Two Clare Civil Defence volunteers with 80 years of combined service have been presented with Long Service Medals at a national awards ceremony for the Civil Defence organisation held in Croke Park at the weekend.
Seamus Hughes and Martin Kelly were presented with 50-Year and 30-Year Medals respectively by Mr. Paul Kehoe, Minister of State at the Departments of An Taoiseach and Defence with Special Responsibility for Defence.
Clare Civil Defence volunteers Danny O’Connor and Orlaith Lyons, representing their Clare colleagues, were each presented with 1916 commemorative medals. Every Clare Civil Defence member who was active in 2016 will receive a 1916 medal in a ceremony to be organised locally in the near future.
“This was a great achievement and represents a massive level of commitment given by all members but in particular, Seamus and Martin,” explained Noel Carmody, Clare Civil Defence Officer.
“Seamus is the first member in the history of Clare Civil Defence to be awarded a 50 year long service medal. The level of commitment he has given to the organisation is reflective of the contribution of the many volunteer members in Clare,” he added.