Two Kildare nominations announced for National Volunteer Awards 2026
The ceremony is organised on an annual basis by the Irish Red Cross
Two Kildare-based nominations have been announced for the Irish Red Cross (IRC) National Volunteer Awards 2026, which celebrates volunteers who generously give their time, skills and expertise to support communities across Ireland.
The volunteers are being recognised for their service to the local community in Kildare, with one volunteer, and one branch has specifically been shortlisted for the awards ceremony.
The IRC’s Clane branch has been shortlisted for Branch of the Year, while one of the branch’s volunteers, Chloe Walsh, has been shortlisted for First Aid Unit Member of the Year.
LONG-STANDING SERVICE
Established in 1939, the IRC’s Clane Branch has been part of the local community for 87 years, providing first aid cover at local events and festivals, first aid training and practical community support across Kildare.
Volunteers provide practical first aid education in a local school, deliver paediatric first aid workshops three times a year for a local mums and toddlers group, and offer training to other community organisations.
According to a spokesperson for the IRC, 21-year-old Chloe Walsh has made an exceptional contribution to the organisation since joining Clane Branch five years ago.
Chloe has progressed through First Aid Response, Emergency First Response and Emergency Medical Technician training,” the IRC explained. “She is now a student paramedic with the National Ambulance Service, demonstrating her dedication to developing lifesaving skills and pursuing a career in emergency care.”
They elaborated: “Over the past year, Chloe has served as the Acting Unit Officer in both Clane and Newbridge, and the Assistant Area Director for Duties, helping coordinate volunteer duties across the wider Kildare Area.
“As well as being one of the branch's most active and dependable volunteers, Chloe shares her developing knowledge and experience with fellow volunteers, helping others build their skills.”
Speaking about the nominations, Deirdre Garvey, the secretary general of the IRC, said: “Congratulations Chloe and her fellow volunteers in the Clane branch, as well as to all our volunteers who have been shortlisted for an award.
“Volunteers are the beating heart of the IRC; they give exceptional service to their communities and truly are inspirational.
Ms Garvey added: “Our National Volunteer Awards are an opportunity for us to publicly acknowledge all that they give and say 'thank you’; I wish all those shortlisted a wonderful day at the awards ceremony at the end of the month.”
The Kildare nominees will join volunteers from across Ireland at the National Volunteer Awards ceremony in Croke Park, County Dublin, on Saturday, November 28, 2026, where this year's award winners will be announced.