70th Anniversary of the 1956 Cork Polio Epidemic

2026 marks the 70th anniversary of the Cork Polio Epidemic, an important historical event which changed the lives of many, especially our own members. During this commemoration event facilitated by Polio Survivors Ireland CEO, Nicola Fogarty, we were lucky enough to hear from John Dolan, Philip Flaherty, Vincent McDonnell, and the Lord Mayor of Cork Damian Boylan.

Our own Board director and polio survivor, John Dolan, discussed memories of the isolation polio created, but also the resilience of polio survivors. John noted how important the support of family, specifically mothers, was to the lives of those living with polio. As babies or small children they were pulled from the family, only able to see their mothers through panes of glass, for many years. It did not affect one singular person, but instead altered the lives of all those around an infected child. He said ‘we often did not know our own names, we were so young.”

Following John’s emotionally provoking memories, Philip Flaherty took the mic to discuss his story of contracting polio in December of 1955, just before the epidemic hit Cork. Like many fellow Polio Survivors, Philip remembered the countless hospital visits, several operations, and the lack of average childhood experiences that were all caused by the contraction of polio.

Attendees also heard from Vincent McDonnell, husband of polio survivor Joan McDonnell, who discussed the history of the Cork epidemic, as well as some vivid memories for Cork residents of the fear that gripped the streets for families with young children.

We were lucky enough to be joined by the Lord Mayor of Cork as well. The Lord Mayor acknowledged the importance of polio survivors and how this part of Cork history is a reminder to all of the consequences of the disease. John Dolan presented the Lord Mayor with a Cork Crystal piece, commissioned by Polio Survivors Ireland to commemorate this special occasion. The piece is to be displayed in Cork City Hall, acknowledging and validating what those affected by the epidemic experienced. This also will be a reminder to the public, so that polio is not forgotten.

If you would like to watch the event please access the links below:

Welcome Remarks by Nicola – https://youtu.be/b4K-npMo9lE?si=9xFS6L239fFOUubI

Commemoration by John Dolan – https://youtu.be/AexPGXLAMyM?si=XvV_ZsXMY6yIJInc

Personal Story by Philip Flaherty – https://youtu.be/AexPGXLAMyM?si=XvV_ZsXMY6yIJInc

Historcal Aspect and Tribute by Vincent McDonnell – https://youtu.be/NtRHOrebHUE?si=LmpaeMGFuYmzpY1S

Lord Mayor of Cork Commemoration – https://youtu.be/u5YtxiVMFZ4?si=5SnyKyUgfsqKY0yP

Presentation of Cork Crystal Commemorative Piece – https://youtu.be/u5YtxiVMFZ4?si=5SnyKyUgfsqKY0yP