Irish Red Cross volunteers from Cork honoured for five decades of service

Irish Red Cross volunteers from Cork have been honoured for providing  more than five decades of service to their communities at a ceremony held recently in Dublin’s Mansion House.

Husband and wife Pat and Margaret Fitzgerald of the Bandon Crookstown Branch, Imelda O’Connor (Ballinora Ballincollig), and Paddy McAuliffe (Mallow) were among the Cork-based Irish Red Cross volunteers who were recognised.  

Volunteers from Cork, Clare, Donegal, Limerick, Louth, and Dublin were awarded long-service medals for their selfless dedication over five decades to those most in need.

Charlie Flanagan, chair of Irish Red Cross, presented the volunteers with their awards.

Mr Flanagan said it is remarkable to see Irish Red Cross volunteers that have dedicated so much time and energy to help others.

“Over an astonishing 50 years, they have committed themselves to their local community. The work they’ve done over those decades — providing first aid support at local events, teaching CPR skills to school students and community groups, offering therapeutic hand massages to nursing home residents, to mention just some examples, have touched so many lives, young and old.

“Thanks to their quiet, steady leadership, their skills and experience built up over many years, and ultimately their compassion and humanity, our communities are stronger and more resilient.” 

Irish Red Cross secretary general Deirdre Garvey said: “These volunteers have been a bastion of support to their local community over many decades. They represent the very best of us and are an inspiration to me and so many others.

"I deeply admire and respect their generosity of spirit, their positive action, and their leadership in demonstrating what it means to serve and to be there for those most in need.  

“They give their time and skills not for recognition but for the good of their community, the good of humanity, and for that we are so very grateful.”