Latest news with #PorcelainPelicanAward
Irish Independent
11-07-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Urgent call for blood donors this summer
The shortage has raised concerns at local hospitals including Our Lady of Lourdes in Drogheda and Louth County Hospital in Dundalk, where pressure is mounting ahead of the busy autumn period. The IBTS has warned that unless the national stock is replenished quickly, non-urgent surgeries could be postponed. Director of Donor Services at the IBTS, Paul McKinney, said the service needs an additional 2,000 donations over the next month to stabilise the supply. He pointed to summer holidays, heatwaves, and reduced donor clinic attendance as key factors behind the current dip. McKinney also encouraged more donors from diverse backgrounds to come forward, particularly individuals of African heritage, whose donations are essential for treating conditions like sickle-cell disease. In Louth, there is a long-standing tradition of blood donation, and one local man, Brendan Kelly from Dundalk, was recently honoured for his contribution. A painter and decorator by trade, Mr Kelly has donated blood over 100 times and was awarded the Porcelain Pelican Award earlier this year at the North-East Donor Awards in Navan. 'I donate because I can,' he said. 'If just one pint helps someone in need, then it's worth it.' The IBTS is encouraging people from all parts of the county to attend their nearest clinic, with appointments available throughout July and August. Donors must be aged between 18 and 64, weigh over 50kg, and meet standard health requirements. The process typically takes under an hour, and each donation can help save up to three lives. Local organisers and health officials are urging first-time donors to step up and regular donors to continue giving through the summer months. With blood stocks at dangerously low levels, the message is simple: Louth needs donors now more than ever.
Irish Independent
03-05-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
No free Guinness but Louth blood donors awarded for awe-inspiring donations
Blood donors may no longer free glass of Guinness but they get the satisfaction of knowing they are helping others and those who donate 50 or 100 times are rewarded for their efforts. Dundalk painter and decorator Brendan Kelly, who has donated blood a hundred times was among blood donors from counties the North-East Midlands region who were honoured by The Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) annual Gold Drop and Porcelain Pelican Awards Ceremony in the Ardboyne Hotel Navan. He was presented with a Porcelain Pelican Award.
