Order of Malta Dundalk reveals staggering number of duty hours for 2025

The Order of Malta Dundalk Unit has reported a significant 40% increase in operational duty hours for 2025, reflecting a growing demand for its vital community and event medical services.

Over the course of the year, members of the unit covered 243 individual duties, contributing an impressive 5,610 total duty hours. These figures relate solely to frontline duty work and do not include the substantial additional time volunteered by members through weekly training, regional and national courses, administrative responsibilities, or attendance at meetings.

A large portion of this work included 1,595 hours dedicated to horse racing duties, delivered across six racecourses. The unit also provided medical cover at a wide range of other events, including cycling races, football matches at Oriel Park, GAA fixtures, events at the 3Arena, and major summer concerts held in Croke Park and the Aviva Stadium.

In addition to these duties, four members provided medical cover over three days at the National Ploughing Championships in Screggan, Co. Offaly, while the unit also delivered first aid and ambulance cover for every Mass during St. Gerard’s Novena at the Redemptorist Church in November.

In addition to event coverage, members expanded their community outreach in 2025 by becoming Eucharistic Ministers, attending Louth County Hospital every second Sunday to provide Holy Communion to patients and staff.

Read also: Dedication and Service celebrated at the 2026 Dundalk Civic Awards

The unit also maintained a strong presence in national activities, with five members participating in the annual pilgrimage to Lourdes in May.

Operationally, the unit’s three ambulances travelled a combined total of 23,698 kilometres throughout the year, highlighting the scale and reach of their services.

The cadet unit, made up of young members aged 10 to 16, also celebrated notable achievements. They competed in regional competitions in April, securing 1st place in the junior individual category, as well as 1st and 2nd place in the two-person team event.

Cadets went on to represent both the unit and the region at the national competitions held at Share Village, Lisnaskea, in July.
Speaking on the year’s achievements, a spokesperson for the unit said:“The continued growth in demand for our services is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our volunteers.

"We are incredibly proud of our members, from our experienced personnel to our outstanding cadets, who represent the future of the organisation.”
The unit is now actively seeking new members to join its ranks and support its expanding operations.
Anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to get in touch with Officer in Charge Gemma on 085 127 2550 or Duty Officer Paul on 085 266 0895 for more information.
The Order of Malta Dundalk Unit remains committed to delivering high-quality voluntary medical services and supporting the community across a wide range of events and initiatives.