Togher Historical Association: Order of Malta - Togher

Saturday, November 18, 2023

Order of Malta - Togher - 1975 ~ 2000

The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta or Order of Malta was founded in 1048 and first came to Ireland in 1171 following hot on the heels of the Norman Invasion of 1169. They were originally militant Knights who not only cared for the afflicted but engaged in skirmishes as well! It is quite possible that land south of Cork City was gifted to them as evidenced by the Townland of Spittal-Lands - which would refer to an area used for treating the sick ( see map below ). However , in more modern times they have relinquished that role and cater exclusively for the sick and elderly as well as providing an ambulance service.

Spittal-Lands in Cork City

The Order of Malta first appeared in Cork City in 1966 and the Coughlans of Greenwood Estate were one of the first to join. It was in 1975 that they decided to start a sub-branch in Togher with all five of their children enrolling. Many volunteers joined up , with 10 - 16 years , both boys and girls starting off as Cadets with those older joining up as Adult members. Soon an old ambulance was purchased by the group and was paid for by public donations from wealthy benefactors including the Crosby's owners of The Echo and parked to the rear of Togher Church. It was used primarily to ferry elderly patients to hospital appointments and acted as a first responder in the event of an emergency. Norma remembers that in time it became a taxi for the elderly bringing them to the Ardmanning for outings and returning them home safely again. The group conducted first aid courses and enrolled many new Cadets to cover the various events , such as G.A.A. matches and bike races over at Vernonmount. As they were uniformed and had a military legacy , they enlisted the help of Army Drill Instructors from Collins Barracks to teach them foot drill. Local Togher man , Sgt. Noel Carey took on the work of perfecting their drill and they would go on to win the 1984 All Ireland Foot Drill competition ( see photo below ). Nowadays Noel Carey is involved with Togher Men's Shed. 1990 saw the Togher branch win the Munster Regional competition for their expertise in first aid and ambulance duties. Sadly due to more modern pursuits and lack of volunteers with others retiring , the Togher branch was eventually wound down in the early 2000s. Norma however is still an active member and works in the Carrigaline branch these days. In 2020 the Echo paid tribute to her 50 plus years in the organisation ( see below ). Many local Togher boys and girls have fond memories of being part of the Order of Malta and it is thanks to Norma and her late husband Bernard that the group existed in Togher throughout the 1970s , 1980s and 1990s.

Norma Coughlan
Order of Malta

2020

Order of Malta - Togher
1983

Ann Alan presenting bouquet to Lady Mayoress
with Lord Mayor 1983

after receiving first aid certificate

Order of Malta - Togher
1984 All Ireland Foot Drill Winners

Front: L-R - Cadet Unit Leader Cpl M.Radford , Unit Chaplain Capt. George Murphy , Regional Director Mr. P.B. Pearson ( Knight of Malta ) , Sgt. Noel Carey 4th Bn Collins Bks Drill Instructor , Capt Bernard Coughlan ( Cadet Liason Officer )

Middle: L-R - Ruth Coughlan , Marguerite Coakley , Deirdre McGurty , Gillian McCoy , Olivia O'Mahony , Niamh McGurty , Ian Coughlan.

Back: L-R - Deirdre Motherway , Naomi Coughlan , Avril Anthony , Michelle Lowther , Joanne Barry , Ruth Anthony.