Ted recognised for his charitable work

A man described as being 88 years young has been honoured for his years of fundraising for Enable Ireland.

Family, friends and supporters of Ted O’Riordan gathered at Rocklodge Pitch and Putt Club, Carrigrohane at the weekend Saturday to watch him present his last cheque to Enable Ireland before retiring as chair of the Lavanagh Pitch and Putt Committee.

This year is his 45th year fundraising for Enable Ireland’s children’s services, having been asked to help raise funds towards a hydrotherapy pool in Ballintemple back in 1979. It is estimated Ted and friends have raised more than €200,000 towards the Lavanagh Centre. There is even a room named in honour of the group in the new children’s centre in Curraheen. Unbeknownst to Ted, Enable Ireland invited the Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Dan Boyle to attend the cheque presentation and to celebrate the occasion as Enable Ireland Chairman Stephen Haughey presented Ted with a specially engraved trophy. Speaking about the event, the Lord Mayor said: “It is clear that Ted O’Riordan has been a stalwart supporter of Enable Ireland for many decades and it is fitting that his dedication and that of his supporters is officially recognised. Cork people are known to be very generous volunteers and long may this strong community spirit thrive.”

Stephen said: “On behalf of the organisation it was a privilege to present Ted O’Riordan with this award in recognition of his lifetime’s work supporting Enable Ireland. It is one small way of expressing our huge thanks to Ted for his decades of support for our children’s services in Cork.

“We are very grateful for his hard work and that of everyone who supported him along the way. I know there were many people who gave of their time and were generous with donations and we appreciate the dedicated support of the local pitch and putt community in Cork.”

Ted said: “I didn’t expect this today and am humbled by the attention from everyone. I couldn’t have done this without the support of the players, clubs and sponsors. I’m honoured to be presented with this award on behalf of everyone who supported.”

Enable Ireland has provided disability services in Cork for 70 years.