The Irish Red Cross National Volunteer Awards 2025 Winners

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The Irish Red Cross National Volunteer Awards 2025 Winners

November 27, 2025

The first aiders who stand pitch side in all weather, the volunteer therapists who give hand massage therapy to nursing home residents, the community supporters who deliver essential supplies to those cut off due to storms and those who warmly welcome migrants fleeing war were all celebrated today at the Irish Red Cross National Volunteer Awards 2025.

Awardees were recognised at an event in Croke Park attended by Irish Red Cross volunteers from across the country and emceed by Deric Hartigan, TV presenter and Ireland AM weather man.

Get to know the winners, who exemplify the true spirit of volunteering and community service.

Branch of the Year: Limerick City

With 67 years of service and 167 dedicated members, the Limerick City Branch has demonstrated exceptional commitment to community service and youth development. In 2024, the branch provided medical cover to 146 events and held over 200 training sessions. In 2025 to date, they have covered 66 events and conducted 150+ training sessions, supporting sports matches, festivals concerts, and community events across Limerick.

Community Support Volunteer of the Year: Charles Stanley Smith from Nenagh Branch

Since joining the Irish Red Cross Nenagh branch in 2022, Charles Stanley Smith has become known as the “Irish Red Cross Superman” for his relentless dedication to supporting newly arrived displaced people across Ireland. Over the past three years, he has proven to be an indispensable force, consistently stepping up without hesitation to assist in urgent transports, welfare checks, and community liaison. A key element of Charles’s work is his support for the Ukrainian community in Nenagh, establishing the Welcome Cafe in Nenagh. His generosity extended to pledging his own accommodation to the Irish Red Cross for those fleeing the conflict. He has also supported the Gaza Medevac Initiative, providing transport and community support to evacuated families with the same exceptional warmth.

Young Volunteer of the Year: Isabella Nordon from Dundalk Branch

Isabella has been an active volunteer for 11 years, since the age of four when she joined the Dundalk Irish Red Cross T-Bears, a group of young volunteers aged 4-9. Isabella’s contributions and leadership have far exceeded expectations of a youth member. Isabella has supported the branch in a wide range of activities including fundraising, first aid duty cover, youth classes, emergency responses and youth education. Isabella’s impact was especially evident during Storm Eowyn, when she helped establish the ‘Happy Hub’ in Carrickmacross – a warm and welcoming mental health and support space for young people affected by power outages.

Newcomer of the Year: Elena Barry from Tralee Branch

Since joining the Irish Red Cross Tralee branch in 2024, Elena Barry has become a standout volunteer whose swift engagement and energetic leadership has revitalised key areas of the branch. After completing her First Aid Responder course, she immersed herself in service and took on the role of Youth Officer with the Tralee branch this year. Under Elena’s leadership, the Tralee Youth Section, which had become dormant during the Covid-19 pandemic is now thriving. Elena has already led the youth members in numerous cooperative ventures with other community groups in the town.

Instructor of the Year: Mary Grehan from Limerick City Branch

A dedicated member of the Limerick City branch for more than 25 years, Mary has contributed an unquantifiable amount of time to the Irish Red Cross, holding numerous positions and renowned as a fountain of knowledge on all matters related to emergency care. As a Paramedic with the National Ambulance Service, Mary has a wealth of expertise which she generously shares with other student volunteers and this has benefited the Limerick City branch greatly. Mary is also known for bringing warmth and community to her classes, often accompanied by her beloved dog Oscar.

Lifetime Achievement Award: Con McNamara from Tipperary Branch

Con McNamara received a well-deserved Lifetime Achievement Award for giving more than 50 years as an Irish Red Cross volunteer. Since joining the Tipperary branch when it was formed in February 1973, Mr. McNamara has been a pillar of the Irish Red Cross Movement – he drove patrons to the 1979 Papal Ceremonies in Limerick and assisted in major Irish Red Cross migrant support efforts for the Vietnamese Boat people, Bosnian war refugees and Ukrainian migrants. His dedication has touched countless lives across Co. Tipperary and Munster. Con has been an active first aider and ambulance driver until the age of 81. Although recent health issues have seen him step back from driving and event cover, Con continues to serve as Branch Treasurer.

Lifetime Achievement Award: Imelda O’Connor from Ballinora/Ballincollig Branch

A volunteer for 50 years, Imelda O’Connor was also celebrated at the event for her five decades of exemplary volunteerism and leadership in the Cork area of the Irish Red Cross. Imelda was a co-founder of the Ballinora/Ballincollig Branch in 1982 and established its ethos of teamwork and commitment. A qualified Emergency Medical Technician Imelda serves on ambulance duties, teaches first aid and provides invaluable expertise during crises like nursing home evacuations and the COVID-19 vaccination efforts. Imelda has mentored countless young volunteers, fostering their development into skilled first aiders. She coordinated efforts with other community groups to create and distribute essential ‘Welcome Bags’ for Ukrainian refugees in 2022. According to her nominees, Imelda’s energy, clinical skill and belief that ‘everyone matters’ make her an outstanding role model.

Lifetime Achievement Award: Pascal Walsh from Clonakilty Branch

Pascal was recognised with a Lifetime Achievement Award for an amazing 50 years of continuous, selfless service to his community – one of the most dedicated volunteers in the Irish Red Cross. His fellow volunteers praised his commitment and reliability and countless hours of service, leadership and training. Pascal has shared his significant experience to help other volunteers achieve medication certifications. He is described as a gentleman with a word for everyone, someone who strives to make volunteering a truly great experience for all.

First Aid and Ambulance Unit Member of the Year: Ryan Hayes from Dundalk Branch

In recognition of his outstanding leadership, strategic vision and success in building a thriving and inclusive unit, Ryan Hayes was awarded Unit Member of the Year 2025. With 16 years of service across three different branches, Ryan’s two years in Dundalk have been marked by dramatic growth and professionalisation. Since taking on the Unit Officer role, Ryan has transformed the first aid unit into one of the most active and professional in the region. He has substantially increased the number of first aid duties covered, expanded patient transfer operations, and secured consistent contracted duties, ensuring fair and thorough coverage of community events.

Volunteer of the Year: Tim Kelleher from Clonakilty Branch

During his 17 years with the Clonakilty Branch Tim has served as Branch Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary, Community Support Officer and is presently the Branch Youth Officer. Tim received the award in recognition of his support for elderly people in his community during the Covid-19 pandemic and Ukrainian refugees seeking safety in Clonakilty. In his current role as Branch Youth Officer, Tim leads a group of 25 youth members and 12 leaders and is admired among his fellow volunteers for his wonderful encouragement of younger members.

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