Fingal man wins prestigious Irish Red Cross award for 72 years of voluntary service

Joseph Millar, an Irish Red Cross volunteer with the Malahide Balbriggan Branch of the organisation has this week picked up a ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award at the Irish Red Cross National Volunteer Awards at a ceremony held in Croke Park on Saturday, November 11.

Joseph joined the Irish Red Cross in 1951 and is the organisation’s longest serving member.

In his 72 years of service to the organisation, Joseph has dedicated his time to providing humanitarian assistance in Ireland and supporting the organisation’s response to various crises in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, and Syria.

Most recently, he was one of the first people to volunteer at Dublin Airport to support Ukrainian refugees in 2022.

Lifetime achievement award winners: Joe Millar alongside two other winners of the Irish Red Cross 2023 National Volunteer Awards Lifetime Achievement Award winners, Frank Kelly (Wicklow) and Tommy Gray (Limerick)

He has upheld the values and Principles of the Red Cross throughout his time with the organisation and is deeply embedded in the local community in Dublin Fingal and within the structures of the Irish Red Cross.

His wife, son, nephew, and grandnephew are all active members within the organisation.

Earlier this year, Joseph was also awarded the 70 Year Service Award and Medal.

This is the very first time that an active serving member of Irish Red Cross has received this specially commissioned award.

Secretary General of the Irish Red Cross, Deirdre Garvey, said:

“Joseph is a truly inspirational figure and has demonstrated outstanding commitment to the organisation and our Fundamental Principles during his 70 years of volunteering.

“His years of service to the Irish Red Cross and, more importantly, to his community and migrants arriving on our shores will have no doubt changed the lives of many, and I know that his colleagues in the Dublin Fingal area are extremely grateful for his dedication and leadership.

“Thank you, Joseph.”