Louth Civil Defence honours volunteers at 75th anniversary ceremony
Louth Civil Defence hosted a special volunteer recognition and medal presentation ceremony at the Oriel Centre, Dundalk Gaol, celebrating decades of service and marking the organisation’s 75th anniversary.
The event formed part of the national programme commemorating 75 years of Civil Defence in Ireland, and paid tribute to the commitment, skill and community spirit of volunteers who support emergency response efforts across the county.
A total of 22 volunteers received the Civil Defence 75‑Year commemorative medal on the night, joining a further 20 Louth volunteers who were honoured at a national ceremony in Maynooth last year.
Louth Civil Defence Officer Chris Connolly served as MC for the evening, while Louth County Council Chief Executive David Conway presented the medals.
In his address, Mr Conway reflected on the evolution of Civil Defence since its establishment in 1950 and praised volunteers for their steadfast contributions during major national and local emergencies — including the COVID‑19 pandemic and Ireland’s humanitarian response to the war in Ukraine.
A particularly special tribute was reserved for Michael Kenny, who was recognised for an extraordinary 62 years of service to Civil Defence and the wider community.
Speaking after the ceremony, Mr Conway said the event highlighted the unwavering public spirit of those who give their time to protect others.
“This event is a reminder of the strength and generosity that define our Civil Defence volunteers. Their dedication, whether during national emergencies, severe weather events, or moments of quiet but vital community support, makes Louth a safer, stronger, and more resilient place. It is a privilege to recognise their service, and I extend my deepest thanks to each volunteer and their families for their continued service and commitment.”