Tipp successes at Red Cross awards

Ceremony held in Croke Park

Two volunteers in Tipperary were awarded at the Irish Red Cross, National Volunteer Awards 2025 at a ceremony in Croke Park recently. Charles Stanley Smith, Nenagh branch, Irish Red Cross took home the Community Support Volunteer of the Year Award, while Con McNamara, Tipperary Town branch received a Lifetime Achievement Award.

The event was attended by Irish Red Cross volunteers as well as the organisation’s Chairman, Charlie Flanagan. Emceed by Deric Hartigan, the popular TV presenter and Ireland AM weather man, the ceremony celebrated the volunteers across the country who give their time and expertise to Ireland’s humanitarian organisation.

Charles Stanley Smith, Community Support Volunteer of the Year 2025

Since joining the Irish Red Cross Nenagh branch in 2022, Charles Stanley Smith has become known as the Irish Red Cross Superman for his relentless dedication to supporting newly arrived displaced people across Ireland. Over the past three years, he has proven to be an indispensable force, consistently stepping up without hesitation to assist in urgent transports, welfare checks, and community liaison. A key element of Charles's work is his support for the Ukrainian community in Nenagh, establishing the Welcome Café in Nenagh. His generosity extended to pledging his own accommodation to the Irish Red Cross for those fleeing the conflict. He has also supported the Gaza Medevac Initiative, providing transport and community support to evacuated families with the same exceptional warmth.

Beyond his official roles, Charles is a vital connector, bridging the work of the Red Cross staff, the local branch, and the community. He also volunteers with local and national environmental and education organisations, demonstrating a lifelong passion for the betterment of people and planet.

Con McNamara, Lifetime Achievement Award 2025

Con McNamara received a well-deserved Lifetime Achievement Award for giving more than 50 years as an Irish Red Cross volunteer. Since joining the Tipperary branch when it was formed in February 1973, Mr. McNamara has been a pillar of the Irish Red Cross Movement – he drove patrons to the 1979 Papal Ceremonies in Limerick and assisted in major Irish Red Cross migrant support efforts for the Vietnamese Boat people, Bosnian war refugees and Ukrainian migrants. His dedication has touched countless lives across Co Tipperary and Munster. Con has been an active first aider and ambulance driver until the age of 81. Although recent health issues have seen him step back from driving and event cover, Con continues to serve as Branch Treasurer.

Speaking at the ceremony, Charlie Flanagan, Chairman, Irish Red Cross, said: “This is a really special day in the Irish Red Cross calendar. Our National Volunteer Awards is an opportunity to recognise the selfless commitment of our volunteers, all of whom deserve our gratitude and appreciation for everything they do in their communities. These are the first aiders who stand pitch side in all weathers, these are the volunteer therapists who give hand therapy massages to nursing home residents, these are the community supporters who deliver essential supplies to those cut off due to storms and extend a warm welcome to migrants fleeing war. They are the beating heart of the Irish Red Cross and the very best of us.”

Charlie congratulated Charles and Con on their award wins. Other winners announced at the event included:

- Volunteer of the Year: Tim Kelleher, Clonakilty branch

- Young Volunteer of the Year: Isabella Nordon, Dundalk branch

- Branch of the Year: Limerick City branch

- First Aid & Ambulance Unit Member of the Year: Ryan Hayes, Dundalk branch

- Instructor of the Year: Mary Grehan, Irish Red Cross, Limerick City Branch

- Newcomer of the Year: Elena Barry, Tralee branch

- Other Lifetime Achievement Award Winners: Imelda O’Connor, Ballinora/Ballincollig; Pascal Walsh, Clonakilty

Award winners were chosen from nominations submitted by fellow volunteers and the general public. The judging panel comprised of members of the Irish Red Cross Volunteer Support and Development Working Group, Irish Red Cross Board of Directors, Honorary Officers and staff from Volunteer Ireland.