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The Irish Red Cross National Volunteer Awards 2024 Winners
November 29, 2024
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The Irish Red Cross is thrilled to announce the winners of the National Volunteer Awards 2024, which took place at Croke Park on November 23rd, and was attended by more than 200 people. This prestigious award celebrates volunteers who have made outstanding contributions to their communities through dedication and service.
Get to know the winners, who exemplify the true spirit of volunteering and community service.
Branch of the Year: Ballinora/Ballincollig Branch
The Ballinora/Ballincollig Branch has consistently collaborated with voluntary and statutory bodies, fostering collegiality and community, which underpins their success. A recent example was their support for patient evacuation during the devastating Midleton floods last year.
Community Support Volunteer of the Year: Oksana Tsymbalova from Terenure Rathmines Branch
Oskana has been running workshops for Ukrainian women and providing art therapy classes for the children in the Ukraine Community Centre supported by the Irish Red Cross in partnership with Ukrainian Action in Ireland. Oksana’s efforts have provided a safe space for women and children to share their experiences, support each other, and grow stronger together.
Young Volunteer of the Year: Courtney Kelleher from Clonakilty Branch
Courtney has already made an outstanding impact on her community through her voluntary efforts. She consistently steps forward to lend a hand and support those in need within her community. Over the past year, Courtney has demonstrated exceptional kindness and leadership through the branch’s buddy programme, where senior youth members mentor new, younger participants. She has also shown remarkable care and compassion toward Ukrainian families displaced by conflict and now living in the community, contributing to food and clothing collections as well as fundraising efforts.
Newcomer of the Year: Kate Keane from Limerick City Branch
Kate joined two years ago. She is very open to learning and helping out in any aspect that she can. Kate jumped into being an Assistant Unit Officer and Instructor immediately after her First Aid Responder course. Kate is now an experienced Emergency First Responder with well over 200 duty hours given to the organisation.
Instructor of the Year Award: Sarah Daly from Limerick City Branch
As a young instructor, Sarah is well placed to lead the youth units. They look up to her for her experience to oversee practical work and provide constructive criticism. Sarah brings her artistic talent to her instruction and provides certain lessons in a very visual format, for example the inner workings of the cardiovascular system. Sarah has created many diagrams that will be used in the future.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Brian and Deirdre Madden from Galway City Branch
Brian and Deirdre have been members of the Irish Red Cross since 1969. They are both Community support officers in Galway and have done stellar work contributing massively to the Irish Red Cross. Today as Community Support officers, Brian and Deirdre work closely with St. Vincent de Paul and COPE Galway to distribute supplies on a regular basis. They provide transfers to and from hospital appointments for patients two to three days a week. Brian drives and does much of the transfer work and Deirdre provides company and keeps them busy chatting and occupied when often they are going in for a procedure or get their results. Brian and Deirdre work tirelessly to make things better for everyone they come across.
Lifetime Achievement Award: John Joe Lyons from Clonakilty Branch
John Joe, a dedicated leader in the Irish Red Cross, has been a volunteer for 52 years, tirelessly serving his community. Starting with the Clonakilty Branch, he took on numerous roles, including Branch Chair, Unit Officer, and later Area Director of Units, a position he continues to hold with pride.
Known for his “can-do” attitude, John Joe has mentored countless members, inspiring many to pursue careers shaped by his guidance. His leadership shone during events like the 2003 Special Olympics, where he organized the host town program for the Danish team, and the 2012 Clonakilty floods, where he worked for over 24 hours to assist affected residents. In recent years, John Joe supported 78 displaced Ukrainians, ensuring their needs were met, and during COVID-19, he tirelessly assisted the community’s most vulnerable. His unwavering commitment has left a lasting impact on both the Irish Red Cross and the people of Clonakilty.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Pat Fitzgerald from Bandon Crookstown Branch
Pat joined the Irish Red Cross in 1972, becoming a First Aid and CPR Instructor by 1992. He managed accident cover, patient transfers, and recruited members through annual courses. Serving as Unit Officer, Area Captain, and Deputy Area Director in West Cork, he also helped establish branches in Bantry and Inchigeela.
Pat fostered relationships with individuals at St. Patrick’s Upton through social activities and served on the General Assembly. He supported Lourdes pilgrimages and led renovations at the Weir Street premises, including flood repairs in 2009. During COVID-19, Pat delivered medication and stewarded at St. Patrick’s Church. In 2022, he raised €20,000 for Ukraine relief, welcomed refugees, and supported them with transport, clothes, and Christmas treats.
Unit Member of the Year: Eoin Hayes from Limerick City Branch
Eoin has given hundreds of hours to cover duties, held unit, branch, and area positions, and gives his expertise and time on other minor topics that would not be part of his AADU remit. Among many other topics, Eoin setup an online form that replaces the paper based AED checklist. Eoin is now updating the Limerick Area website, adding new photos and text, and making site navigation easier for the user.
Volunteer of the Year: James Lafferty from Ennis Branch
The countless hours James dedicates to the Red Cross far exceed the expectations of a volunteer. His leadership has brought together a team of dedicated volunteers who provide a wide range of services, including transport and assistance for the people of Clare.
James’s work in accessible transport has had a profound impact on individuals with disabilities and serious illnesses. The transport service has allowed many people to access affordable transportation when they need it most, including medical appointments. James has consistently demonstrated compassion, responsiveness, and dedication to meeting the needs of the community. His unwavering commitment has made a lasting difference in the lives of countless individuals.