Kilkenny people urged to nominate a local Irish Red Cross volunteer for a National Volunteer Award 2025

Nominations are now open for the Irish Red Cross National Volunteer Awards 2025.

Earlier this year, Kilkenny woman Angela Hayes was named the Humanitarian of the Year at the seventh annual Irish Red Cross Humanitarian Awards.

The Irish Red Cross National Volunteer Awards 2025 is your chance to shine a light on some of the extraordinary volunteers of the Irish Red Cross in Kilkenny – to recognise the people who provide reassurance, comfort and practical support, who are by your side in times of crisis and emergency. Visit www.redcross.ie/nva to nominate an Irish Red Cross Volunteer today.

“Our volunteers are the people who show up," said Deirdre Garvey, Secretary General, Irish Red Cross. "They show up for the big moments – like supporting families in Creeslough, helping flood victims in Cork, or reaching isolated communities during Storm Éowyn. But they also show up for the ordinary Tuesday evenings, teaching first aid in community halls, delivering groceries to elderly neighbours, or providing first aid cover at the local football match. These awards are our chance to show up for them. To recognise the people who give their time, their skills and their hearts to make Ireland a kinder place – without ever asking for thanks in return."
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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.

You could nominate:

A volunteer who delivered essential medical prescriptions, food and water to those who were cut off during the severe snow and ice in January. Or the volunteers who provided a national response in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn, mapping out those areas hardest hit, and checking on the welfare of the vulnerable, elderly and isolated, many who went weeks without electricity, water and heat and access to essential supplies.

Or the first aiders who consistently upskill to stand ready week in, week out in your community – ensuring safety and urgent medical response at matches, family fun days, challenges and endurance events, parades and festivals. And behind the scenes, those volunteers who invest hours in teaching others, building life-saving skills for generations to come in our classrooms, schools and communities across Ireland.

Or the rescue volunteers who brave the elements, night and day, all year round – to search for people on our mountains and lakes. Or the hundreds of Red Cross volunteers who worked round-the-clock to provide pre-hospital medical care and emergency response at enjoyable summer events – Electric Picnic, All Together Now, Live at the Marquee in Cork and the Big Top Galway. Or the volunteers who continue to be there for the people of Creeslough, helping them to pick up the pieces and rebuild their lives.

You could nominate a Red Cross branch or volunteer who gives their time to support Ireland’s welcome for those fleeing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza – those who organise integration cafes and fun events in Waterford, Dundalk, Dublin and Tipperary, helping sick children to get to hospital appointments, helping families to rebuild their lives, grow their confidence and skills.

Or a community support volunteer who gives their time to help those who are isolated or vulnerable in our communities – providing therapeutic hand care, supporting people to get to medical appointments and creating human connection where there is loneliness.

The Irish Red Cross has 73 branches and 4,000 members across Ireland who train and volunteer to ensure communities have access to relevant and timely supports to help them prepare for emergencies, respond when they happen and recover in a way that makes them more resilient.

Eight ways you can say THANK YOU and nominate an Irish Red Cross Volunteer in the following categories:

Volunteer of the Year
Young Volunteer of the Year
Community Support Volunteer of the Year
Unit Member of the Year
Instructor of the Year
Branch of the Year
Newcomer of the Year
Lifetime Achievement Award
The winning volunteers will be people who have made a strong impact on their local community and demonstrated creativity, dedication and compassion to their humanitarian volunteering work.

People in Kilkenny are invited to nominate an Irish Red Cross member who they feel is deserving of recognition. Nominations are open until Tuesday, September 30 at 5pm. To nominate visit www.redcross.ie/nva where you will also find tips for writing a strong nomination. The awards will be presented at a ceremony in Croke Park, Dublin on Saturday, November 29.