Understanding the Red Cross Structure

Basic Information
We have four branches in County Clare. A branch is made up of ordinary people, who wish to join one of the largest humanitarian organisations in the world. You can help the most vulnerable in your community today.Volunteers are the heart of the Irish Red Cross, providing programmes and services around Ireland. From responding in times of crisis, to helping the most vulnerable in our communities, there are a range of volunteering opportunities suited to your skills and time
By being part of a branch, you can participate in many activities such as:


  • The Irish Red Cross helps offers a range of community services and supports including therapeutic hand care and skin camouflage services; handbooks for voluntary carers; and community visitations.
  • Fundraising, your kindness makes a real difference to families in Ireland and in countries worldwide.
  • The Irish Red Cross provides first aid cover at numerous events around the country every week ranging from concerts to sports events to community festivals. Whatever the event, the Irish Red Cross can provide first aid cover to suit your needs. Our first aid cover at such events is provided by volunteer members who are trained to Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) standards.
  • ​Restoring Family LinksMigration, conflict and disaster separate families and can lead to a lifetime of uncertainty about the fate of relatives.The Irish Red Cross is part of an international network which traces separated relatives, restores contact and reunites families.This free service, known as Restoring Family Links (RFL), is co-ordinated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).RFL has succeeded in tracing hundreds of thousands of people who have left their place of origin, sought asylum abroad, disappeared or are in prisons, hospitals, refugee camps, shelters etc.

Can I help?
You do not have to have first aid training to be able to help.
If you are interested in learning community first aid, you can then join a Unit. By being part of a Unit, you take formal first aid courses, from basic first aid, all the way up to Emergency Medical Technician, and provide first aid to the community at any of the many duties we attend annually:

  • Horse shows
  • Point to Point
  • Cycles
  • Football  and Rugby matches
  • Concerts
  • Charity Walks
  • Motor Sport
  • Motorbike Rally
  • Triathlons
  • Christmas swims
The Units train in first aid generally on a weekly basis, if you only have time once a fortnight, you are still welcome to join us and have some fun while learning to save a life.

Branches in Clare
 Our branches are located in the following locations:
  • East Clare ~ Mountshannon
  • West Clare ~ Kilrush
  • North Clare ~ Ennistymon
  • Ennis ~ Ennis Town
Our units consist of adults, and adults are known as Unit Members when they join our First Aid team. 
Irish Red Cross Youth has members aged 4-25 involved in camps, competitions, humanitarian programmes – and of course, First Aid training.
​All leaders are trained in child protection and are Garda vetted.With Irish Red Cross Youth, you become part of the world’s largest humanitarian network. You develop talents that serve your family, your community and yourself.
You learn team skills, build friendships, help combat bullying and discrimination, , develop your understanding of the world and have a good time while you're at it. It could help your future career, too.