Belarus building completed by North Cork crew

ON June 1 a group of North Cork men travelled to Belarus to the very remote village of Minthi to build on an extension and re-roof half of the existing dwelling which was in a deplorable condition.

This work was carried out in ten days with the help of two local tradesmen which the group has got to know over the past 14 years and have built up great friendship and trust. All the building materials were sourced locally, from the foundation to the chimney, and was purchased by the group funds fund-raised over the last year in so many different ways around North Cork and even as far as West Clare, the home of group member and roofer Pat Murrahy.

The others in the humanitarian team included four North Cork men: Noel Finnigan from Mallow, Michael Cronin from Doneraile, Tom Lynes from Cecilstown, and Balyclough man Gerard Healy.

All this work would not be possible without the marvellous support the general public and the good loyal friends who came along to each and every fund raiser that was organised for this project. The group want to thank each and every one who supported and sponsored this charity in Minthi and very special thank you to auctioneer Dan Fleming, who gave his services free of charge to this charity on the night of the auction in Tom Lyne’s Public Bar in Cecilstown. That was held on May 6 and raised €9,465.

Special thanks to Galway man Mr Nial Doorey, who also gave his time free on a great night of jive dancing lessons in the Hibernian Hotel, who also gave the function hall free.

The family in Minthi now have a complete bathroom with shower and toilet, running water, hot and cold, completely tiled and a new dining area, new windows and a new roof.

Gerard Healy, a member of the travelling group wishes to thank sponsors Buckley Bro’s and Chadwick’s of Mallow, Denis Buckley Farm Supplies, Newberry; Pat Noonan, Lisgriffen, cattle dealer; Mallow Electrical Wholesale, Avonmore Electrical, T Lynes Plant Hire, Cecilstown; Coley Deady Bar, Ballyclough; E.P.S. Mallow, Hibernian Hotel, Johnny O’Donoghue taxi, Ballyclough, and many more.