Tipperary volunteers and branch shortlisted for Irish Red Cross national awards

Two Tipperary volunteers and one local branch have been shortlisted in the Irish Red Cross Volunteer of the Year Awards 2025.

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Con McNamara of the Tipperary Town branch has been nominated for the Lifetime Achievement Award, which honours outstanding and sustained voluntary service. Mr McNamara has devoted more than five decades to the organisation. Since joining the newly reformed branch in February 1973, he has been a constant presence within the Red Cross, serving as a first aider, ambulance and minibus driver, unit leader and long-time branch treasurer.

Charles Stanley Smith from Nenagh has been shortlisted for the Community Support Volunteer of the Year Award. The Nenagh branch itself is also a finalist for Branch of the Year, recognised for over 20 years of service and its ten dedicated members.

The Irish Red Cross National Volunteer Awards celebrate the dedication, compassion and commitment of volunteers who strengthen communities across Ireland. These volunteers provide first aid at local events, check on isolated or vulnerable people, assist during severe weather, and offer therapeutic hand care to nursing home residents.

The awards ceremony will take place at Croke Park on November 29. Eight categories will be presented on the night: 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 and the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Founded in 1939, the Irish Red Cross supports people in need both at home and abroad. The organisation now maintains a network of 4,000 volunteers across 73 branches nationwide.

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