Writes Leo McMahon
Doing her duty last Friday, just as she did as a nurse during World War II, was 93 years young Sheila Green.
Sheila, from Kilnagleary, was lending a hand to fellow Carrigaline resident and president of the Cork branch of the British Legion, David J Daly selling paper, stick-on and metal poppy badges as well as crosses, some featuring the Irish shamrock, at the mall near Barry Collins SuperValu in Carrigaline Shopping Centre for Remembrance weekend.
Proceeds of the Poppy Day Appeal went towards the registered charity that remembers and supports in various ways, Irish war veterans and their families, many of whom are in need. Over 35,000 Irish soldiers died in the First World War of which over 4,000 were from Cork.
Although not a member of the British Legion, Sheila said she was happy to sell poppies for many years adding: ‘it’s for a good cause’. She herself worked as a nurse at St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, London during World War II where she experienced the last days of ‘The Blitz.
Sheila, who ran a popular flower shop in Main Street, Carrigaline from 1978 right up to her 90th year, was accompanied by her son Roland who told The Carrigdhoun Newspaper that her two brothers, Jimmy and Tommy Miller, both served in the British Army during World War II. Sheila and David reported an excellent and generous response from shoppers to the Poppy Day appeal.
The Cork branch of the Royal British Legion usually meets on 2.30pm on the third Wednesday of each month in Cork Airport Hotel where a welcome is extended to all. Officers are David J Daly, president; Gerry Donovan, chairperson; Geraldine Machin, secretary and Tony Meany, treasurer. Enquiries to 087 2580355.
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