Spirit of a Tipperary community shines through at the Holy Year Cross

On a clear and beautiful Saturday morning at the top of the Comeragh Mountains, an inspiring community event unfolded.
Members of the Holy Year Cross Committee were joined by John Walsh and representatives from the Clonmel Stories Facebook group to celebrate the presentation of a newly acquired defibrillator, an invaluable gift made possible through the generosity of the people of Clonmel.

The funds for the defibrillator were raised through a GoFundMe campaign, spearheaded by Clonmel Stories and officially by Mayor Cllr. Michael Murphy at the Town Hall.
The target was €2,000 which was reached within 4 days. The need for this life saving device became all too clear following a dramatic incident earlier in the year, when Liam Ahearne suffered a sudden cardiac arrest during the annual Holy Year Cross

Mass on the August Bank Holiday weekend.
Thanks to the quick response of retired Red Cross volunteer John Walsh, who had a defibrillator with him that day, Liam's life was saved. The emotional significance of this moment was not lost on those gathered, particularly Liam, who was attending the Holy Year Cross for the first time since that harrowing day.
“I can’t put into words how grateful I am to be here today,” Liam said, visibly moved by the occasion.
“It’s truly one of the proudest moments of my life, to stand here, surrounded by the people who saved my life, and I’m also grateful to the people of Clonmel who helped make this happen. Your generosity has not only provided a defibrillator, but you’ve given this community a greater sense of safety and peace of mind. I owe my life to John, and to all of you who supported this cause." said Liam.

Liam’s message carried an urgent call for others to take their health seriously. “Cardiac arrest can strike without warning, just as it did with me. I’m encouraging everyone to get a check up, because it really could be a matter of life or death. As they say, it’s like an NCT for your health, and everyone needs to exercise and prioritise their well being,” he said.
The presentation of the defibrillator was a symbol of community spirit, with John Walsh, the man who had so courageously acted when it mattered most, presenting the defibrillator to Benny Burke on behalf of the Holy Year Cross Committee.

Speaking at this presentation, Benny expressed deep gratitude to the people of Clonmel who rallied behind the cause.
“We are incredibly fortunate to live in such a caring community. This defibrillator isn’t just a piece of equipment, it’s a reminder of what we can achieve when we come together. On behalf of the Holy Year Cross committee, I want to thank each and every person who donated and supported us. We are sincerely grateful, and we’ll never forget the kindness that has been shown to us.”

Benny also acknowledged the essential role the defibrillator will play in future events.
“We hope we never have to use it, but knowing it’s here gives us great comfort. Emergencies can happen at any time, and now we’re prepared.”

The morning was one filled with reflection, appreciation, and the unmistakable warmth of a community united. As the sun cast a golden glow over the Comeragh Mountains, the gathered crowd was reminded not only of the beauty of their surroundings but of the strength and resilience of the Clonmel community.

Liam, now fully recovered and clearly moved by the day's events, concluded with a heartfelt message-
“This isn’t just about a piece of equipment. It’s about the people who make up this town, the support we give one another in times of need, and the importance of looking out for each other. Thank you to everyone who made this possible. I’ll never forget it.”

As the event came to a close, there was a shared sense of pride and solidarity, a testament to the extraordinary community spirit that defines Clonmel.
The defibrillator now stands as both a beacon of safety and a symbol of the collective power of people working together for the common good, ensuring that the legacy of kindness and care will continue at the Holy Year Cross for years to come.
We are beyond thrilled to announce that we’ve reached our fundraising target! A huge and massive thank you goes out to every single person who contributed. Your generosity has helped fund a life saving device that will truly make a difference for tomorrow. It’s an achievement to be incredibly proud of, and we can’t thank you enough for your support.
I want to extend a special thank you to my amazing wife, Sharon, for setting up our GoFundMe page, you’re an absolute gem. Your hard work behind the scenes made this all possible.

A massive shout out also goes to our dedicated Mayor, Cllr. Michael Murphy, who officially launched the fundraiser at the Town Hall last Friday and was the very first to donate. Michael, we deeply appreciate your commitment and all the effort you put into getting this campaign off the ground.
Here at Clonmel Stories, we are absolutely delighted to have hit our €2,000 target in just one week! It’s a true testament to the power of community spirit. Now, with this incredible milestone reached, we’re excited to pass the donation on to the Holy Year Cross Committee.

Once again, thank you to everyone who made this possible. Together, we’ve achieved something truly special, and lives will be saved because of it.”