Irish Red Cross Chairman wishes Secretary General success

"We are all very sorry to lose Paul who has deployed his talents with enthusiasm and skill," said Mr Andrews.

He added that Mr Lynch's legacy to the organisation was its strengthened systems and its profile for responding to both national and international disasters.

"Paul Lynch's contribution to the Red Cross will be of benefit to all of us for many years. He has introduced necessary changes to ensure that the Red Cross maximises its efforts in helping those in need. On behalf of the voluntary members, management and staff, I wish Paul every success in the future and thank him for his dedication and professionalism over the past three years," Mr Andrews said.

During the past three years, Mr Lynch has directed a number of national campaigns responding to worldwide need through the provision of Red Cross personnel and financial aid. These include appeals to respond to major humanitarian catastrophes in the Balkans, Africa, Asia and Latin America.

As Secretary General, Mr Lynch also managed the assessment and allocation of Red Cross relief funds to thousands of Irish people whose homes were seriously damaged due to flooding in 1999 and 2000.

During this time he was also responsible for the development and implementation of a radical business plan for the Irish Red Cross. Working with volunteers, management and staff, he introduced new methods and systems to ensure that the Irish Red Cross continues its successful humanitarian strategy in the future.

I"t has been a privilege to work with the Irish Red Cross. I have had the opportunity to work with people who are dedicated to raising funds and providing relief and assistance to thousands of people throughout the world. I thank the Red Cross for its support and I pay tribute to the thousands of Irish people who consistently rallied to the call for donations when tragedy struck.

I am pleased that I can leave the Red Cross knowing that it is well placed to continue to make a valuable contribution in the provision of aid throughout the world for many years to come," Mr Lynch said.

Ends.