Mayo Red Cross volunteers recognised as nominations open for National Volunteer Awards
The Irish Red Cross has approximately 3,400 members across 71 branches in Ireland.
Mayo people are being encouraged to nominate local Irish Red Cross volunteers who have gone above and beyond to support their communities.
Nominations are now open for the Irish Red Cross National Volunteer Awards 2026, giving members of the public the opportunity to recognise the extraordinary contribution of volunteers across the county and the country.
Now in their tenth year, the awards celebrate the commitment, compassion and hard work of Irish Red Cross volunteers who give their time to support communities in times of emergency, as well as through everyday acts of kindness and service.
The Irish Red Cross has approximately 3,400 members across 71 branches in Ireland, with volunteers trained to help communities prepare for emergencies, respond when they happen and recover afterwards.
People in Mayo are being urged to consider nominating a volunteer who has made a difference to them, their family or their local community.
“Showing up is what our volunteers do best,” said Deirdre Garvey, Secretary General of the Irish Red Cross.
“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.
“But they are also there at the more everyday events, which is also so important – 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.”
The awards recognise a wide range of volunteering, from emergency response and first aid to community support, training and humanitarian assistance.
Nominees could include first aiders who regularly volunteer at local sporting events, festivals and community gatherings, or volunteers who provide support to older people through therapeutic hand care and companionship.
Rescue volunteers who respond in difficult conditions to help people in danger on mountains and lakes can also be recognised, while branches and individuals supporting people fleeing conflict in Ukraine and Gaza are among those whose contribution could be nominated.
Ms Garvey said that making an impact does not necessarily mean responding to a major emergency.
“You don’t have to have responded to a major emergency to make an extraordinary volunteer,” she said.
“Sometimes it is years of small acts of kindness and service that have the greatest impact.
“Last year’s winners showed us the incredible range of volunteering happening within the Irish Red Cross. If an Irish Red Cross volunteer has made a difference to you, your family or your community, share their story. A nomination is a simple but powerful way to say thank you.”
There are eight award categories in this year's 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
Last year's awards recognised volunteers from across Ireland, including Tim Kelleher of Clonakilty Branch, who was named Volunteer of the Year following 17 years of service.
Limerick City Branch was named Branch of the Year after its 167 members covered 66 events and delivered more than 150 training sessions during 2025.
Isabella Nordon of Dundalk Branch was named Young Volunteer of the Year, having volunteered with the Irish Red Cross since the age of four.
Nominations for the 2026 awards are open until Friday, September 25.
People can nominate an Irish Red Cross volunteer through the organisation's website at www.redcross.ie/nva.
The awards will be presented at a ceremony in Croke Park on Saturday, November 28, 2026.