97 Irish Red Cross Donegal volunteers celebrated with Service Awards

Ninety-seven Irish Red Cross volunteers across Inishowen were recognised at an event recently for their selfless commitment to their local communities.

Volunteers from Buncrana, Muff, Fahan and Burt branches of the Irish Red Cross were presented with medals for service spanning three to 60 years by Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Paul Canning, during a ceremony in An Grianan Hotel, Burt.

These inspiring volunteers have provided first aid cover at local sporting events and festivals, first aid training to local community groups and schools, vital practical and emotional support in the aftermath of the tragic Creeslough explosion in 2022, as well as welfare checks on vulnerable people severely impacted by Storm Eowyn – to mention just recent examples.

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The event was attended by Catriona Finn, Irish Red Cross; Valerie McGrath, Deputy Chair, Irish Red Cross Donegal Area and Roddy Smith, Area Director of Units, Irish Red Cross, who organised the ceremony.

Three volunteers who have dedicated an incredible 60 years of service to their community with the Irish Red Cross Donegal branches were celebrated at the ceremony. Michael McGrory established the Fahan branch in 1965 along with his brother Walter and over the following 60 years have both provided exceptional dedication to supporting their local community.

Dr. John Dowling gave training to the Buncrana branch volunteers when it was established 40 years ago. Dr Dowling also held the position of Area Medical Officer for a number of years and he was recognised during the event for his support in developing volunteers’ medical skills in Donegal.
Nine volunteers were recognised for 50 years of service: Bernadette McGrory, Gerard Moyne, Ian Lamberton, Sally McLaughlin, James Lamberton & Jim Nicholl from the Fahan branch; Sheena Callaghan, volunteer with the Burt branch and Martin McKinney, Muff branch. Corrine Moyne, also of Fahan branch, was awarded posthumously.

Deirdre Garvey, Secretary General, Irish Red Cross, said, “Our Donegal branches and volunteers truly are bastions of support for local communities across the county. The 97 volunteers recognised here today are the very best of us and an inspiration to me and so many others. I am so thankful for their generosity of spirit, their positive action and their leadership in demonstrating what it means to serve your community and to be there for those most in need.

“These are people who are there for the big challenges but also the less visible planning meetings and trainings. They give their time and skills not for this recognition but for the good of their communities, the good of humanity. And for that we are so very grateful.”

Roddy Smith Area Director of Units Donegal Irish Red Cross, said, “Today we honour the extraordinary dedication of our Irish Red Cross volunteers in Donegal. Their years of service, their kindness and their unwavering commitment to providing first aid, community support and training have strengthened our communities in immeasurable ways. As Area Director of Units, I am deeply grateful for everything they have given - their time, their compassion and their heart.”