Kildare people encouraged to nominate local Red Cross heroes
The Irish Red Cross has 3,400 members in 71 branches across Ireland
Heroes come in all shapes and sizes, which is why the Irish Red Cross (IRC) has called on people of County Kildare to nominate local IRC volunteers.
The IRC has announced that nominations are now open for its latest iteration of its National Volunteer Awards.
The registered charity asserted that the upcoming awards ceremony aims to provide people with the chance ‘to shine a light on the extraordinary IRC volunteers in Kildare who provide reassurance, comfort and practical support in communities across Ireland’.
BACKGROUND
According to the IRC, it has 3,400 members in 71 branches across Ireland who train and volunteer ‘to ensure communities have access to relevant and timely supports to help them prepare for emergencies, respond when they happen, and recover in a way that makes them more resilient’.
It added: “Now in their tenth year, the National Volunteer Awards celebrate the commitment, compassion and hard work of IRC volunteers who generously give their time for the betterment of communities across Ireland.”
The IRC’s secretary general, Deirdre Garvey, elaborated: “Showing up is what our volunteers do best, whether it's a storm, a flood or another emergency that's turned someone's world upside down, our volunteers are there with practical help and a steady hand.”
“However, they are also there at the more everyday events, which is also so important; [for example,] running a local first aid class, checking in on someone living alone, welcoming a family into a new community, or standing by with first aid skills at the local match,” she added.
EXAMPLES OF LOCAL HEROES
Speaking further about the purpose of the awards, the organisation said that last year’s iteration of its National Volunteer Awards ‘celebrated volunteering across the length and breadth of the country’.
The IRC explained that some of those awarded included Tim Kelleher of Clonakilty, Cork, who was named ‘Volunteer of the Year’ for 17 years volunteering with the organisation.
It also pointed out that Limerick City took ‘Branch of the Year’ due to ‘the incredible dedication of its 167 members, who covered 66 events and ran over 150 training sessions in 2025’.
Lastly, the IRC said that Isabella Nordon of its Dundalk Branch was named ‘Young Volunteer of the Year’, as she has been volunteering with the IRC since the age of four.
Referring to these recipients, Ms Garvey said: “You don’t have to have responded to a major emergency to make an extraordinary volunteer; sometimes it is years of small acts of kindness and service that have the greatest impact.”
CRITERIA
The IRC said that people in Kildare can nominate:
- A volunteer who went door-to-door across Wexford, Kilkenny, Carlow and Dublin in the wake of Storm Chandra at the start of 2026, checking in on flood-hit homes and businesses and helping people access emergency supports when the water came through their doors. Volunteers who staffed the IRC helpline and humanitarian hubs through the winter storms and flooding, providing a listening ear to people distressed by damage to their home, property or business, can also be nominated
- First aiders who consistently upskill to stand ready week in, week out in your community – ensuring safety and urgent medical response at matches, family fun days, challenges and endurance events, parades, festivals and summer events across the country
- Therapeutic hand care practitioners who visit nursing homes and community centres to give relief to older people with painful joints but more importantly, social connection and conversation
- Rescue volunteers who brave the elements, night and day, all year round – to search for people on our mountains and lakes
- A Red Cross branch or volunteer who gives their time to support Ireland’s welcome for those fleeing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza – those who organise integration cafes and fun events around the country, helping sick children to get to hospital appointments, helping families to rebuild their lives, grow their confidence and skills
Moreover, the IRC explained that there are eight award categories in its National Volunteer Awards:
- Volunteer of the Year
- Young Volunteer of the Year
- Community Support Volunteer of the Year
- First Aid and Ambulance Unit Member of the Year
- Instructor of the Year
- Branch of the Year
- Newcomer of the Year
- Lifetime Achievement Award
Nominations are open until Friday, September 25, 2026.
Anyone who wants to nominate an IRC volunteer can visit www.redcross.ie/nva.
The awards will be presented at a ceremony on Saturday, November 28, 2026 in Croke Park.