Louth man shortlisted for national volunteer award
An Irish Red Cross volunteer from County Louth is being recognised for his outstanding community service, with a shortlisted nomination for the Irish Red Cross National Volunteer Awards 2026.
Louth volunteer Ronald Flood has been shortlisted at the Irish Red Cross National Volunteer Awards 2026.
Ronald has been a member of the Irish Red Cross Tullyallen Branch for more than 13 years and has been shortlisted for Instructor of the Year.
He currently serves as First Aid Unit Officer of Tullyallen Branch and Chairperson of the Louth Area Committee.
The Irish Red Cross was founded in 1939 and serves people in need both here in Ireland or those affected by humanitarian crises overseas.
The award recognises his commitment to teaching lifesaving skills, supporting fellow volunteers and improving first aid awareness throughout the local community.
Deirdre Garvey, Secretary General, Irish Red Cross, said, "Congratulations to Ronald and to all our volunteers who have been shortlisted for an award.
“Volunteers are the beating heart of the Irish Red Cross. They give exceptional service to their communities and truly are inspirational.
“Our National Volunteer Awards are an opportunity for us to publicly acknowledge all that they give and say 'thank you'. I wish all those shortlisted a wonderful day at the awards ceremony at the end of the month."
Ronald has also played an important role in improving community awareness of defibrillator use.
Following the purchase of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) by Glen Emmets Gaelic Football Club and Tullyallen Community Centre, he demonstrated how to use the lifesaving equipment to members of the local community.
His efforts have helped ensure more people feel confident about stepping forward to assist if someone experiences a medical emergency.
Irish Red Cross volunteers give one million minutes of their time every month helping people and communities across Ireland, from responding to medical emergencies to supporting communities affected by storms, flooding and other crises.
The Irish Red Cross National Volunteer Awards recognise the exceptional contributions of volunteers across eight 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 and Special Status Award.
The Irish Red Cross National Volunteer Awards ceremony takes place in Croke Park on Saturday, November 28th.