Diocesan News
Saint Luke's Home Cork receives gift
Gift of Land sold at public auction for €27.5 million
A gift to Saint Luke's Home for the Elderly in Cork from the late Mr Sidney Northridge (a bachelor farmer) of c.11 acres of land on the outskirts of Cork City was sold by the charity yesterday at public auction for €7.5 million.
Following the auction the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Bishop Paul Colton said:
"We are immensely grateful for this magnificent bequest from Sidney Northridge, and on behalf of us all involved in this charity, I dedicate this moment to his memory with thanksgiving.
"No doubt many people will marvel at the huge commercial value of the land; of the sums realised at the auction, but we marvel at the generosity of a man who clearly admired and supported the vision of what Saint Luke's Home does and has been doing for the elderly in Cork since 1872.
"The gift is most welcome. The Home has incurred huge expense in moving from its different city locations to Blackrock over a period of time and, of course, in building the facility which is regarded by many as a prototype for services for the elderly. What the bequest may enable us to do is to expand the work of the charity into new areas of activity, and the Board will have to look at that. We all know that the demand for services for the elderly is growing as demographics change, people live longer and want to stay in their own homes as long as possible.
"Saint Luke's Home is, of course, not only a diocesan project; it is an ecumenical one to which the people of Cork have given generous support over many years. For all of us it is quite simply an expression of the Christian Gospel in action, as we care for the sick and the elderly."
The Home employs 186 staff providing up-to-date care in a modern and comfortable four acre setting overlooking Lough Mahon.
St. Luke's Home was founded in 1872 by Fanny Gregg, the daughter of the then Church of Ireland Bishop. After a series of physical relocations, the charity now operates a modern 120 bed facility in Blackrock, Cork. Incorporated in the facility is a purpose-built Dementia Unit providing care to thirty residents. Occupancy at the home stands at 99% on average, reflecting the high demand for the facility.
Further information from:
Sam Wynn,
Diocesan Communications Officer,
Diocese of Cork, Cloyne & Ross.
Telephone: +353 (0)21 420 1860