Limerick City Red Cross wins Branch of the Year & Instructor of the Year at National Volunteer Awards 2025

Limerick City wins Branch of the Year at the Irish Red Cross National Volunteer Awards 2025.

Limerick City wins Branch of the Year & Instructor of the Year at Irish Red Cross, National Volunteer Awards 2025

Limerick City branch of the Irish Red Cross took home two awards at the Irish Red Cross, National Volunteer Awards 2025 at a ceremony in Croke Park today.

Limerick City was announced as Branch of the Year while one of its longstanding volunteers, Mary Grehan won Instructor of the Year award.  

The event was attended by Irish Red Cross volunteers as well as the organisation’s Chairman, Charlie Flanagan. Emceed by Deric Hartigan, the popular TV presenter and Ireland AM weather man, the ceremony celebrated the volunteers across the country who give their time and expertise to Ireland’s humanitarian organisation.  

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Limerick City, Branch of the Year 2025  

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.  

Limerick City Branch is home to the Generation Heroes youth programme, which has been launched nationwide. The branch manages seven youth groups annually across four locations in Limerick City, with six teams participating in youth competitions in 2024 and six members attending the Youth Leadership Weekend in February 2025.

The branch provides vital community transport services and demonstrated exceptional dedication during Storm Eowyn in January 2025, when volunteers provided emergency transports with four-wheel drive assistance, cleared snow from driveways, and travelled long distances in severe weather to support vulnerable community members.  

Mary Grehan, Instructor of the Year 2025  

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.

Speaking at the ceremony, Charlie Flanagan, Chairman, Irish Red Cross, said, “Today is a really special day in the Irish Red Cross calendar. Our National Volunteer Awards is an opportunity to recognise the selfless commitment of our volunteers, all of whom deserve our gratitude and appreciation for everything they do in their communities. These are the first aiders who stand pitch side in all weathers, these are the volunteer therapists who give hand therapy massages to nursing home residents, these are the community supporters who deliver essential supplies to those cut off due to storms, or help migrants fleeing war settle into a new area. They are the beating heart of the Irish Red Cross and the very best of us.”

Charlie congratulated Limerick City Branch volunteers on their award wins. “You are an exceptional group of people. You are the people who say ‘yes’, you are the ‘doers’, every day taking positive action to make your city, your community a better place. And we thank you sincerely for that. Your commitment and your team spirit is truly inspiring. What is really heartening is how you have encouraged and nurtured younger volunteers – sharing your expertise and knowledge with the next generation. The future of the Irish Red Cross is safe in Limerick City!”

Liam Maguire, Chair, Irish Red Cross Volunteer Support and Development Working Group said, “Congratulations to all our volunteer winners and our shortlisted volunteers. Today demonstrates how all Irish Red Cross volunteers go above and beyond the call of duty for their community. I want to thank all our volunteers across the country for their quiet but effective volunteering which has such a positive impact on their communities.”

Award winners were chosen from nominations submitted by fellow volunteers and the general public. The judging panel comprised of members of the Irish Red Cross Volunteer Support and Development Working Group, Irish Red Cross Board of Directors, Honorary Officers and staff from Volunteer Ireland.