Safety & Emergency Services Shortlist 2025

For almost four decades, Gerry Atkinson has had an extraordinary and measurable impact on his community through his service with Civil Defense, the Annyalla/Cremartin Community First Responders Group, and Cremartin GAA. Gerry has literally helped to save lives as he is often the first person on scene at medical emergencies. His rapid intervention, expert care, and reassuring presence have prevented tragedies and brought comfort to families in their darkest moments. Many local people owe their recovery to the fact that Gerry arrived quickly and calmly.  Even outside emergency services, he continues to spread kindness, visiting local nursing homes with his husky, Bella, bringing comfort and joy to residents. 

He is also an asset on the pitch! GAA players describe him as “the man you want beside you when something goes wrong,” and his calm efficiency sets him apart from anyone else on the sideline. “His contribution isn’t just in the hours given,” writes his nominator, “it’s in the confidence, comfort, and resilience he’s created throughout the community.” 

Linda can be found all over Cu Chulainn Blood Bikes, as Secretary, Phone Controller, Driver, Fundraiser and activist for the past six years. She has been the constant thread running through every call, delivery, and decision. Whether it’s blood samples, patient records, breast milk, or emergency medical supplies, her coordination ensures that everything arrives where it’s needed, when it’s needed. This reliability translates directly into better outcomes for patients, smoother operations for hospital staff, and peace of mind for families. She is often the first point of contact for a family in crisis and has the savvy and the heart to be the liaison with hospitals to ease their burden. She also promotes Cu Chulainn Blood Bikes to bring awareness of their services to a greater public. She led the submission process that resulted in the organisation being named the National Lottery Good Cause of the Year in 2022.  

Her nominator writes: “Linda’s contribution can be summed up simply: she has turned goodwill into impact, compassion into results, and service into something lasting and life-changing.” 

Once upon a time, as a little girl, Bernie passed through a swim programme and had to wait to be old enough to be allowed to volunteer at the pool…and she hasn’t stopped since!  From participant, to teacher, instructor, tutor, sports, tutor instructor, examiner, Child Protection Officer and National Lead, she now sits on the National Council as well. Bernie has nurtured generations of kids through the process from students to become fellow instructors and examiners. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge and skill with others to make them not just safe, but confident in and around water. If there is a WSI event, you can bet Bernie will be there. Even during COVID when pools were off-limits, Bernie was still making sure that people were learning and committed to serving the community. “Bernie is the heart of Dublin Water Safety, and it is a big heart!” writes her nominator.