Three Carlow ambulance service stalwarts retire after combined 100 years of service

THE Carlow station of the National Ambulance Service (NAS) recently said goodbye to three stalwarts who retired after dedicating a combined total of 100 years to the service.

Former tactical manager at the NAS Martin Byrne was honoured at a ceremony at the ambulance station after spending 40 years with the service. Martin initially trained as an emergency medical technician at the National Ambulance Service School, St Mary’s in the Phoenix Park before beginning his career at St James’s Hospital in 1986.

After six years in Dublin, Martin then spent a number of years stationed between Naas and Athy ambulance centres before moving to the Carlow base, where he spent 23 years working as a paramedic before being promoted to the tactical manager role for the midlands.

In attendance to celebrate Martin were piper Barry Redmond, his colleagues down the years, members of Carlow Fire and Rescue, his wife Miriam and family and friends.

At the event, Martin was presented with a number of gifts, including four medals ˗ one for each decade he worked for the NAS.

Another function was held recently at Carpe Diem bar in Carlow to honour the 18 years of service that Derry O’Toole gave to the NAS. Derry spent eight years with the NAS in Kilkenny before moving to the Carlow base on Athy Road, where he served for ten years.

A further ceremony was held to mark the retirement of paramedic supervisor Joe O’Brien, who spent 36 years with the service.

Joe began his career in 1990 as an ambulance driver before working his way up the ranks. Senior management, former colleagues and friends joined Joe and several gifts were presented to him by paramedic supervisor Sean Dillon, general manager of the NAS for Dublin/South-East Ian Brennan and paramedic Martin Kennedy.

Congratulations to all three on their retirement and for their years of distinguished service to the people of Carlow and the wider region.