership Finbarr Galvin Ltd was inspired to donate a specially adapted rescue van to My Lovely Horse Rescue Cork after he saw the work the charity does thanks to his daughter, a volunteer with the rescue

From left, Ayrton Gray, senior technician at Finbarr Galvin Ltd; Elaine Galvin; Anthony Galvin; and Kelly Mellerick, lead Cork volunteer of My Lovely Horse Rescue as they received their lifesaving van donation from the Bandon car dealership last week. Picture: Mike Brown Photography

How's this for horse-power? A well-known car dealership in Cork has gone the extra mile and donated a rescue van to help a charity save more horses from cruelty and neglect.

And within days, My Lovely Horse Rescue Cork had put its new 120bhp Renault Master T35 2.8ltr diesel long wheelbase van to use transporting a critically injured horse and five ponies to safety.

The van, which has a cab for a driver and two passengers, was specially converted to carry two horses or three ponies, with a storage area, and a side door and ramp for ease of loading.

It was donated by Bandon-based car dealership Finbarr Galvin Ltd, after its managing director Justin Galvin saw first-hand the work the charity does thanks to his daughter, Elaine, who has been volunteering with the welfare group for the last three years.

“When Elaine shared the incredible work the MLHR team in Cork is doing, we knew we wanted to help,” Mr Galvin said.

“It’s inspiring to see such dedication, and we’re proud to play a small part in making that work possible."

My Lovely Horse Rescue Cork, led by Kelly Mellerick, has no permanent base in Cork but has 30 horses and ponies in its care on loaned land across the region, requiring transportation.

Many of the horses require complex rehabilitation following neglect or cruelty, and they also require transportation from where they are being homed to where the care is.

Martina Kenny, co-founder of the rescue, said demand for its services are increasing, and they are incredibly grateful to the dealership for its donation and support.

“The addition of our new van is literally lifesaving,” she said.

“The van will be crucial to our ability to support injured animals, and will allow us to respond faster, reach more animals in need, and ultimately help them get to loving, forever homes.” 

Although the charity's Cork team no longer has a permanent rescue base, its volunteers continue to work in a voluntary capacity to save horses around the city and county.

The charity has appealed for anyone who may have interest or the capacity to offer land as a new base for their facility to get in touch with them by email at: [e-mail].