Limerick volunteers earn nine nominations at Irish Red Cross National Awards

EIGHT DEDICATED Limerick volunteers and one local branch have been shortlisted for honours in the Irish Red Cross Volunteer of the Year Awards 2025.

Spanning categories from ‘Young Volunteer of the Year’ and ‘Newcomer of the Year’ to ‘Instructor of the Year’ and ‘Branch of the Year’, Limerick’s nominees have earned nine national shortlistings in recognition of their outstanding commitment, compassion, and service to the Irish Red Cross and their communities.

The Irish Red Cross National Volunteer Awards recognise the commitment, compassion and hard work of Irish Red Cross volunteers who generously give their time for the betterment of communities across Ireland.  

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These volunteers who provide first aid at local community events, check on isolated or vulnerable people, help communities prepare and respond to severe weather episodes or provide therapeutic hand care to nursing home residents, will be celebrated at a ceremony in Croke Park on November 29. 

Amy Shanahan of the East Limerick Branch is nominated for ‘Newcomer of the Year’. Since joining in September 2024, Amy has shown outstanding dedication as a youth leader, helping organise and lead youth training and duties across the branch.

Sarah and John Collins, also from East Limerick, have been jointly shortlisted for ‘Volunteer of the Year’. John, branch founder with over 20 years’ service, and his daughter Sarah, a Youth Leader and community first responder, were praised for their commitment and lifesaving efforts during a snowstorm rescue earlier this year.

Mary Grehan of the Limerick City Branch is shortlisted for both ‘Volunteer of the Year’ and ‘Instructor of the Year’. With over 25 years of service, she has trained countless volunteers while serving as an EMT, tutor, and paramedic, all while leading with compassion and resilience.

Rosemary Lucey, also of the Limerick City Branch, is nominated for ‘Young Volunteer of the Year’. Since joining in 2023, she has completed advanced first aid courses and logged over 50 volunteer hours, earning praise for her professionalism and empathy.

Niall Boland, Assistant Area Director of Units and EMT, is nominated for ‘Unit Member of the Year’. Since joining in 2008, he has logged more than 4,600 volunteer hours, coordinating major events such as Thomond Park matches and the Great Limerick Run.

Brendan McCormack is shortlisted for ‘Instructor of the Year’, having trained more than 120 people in first aid since 2019 and leading one of the branch’s largest-ever training groups.

Sinead McCarthy is nominated for ‘Newcomer of the Year’ for her extraordinary commitment since joining in 2024, logging over 350 volunteer hours and advancing rapidly through first aid qualifications and leadership roles.

Finally, the Limerick City Branch itself has been shortlisted for ‘Branch of the Year’. With 167 active members, the branch supported over 200 events and 350 training sessions in the past two years, while leading national youth initiatives and vital community response work during severe weather events.