Jeremiah O’Donoghue
Social Action Group Rathmore, Rathmore, Co Kerry
In 1975, Jerh set up the Rathmore Social Action Group (SAG) to enhance the lives of the elderly and the youth, as well as build social bonds between these two groups. For the last 35 years Jerh has been the backbone of the SAG and still remains the driving force behind the group. He never has a bad word to say about anyone and is willing to do anything in order to help a person in need. He has built a modern day care centre (opened in 2002 by President Mary McAleese) and 27 sheltered houses for the elderly, as well as a youth centre for the community. Because of his pure determination and hard work, the SAG is still going growing and developing. His enthusiastic approach to life and helping others is embodied in the motto of the group: “To give and not to count the cost”. Jerh set up this group as he saw a gap in the community and he used all of his resources and abilities to make the Rathmore Social Action Group the success that it is today. Pure determination and a strong desire to help are evident in everything that he does. His amazing personality, good spirit, patience and belief in young people rubs off on everyone around him. From humble beginnings to the present day, Jerh has truly changed lives in the local community for the better.
“Over the past 35 years, the young volunteers of Rathmore Social Action Group have shown, through their idealism, generosity and dedication, what can be achieved in their own community.” – Jerh
Photograph by Maureen McDonnell
Jerh has dedicated his life to helping people and really has changed things in Rathmore for the better. He is constantly bringing new people together. He gives young people in our community the opportunity to meet up and socialise with each other as well as giving them the chance to learn new skills which can include filming, editing, making DVDs and DJing. He facilitates outdoor persuits which consists of climbing the local mountains, walking and a camping trip.
I have learn a lot from Jerh. He has guided myself and many other young people in the community to better there own lives and the lives of eldery in the local area for his whole life. He has a great personality and he’s hard work ethic has come through to the young members of the Social Action Group. The Youth Centre its self has many pro’s including teaching new skills to the youth and it is a fantastic place for the youth to learn interpersonal skills. He is a well respected member of Ratmore and surrounding area and is know through out Kerry and parts of Cork for his amazing work for both the youth and the ederly.
Where to begin? Jerh has given all the young people involved in the Social Action Group an opportunity to become involved in their community and with helping other people. He has never stopped encouraging and motivating young people to put forward our own ideas and to speak out. The S.A.G. is one of the only places where people our age can speak out and be heard. The S.A.G. also offers young people a place to have fun, a place to meet new people, a place to learn new skills; opportunities that wouldn’t be available to us if Jerh hadn’t dedicated so much of his life to making Rathmore a better place for both the old and young generations. Jerh also encouraged me to pursue the President’s Award and the Pramerica Award and he continues to motivate new members to reach their full potential. He is always happy to dedicate his time to those who need his help. The best part of the S.A.G. is the great balance of work and fun. Although we have to work hard to achieve the ambitious goals of the S.A.G., it has been one of the best experiences of my life and I have learned a lot though Jerh’s help and guidance.
What can I say about Jerh?
I have been married to him for 28 years and I have known him for many more.
Jerh as well as being a wonderful family man, has dedicated his life to helping others. If his help is required i.e. by residents or young people, morning, noon or night Jerh is always there. The lives of many people, young and old, at home and abroad have been enhanced by Jerh’s dedication, generosity, and lack of egoism. Hopefully, many more people will benefit as he and the young people continue their good work. Jerh and the S.A.G are unique.
I met Jerh for the first time two years ago and I can say I have never met anyone as unselfish and unassuming. The more I got to know him the more I realised how much time, passion and energy he gives to community work, particularly creating links between the youth and the elderly. He emmerses himself in many projects with great enthusiasm and it is obvious looking at him how much he gets back from his work. A few months ago when the Social Action Group took the children of Chernoybl on a day out Jerh recorded some footage and just for fun he played it back for everyone afterwards. It was such a lovely warm touch. Jerh has great faith in young people and their potential and he constantly strives to address this. He is very open to their suggestions and ideas. The phrase ‘his heart is in the right place’ is one I keep for Jerh. He is someone I admire and look up to.
What Jerh. O’Donoghue has done in Rathmore isa credit to him and the Social Action Group.
The staff of the Day Care Centre are very helpful and very caring.
It is very important for us to have the Day Care Centre, only for it we would have no initiative to get up everyday. We are all very well cared for by the staff. No matter what we ask of them its no problem.
I have known Jerh since I was in school in Rathmore from 1977-82 where he was our history teacher. From 1999 until 2009, I have worked as a priest from St.Patrick’s Missionary Society in Good Shepherd Parish, Nanyangacor, South Sudan. Jerh and the SAG have always been interested in supporting the missionary efforts of local people – lay people, sisters and priests who have worked in other countries. The community among whom I worked, the Toposa people, have benefitted from the efforts of Jerh and the SAG to reach out to others. Good Shepherd Parish, from its beginnings, now has a full Primary School, a medical clinic, boreholes dotted throughout the parish, and many other activities. All of this has been possible through the support of many, including the SAG and Jerh. That effort to reach out has benefitted not only the local community of Rathmore Parish, but also people from wider afield. It has also been a source of encouragement to us, who are working in other countries. On behalf of all those who have benefitted from the work of the SAG and Jerh in Nanyangacor and South Sudan, thank you. Your efforts are very much appreciated.
Since coming to live in Bru Na Sinsear my husband & I have come to know and admire Mr. O’Donoghue for all his work with the elderly, their welfare and well being.
St. Joseph’s Day Care Centre is unique with its surrounds so beautifully kept, making one feel home from hom. It is such a credit to Mr. O’Donoghue and we wish him all good wishes on any other tasks he undertakes.
Jack & Grace McCrae
26 Bru Na Sinsear
Jerh and the Rathmore Social Action Group have made great efforts over the years to support the work of several Columban missionaries in poor areas of Lima, Peru. Local man, Fr. John O’Connell, has spent a lifetime working there and the Rathmore Group have managed to provide him with considerable financial support on a regular basis. Thanks to Jerh’s efforts a younger generation around Rathmore has been made aware of the reality of life in poorer countries and helped to respond generously. There are a lot of people in the hills around Lima whose lives have been improved because of the concern of Jerh and his group. We appreciate their efforts and thank Jerh for his dedication and leadership.
I would like to wish my father Jerh O’Donoghue the best of luck in the Ireland Involved Awards. From an early age he has instilled in me a sense of communtiy spirit and care of the less fortunate in society. I have also benefitted from being part of the Social Action Group, making many friends both young and old and in other countries.
The staff of St. Joseph’s Day Care Centre and Teach Iosagáin would like to congratulate Jerh.on his nomination with the Ireland Involved Awards.
Jerh. is an inspiration to work with and a man of unassuming nature. His endless dedication and enthusiasm for his many projects can be seen in his care of the elderly and youth programmes.
His motivation and guidance of the young people in the Social Action Group and his vision for the future will undoubtedly lead to new and innovative projects.
We wish Jerh. every sucess in all his future endeavours.
I would like to wish Jerh O’Donoghue the very best with his nomination with the Ireland Involved Awards.
I have known Jerh for many years as a past student, in my construction business and as a friend. There is no better person for this nomination as he is a brilliant commumity person with great leadership skills. Our community has benefitted hugely due to the endless hard work of Jerh and his commitment to the Social Action Group. Wishing Jerh continued success for the future