Waterford thanks Tramore Order of Malta for 80 years of service
Pictured at City Hall, where Mayor of Waterford City & County Cllr. Seamus Ryan held a reception for Order of Malta Tramore Unit, in recognition of their 80 years dedicated service, ofering medical care, emergency relief and compassionate support to those in need, Derek O'Brien. accepted the scroll on behalf of the Unit Photo: Joe Evans
The Mayor of Waterford City and County, Seamus Ryan has thanked the members of the Tramore Order of Malta Unit for their 80 years of service.
A Mayoral Reception was held at the Mayor’s Parlour at City Hall to celebrate the past and present members.
Mayor Seamus Ryan told the Waterford News and Star that the units work goes beyond Tramore and even the Déise.
“On behalf of the people of Waterford, I want to pay tribute to the Order of Malta, Tramore unit, completely done on a voluntary basis and I think it’s important that we as a people and as a city and county continue to support,” said Mayor Ryan.
The unit was founded in 1945.
From 1965 to 2012 the unit provided a full emergency ambulance service to the town of Tramore and the surrounding areas.
Being a member of the unit is an incredibly proud thing and Officer in Charge Derek O’Brien said that it is great to see the numbers of people joining and training on a Tuesday night.
But Mr O’Brien said that he was particularly happy to see the past members recognised.
“It’s great for all the members to be acknowledged over the 80 years. This year was very special and for us newer members for us to realise everything that went before us. So, for all those 80 years to be acknowledged is fantastic,” said Mr O’Brien.
That sentiment was echoed by John Kelly who has been a member of the unit for 50 years.
“The effort and input of past members, that’s what made us successful.
“So really it all goes to the ex-members. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed.
“And we are appreciative because we would not be here today if it wasn’t for past members and that’s the whole thing about it.
“And the new members here are hopefully going to carry it forward to the hundreds. So, thank you to our ex-members,” said Mr Kelly.
The Tramore unit provide support at horse racing events, concerts and the annual Lourdes pilgrimage.
They respond to a variety of emergencies including choking incidents, heart attacks, drowning and even an escaped elephant.
In his speech, Mayor Ryan said that because of the unit Tramore was one of the first places in the country to introduce a Community First Responder scheme.
“They brought reassurance to neighbours and strangers alike. Your work is woven through the story of Waterford itself.
“Eighty years of service is not simply a number. It is a tapestry of stories, of uniforms passed from one generation to the next, of skills learned and taught, of friendships formed in the quiet hours on duty.
“It is an artistic achievement in its own right. A long work of human creativity, shaped by care, discipline and compassion and it continues, unfinished, with every volunteer joining today and every life you touch tomorrow,” said Mayor Ryan.
