Mayo volunteer commended for over 50 years of service

An Irish Red Cross volunteer from Mayo was recognised for over 50 years of service at an event in the Mansion House, Dublin, on Saturday, March 21.

Ger McCallig from the Claremorris branch was among 28 volunteers from across the country who were awarded Long Service Medals for their dedication of over five decades to those in need. 

Irish Red Cross Chair, Charlie Flanagan, presented the volunteers with their awards.

Speaking ahead of the ceremony, he commended the volunteers for their time and energy in helping others for over 50 years.

“The work they’ve done over those decades – providing first aid support at local events, teaching CPR skills to school students and community groups, offering therapeutic hand massages to nursing home residents, to mention just some examples – have touched so many lives, young and old.

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“Thanks to their quiet, steady leadership, their skills and experience built up over many years, and ultimately their compassion and humanity, our communities are stronger and more resilient,” he added.

The Irish Red Cross service has 4000 volunteers across 71 Irish Red Cross branches, providing aid to people in crisis, at home and abroad, offering practical help, comfort, and hope.

Photo caption, from left: Kelly-Louise Pryce; Ger McCallig, Irish Red Cross volunteer, Claremorris Branch, Mayo, with his wife Noreen McCallig and Kieran Curry, pictured at an event in the Mansion House, Dublin on Saturday last, where 28  Irish Red Cross volunteers from across the country were recognised for giving 50+ years of service to their local communities. Volunteers from Cork, Clare, Donegal, Louth and Dublin were also awarded Long Service Medals for their selfless dedication, over five decades, to those most in need. Charlie Flanagan, Chair, Irish Red Cross, presented the volunteers with their awards.