It was one of those special evenings, with more going on than people might have expected from the launch of a First Responder unit,
writes Brian Byrne.
The performance by Kilcullen Gospel Choir should surely have earned them a guest slot on
Dancing with the Stars. "If we don't get it, we're at nothing," choir director Lorraine Nolan grinned when they had finished their typically energetic set.
As far as we know, the invite hasn't yet come, even though DWTS judge Brian Redmond was in Scoil Bhride last evening for the launch. Not judging for a change, but there to present the newly-trained volunteer First Responders with their certificates.
They were Mary Rafferty, Shauna Lynch, Paul Burdis, John Davitt, and Suzanne Lawlor, pictured above with members of other local First Responder units. Unable to attend to collect theirs were Louise Tutty and Anna Jennings.
Belying his reputation as the 'nasty' judge, Brian Redmond entertained everyone present in an easygoing and warm manner. On the matter of first responders, he told a number of personal anecdotes illustrating how important it is to have people in a community with the skills that could save life.
He was also on the receiving end of an 'interrogation' by a group of Scoil Bhride students. Some of their questions were disarming and apparently easy, but others showed that the youngsters had decided also how to put Redmond on the spot. Like "apart from yourself, which of the judges do you like best?" Double-edged, that one, but the whole session was very entertaining, and there are clearly a couple of potential journalists among the young panel.
Other presentations included a special one to Scoil Bhride student Shantayan Banenjee who designed a logo for the reconstituted Kilcullen Community First Responders. This was presented by Stephen MacDermott of Provincial Security, who also sponsored a defibrillator and other equipment to the unit.
A presentation to Ann Flanagan, Principal of Scoil Bhride, was made in appreciation for providing a venue for training for the unit. Unit member Mary Rafferty was also given a presentation for the work she did in fundraising for equipment ... and got an unexpected bonus of a waltz around the floor with Brian Redmond.
"That's the first perfect 10 of the evening," he quipped as they finished.
Closing the proceedings, Nichola Kennedy thanked all who had helped with the reviving of the Kilcullen first responders unit, including members of other units who had helped with training. She also thanked Home Instead Senior Care for donating the heated housing for the unit's defibrillator.
"We still have some paperwork to complete, but we hope to be live from the end of the month," she said.
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