Limerick volunteers honoured at national Irish Red Cross awards ceremony
Three Limerick-based Irish Red Cross volunteers received awards this year
THREE Limerick volunteers were honoured at this year’s national Irish Red Cross Volunteer Awards.
Sarah Daly, Kate Keane, and Eoin Healy all received awards at the ceremony in Croke Park last weekend.
Sarah Daly, an assistant unit officer for Novice and Youth Units in Limerick, was awarded the title of Instructor of the Year at the Annual Volunteer Awards.
With just two years of service, Sarah has logged 200+ duty hours in the last year, and has demonstrated “remarkable dedication, creativity, and a natural talent for inspiring and educating young people”.
A spokesperson for the Irish Red Cross described her as “ an invaluable member of the Limerick branch” and said: “What sets her apart is her ability to use her artistic talents to create engaging and impactful visual teaching materials, making complex concepts more accessible and memorable for learners.
“As a dynamic and relatable role model in her early 20s, Sarah connects effortlessly with the youth she mentors. Her enthusiasm shines through in her leadership of youth events, fostering a positive and inclusive environment. She is also deeply committed to personal growth, actively pursuing further qualifications to enhance her skills and serve her community more effectively.”
Irish Red Cross secretary general Deirdre Garvey said “Sarah Daly exemplifies what it means to be an exceptional instructor. Her creativity, dedication, and ability to connect with youth have made a lasting impact on our organization.”
This year’s Newcomer of the Year award was presented to Kate Keane of the Limerick Branch, recognizing her “extraordinary commitment, leadership, and impact” since joining just two years ago.
“Kate has quickly become a cornerstone of the Irish Red Cross community,” a spokesperson commented. “Serving as both an assistant unit officer and an instructor for Novice Youth Units, her dedication goes far beyond her primary roles. In January 2024, Kate assumed the additional responsibility of social officer, bringing her enthusiasm and organizational skills to foster stronger connections among members.”
The spokesperson added: “Over the past year, Kate has impressively logged over 200 duty hours as an Emergency First Responder, exemplifying her readiness to assist in crucial moments. Her passion for education shines through her role in teaching First Aid Responder courses, empowering others with life-saving skills.
“Kate's contributions extend beyond her local branch. She actively supports other branches, including Dingle and Laois, and has been instrumental in managing youth activities such as ice skating and bowling events. Her involvement in major national events, such as Electric Picnic and All Together Now, demonstrates her versatility and dedication on a broader scale.”
Ms Garvey said: “At such a young age and still in her 20s Kate’s relatability and energy make her an exceptionally effective youth instructor, inspiring the next generation of volunteers. Her commitment to organizing social events has played a vital role in retaining members and fostering a sense of community within the Irish Red Cross”.
Eoin Hayes, a “dedicated” member of the Limerick City unit, was named the Unit Member of the Year at the ceremony.
With nine years of “distinguished” service, Eoin’s contributions have set a benchmark for “excellence, innovation, and commitment in his community”.
A spokesperson for the Irish Red Cross said that, as the assistant area director of units, Eoin “consistently demonstrates exceptional technical innovation and leadership”.
“From implementing SumUp payment systems and QR code-based solutions to developing digital AED checklists, his forward-thinking initiatives have modernized essential processes and strengthened operational efficiency across the branch,” the spokesperson added.
“In addition to his technical prowess, Eoin is a highly reliable Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and a skilled Emergency First Response Instructor, ensuring both seamless care delivery and top-tier training. He is lauded for going above and beyond his role, contributing IT support, streamlining operations, and maintaining essential branch infrastructure.
“A strong team player, Eoin has dedicated hundreds of duty hours, expertly managing city-wide responsibilities while fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. His proactive approach includes regular updates to the branch website, which enhances accessibility and engagement for both volunteers and the public.”
Ms Garvey said: “We are so grateful to Eoin for his unwavering commitment to volunteerism. His efforts have not only improved the day-to-day functioning of the Limerick City branch but have also left a lasting impact on its members and the wider community. Eoin embodies the spirit of the Irish Red Cross – selfless, innovative, and community-focused. His dedication inspires everyone around him, and we are thrilled to recognise his outstanding contributions with this award.”