DONGEAL Irish Red Cross volunteers were among 28 people across the country to be recognised for years of service to their communities.
The 28 volunteers from Donegal, Clare, Cork, Limerick, Louth and Dublin were recognised at an event in Mansion House, Dublin for giving more than 50 years’ service.
They were awarded with Long Service Medals for their selfless dedication, over five decades, to those most in need. Charlie Flanagan, Chair, Irish Red Cross presented the volunteers with their awards.
Sally McLaughlin was a dedicated volunteer with the Fahan Branch in Donegal for 55 years, holding many voluntary leadership roles and driving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training within the organisation.
“I grew up with the Irish Red Cross, starting as a volunteer when I was still in primary school. The Red Cross has always been part of my life and I made a lot of friendships over the years. I dedicated a lot of my time to volunteering – I was heavily involved in CPR training for community groups and teaching people how to be instructors.
“There are not many leadership roles that I haven’t held within the organisation!
“But it was always fun and always enjoyable,” she said.
Speaking ahead of the ceremony, Charlie Flanagan praised the volunteers for making communities “stronger and more resilient”.
He said: “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.”
Deirdre Garvey, Secretary General, Irish Red Cross described the local volunteers as the “bastion of support to their local community over many decades”.
She added: “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.
“These are the people who are there for the big challenges but also the less evident planning meetings, preparatory work and ongoing trainings.
“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.”
As Ireland’s humanitarian response network, 4,000 volunteers at 71 Irish Red Cross branches across Ireland help communities prepare for emergencies, respond when they happen and recover stronger and more resilient. The Irish Red Cross stands with people in crisis, at home and abroad, offering practical help, comfort and hope.
Chair Charlie Flanagan and Martin McKinney, Muff branch.
Charlie Flanagan, chair, with Michael McGrory, Fahan branch.
Irish Red Cross Long Service Awards.
Photo Fennell Photography 2026