St. John Ambulance Cork was delighted to welcome teams from Dublin to our headquarters for the Annual Cork Senior Competitions, on May 7^th last. The Dublin contingent was joined by a large group of travelling supporters, to cheer on their team on the floor. Our Commissioner, Prof. Patrick Plunkett, also travelled down to view our competitions. Originally, the competition had been organised in an outside venue, but due to poor weather, had to be held indoors at our headquarters on Victoria Road.

Competitions are going through a revival, and the scenarios our Competitions Officer, Sean O’Reilly, formulates, are no different. Competitions have changed from four-person teams to three-person teams, to accurately reflect what our members encounter on duty.

Comments from adjudicators were positive, with the agreement that all teams performed admirably. Adjudicators were keen to stress the importance of the simple things like maintaining an open airway, and body substance isolation. The scenarios were realistic, while still presenting a challenge to teams.  We would like to thank the stewards and officers who ensured the day ran smoothly without delay, and we would also like to thank the patients, without whom the day would not be possible.

We extend our congratulations to Cork City Division, and Castleknock Division, who claimed the Commissioners Cup in the first aid section of the competition. Landsdowne Division took the plaudits for the Overend Cup aspect of the competition, while Castleknock took the honours of the O'Keeffe Cup, which is awarded to the team with the most marks from the first aid and caring competitions combined. All teams, supporters and friends retired to the Courtyard at the Flying Enterprise that night, for a celebratory barbecue. The torrential rain didn’t dampen the spirits, and an enjoyable night was had by all.

Every competitor present at our competitions learned their skills from first aid courses taught at St. John Ambulance. If you are interested in taking part in a first aid course or occupational first course in Cork and perhaps joining up to use the skills you learn, then please contact us using the button at the top of the page, and we would be more than happy to assist you with any query you may have.