Chair: Charles Flanagan
Charles Flanagan is a former senior Fine Gael politician who served as TD for Laois–Offaly across 32 years (1987–2002 and 2007–2024). His ministerial roles included Minister for Justice and Equality (2017–2020), Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (2014–2017), and Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (2014). He also chaired the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence (2020–2024) and the Fine Gael parliamentary party (2011–2014). From his first speech in the Dáil in 1987, advocating for child protection legislation, Charles has been recognised for his integrity, commitment to justice, and straightforward approach to public service. Born in Mountmellick, County Laois, he qualified as a solicitor after studying at University College Dublin and the Law Society of Ireland. He lives in Portlaoise with his wife and two daughters. Retiring from elected office in 2024, he remains dedicated to public service and looks forward to serving as National Chair of the Irish Red Cross.
Vice-Chair: Barry O'Donovan
Barry has been a dedicated member of the Irish Red Cross for over 30 years, with continuous service at Branch, Area, and National levels. A former National Secretary, Barry brings deep institutional knowledge, a strong commitment to the Red Cross mission, and significant experience in governance and operational delivery across all levels of the Society. He has contributed to a wide range of national committees and working groups over the years, including Youth, Finance, Governance, CFR (Training Sub Group), Migration, Strategic Development, and Nominations committees. His time as National Secretary enhanced his ability to navigate complex situations, strengthened his financial and governance acumen, and reinforced the importance of clear and effective communication. Barry has represented the Irish Red Cross at international and regional meetings of the Red Cross Movement, as well as in key discussions with government and stakeholders. He continues to support board-level decision-making, offering honest, practical support to the Board, secretariat, and wider membership.
National Treasurer: Brian Madden
Brian has been an active member of the Irish Red Cross since 1968, contributing across a wide range of operational and leadership roles. He has served as Unit Officer in Galway City Branch, Deputy Area Commandant, and Area Director of Units (ADU) from 2000 to 2010. Since 2016, he has held the position of Treasurer for Galway City Branch. Brian is a licensed PHECC Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Assistant Tutor. He played a key role in coordinating the acquisition of the current Galway vehicle fleet and continues to support the region as a Community Support Officer. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Brian was an active member of both the Galway City and County Council forums. He also led the Irish Red Cross response to Storm Eowyn in Galway, working closely with members, neighbouring areas, and Head Office staff to deliver critical support.
National Secretary: Ted Noonan
Ted has been a dedicated volunteer with the Irish Red Cross for over 50 years, holding numerous positions at branch and area levels. Since 2012, he has served as the General Assembly Representative for the Cork Area. Ted has a deep understanding of the Society’s governance and operational structures, having been a member of the Board for the past six years. He served as National Treasurer from 2010 to 2012 and has been National Secretary since 2022. In his role as National Secretary, Ted chairs the Governance Committee, overseeing updates to the constitution and operating rules on behalf of the Board and General Assembly. Outside the IRC, Ted enjoyed a 40-year career as a frontline manager with Eir, where he gained extensive experience in customer service, team management, HR, health and safety, fleet management, and led key projects in change management and partnership processes.
Board Member: Cliona Murphy
Cliona is a Chartered Director and former senior executive at PepsiCo with over 30 years of industry experience. She brings a strong background in governance, crisis management, and international leadership, having led large teams across Europe, China, Asia Pacific, and Ireland. Cliona specialises in strategic planning, organisational leadership, and fostering a culture of commitment and continuous improvement. She has served on three state boards—Teagasc, Science Foundation Ireland, and Bord Bia—gaining extensive experience in audit, risk, operations, and remuneration committees. Cliona currently serves as a Director on the board of Bord Bia. A qualified corporate governance professional, she has led crisis management teams addressing regulatory, food safety, and quality challenges across multiple regions. Cliona has also contributed to community development, from setting up a pre-school in the UK to running Irish cultural programmes in China and supporting students through the Trinity Access Programme.
Board Member: Chris O'Connor
Chris has over 35 years’ experience in Emergency Medical Services, initially as a volunteer and later as a professional. Since 1986, he has been a committed Irish Red Cross volunteer attached to the Monaghan Branch, currently serving as Area Training Officer and General Assembly representative. Chris holds a Doctorate in Education and an MSc in Education & Training Management. He has been qualified as an advanced practitioner since 1998, working across private and public sectors as a practitioner, educator, and manager. Chris has led national education programmes, including Continuing Professional Competence (CPC) and Clinical Practice Guidelines up-skilling, and is currently playing a key role in expanding the IRC’s teaching faculty. His career highlights include pioneering pre-hospital 12-lead ECGs in Ireland, introducing CPR & AED training in schools, and developing blended learning for Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support. Internationally, Chris has presented clinical education in multiple countries and contributed extensively to PHECC’s education standards and frameworks.
Board Member: Martin O'Keeffe
Martin has been a dedicated member of the Irish Red Cross for 33 years, progressing from volunteer to Unit Officer and currently serving as Deputy Area Director of Units in Tipperary. Since 2018, he has been an active member of the Training Working Group and currently holds the role of EMT Programme Manager. In this capacity, he has overseen the national rollout of EMT training, ensuring that the NQEMT qualification meets and exceeds PHECC standards. Martin has played a key role in preparing the organisation for recent GVF and QRF audits, working closely with head office and fellow volunteers to ensure compliance. He also contributes his technical expertise to the Fleet Renewal Group’s Technical Subgroup, drawing on his background as a qualified mechanic and former RSA vehicle inspector. Additionally, he is part of the Ambolog Committee, which developed the IRC’s digital vehicle logbook, and serves as a regional auditor for the southern region, promoting vehicle compliance and safety across the Society.
Board Member: Anne-Marie O'Sullivan
Anne-Marie joined the Irish Red Cross with a desire to learn and contribute meaningfully, bringing her professional and personal experience to support the organisation’s mission and governance. She believes her background has enabled her to make a positive contribution to date and is eager to continue this work. Professionally, Anne-Marie has held senior roles in large corporate enterprises, including as Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Lead at Kerry Group and currently at Novo Nordisk Ireland. Her work focuses on building and managing social impact partnerships across sectors such as food, health, and climate. She has led the development and delivery of new programmes involving diverse stakeholders, giving her valuable experience in collaboration, strategic planning, and community engagement. Anne-Marie holds a BA in Economics from Trinity College Dublin and a Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainability from University College Dublin. Her expertise in sustainability and stakeholder engagement supports her continued positive impact within the Irish Red Cross and its Board.
Board Member: Ger O'Sullivan
Ger has served on the Audit and Risk Committee of the Irish Red Cross for the past three years, bringing extensive expertise in governance, risk and financial oversight. A Chartered Accountant by training, Ger began his career with PwC in Cork before taking on international roles with KPMG and spending over two decades in senior executive positions with Booz Allen Hamilton in the US and UK. On returning to Ireland in 2008, he joined Fexco in Co. Kerry, where he served as Managing Director of the Business Services Division and later as Group Financial Officer. He currently sits on Fexco’s Board as a Non-Executive Director and chairs its Compliance and Risk Committee. He also serves as a board director of St. John of God Community Services. Ger is a dedicated community volunteer, actively involved with his parish and the Diocese of Cork and Ross, and coaches ladies’ GAA teams with Nemo Rangers in Cork.
Board Member: Kelly-Louise Pryce
Kelly-Louise is Area Director of Units for Mayo and a committed volunteer with the Claremorris Branch. Her involvement with the Irish Red Cross began after a family emergency inspired her to pursue first aid training. She progressed to become an Emergency Medical Technician and now plays a key leadership and mentoring role in Mayo, supporting volunteers in preparation for operational and national duties, including Electric Picnic. She holds a BA (Hons) in Humanities and additional qualifications in Mental Health First Aid and Workplace Mental Health Advocacy. Her professional background includes experience in radiology, wellbeing, and community-based support. Alongside her humanitarian work, Kelly-Louise runs a small business and teaches yoga, which has strengthened her skills in communication, time management and public engagement. She brings a people-first approach to her work and is committed to supporting volunteers, fostering inclusion, and helping to deliver on the goals of the IRC’s new strategy.
Board Member: Cliona Lehane
Cliona has been a dedicated member of the Irish Red Cross for nearly 20 years, actively contributing at Branch and Area levels. She has previously served on the Board of Directors and is an outgoing member of the current Board. Over the years, Cliona has played a key role in various national committees, including the National Safeguarding Committee, the Volunteer Support and Development Working Group (VSDWG), and the Governance Committee. She is also deeply involved in her local community, volunteering as a youth club leader and committee member. In addition, she supports fundraising efforts for local sports clubs, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to community development and wellbeing.
Board Member: Tom Horwell
Tom has been an active member of the Irish Red Cross since 1981, contributing in a wide range of volunteer roles at both local and national levels. He served on the Board from 2007 to 2019, including two terms as National Vice Chair and two periods as Acting Chair. Tom has represented the IRC at two International Conferences of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and has previously chaired the National Youth Working Group. He also served as Regional Director of Units for Dublin North East and currently holds the role of Area Director of Units (ADU) for County Louth. Professionally, Tom is a former Business Studies teacher who has spent over 30 years with the HSE National Ambulance Service. He has worked as an Advanced Paramedic, Senior Tutor, and Operations Manager, and since 2014, he has held the role of Operations Performance Manager (Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer) for the Dublin North East region.