"These four young people are a great credit to the Red Cross, both nationally in Ireland and worldwide. Their commitment to the spirit of voluntary service and their knowledge of life-saving First Aid skills is outstanding," said David Andrews.

And the Irish Red Cross Chairman added that he favoured many more young Irish Red Cross volunteers pursuing a Gaisce award.

"Young people are vital to the constant refreshment and renewal process that keeps this organisation and others like it alive and relevant to the needs of modern society.

All over Ireland and around the world, communities are benefitting from the work being done by young people which often goes unnoticed. A Gaisce medal is national recognition by the President of Ireland - who is also President of the Irish Red Cross - of this work and I am confident will stand to those who secure it," concluded David Andrews.

The four Irish Red Cross Gold Gaisce recipients are Gerard McHale, a trainee accountant from Co. Mayo, Adrian Coffey, a trainee Garda from Co Limerick, Aoife Sexton a student teacher from Co. Cork and Caol\xE1n Deehy Power, an Environmental science student from Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary.

Highly-coveted Gold Gaisce Awards are presented each year by the President of Ireland to people who demonstrate exceptional skills in areas of community, social, physical and personal endeavour. Just over 70 entrants - out of 13,000 - make it to Gold Gaisce level.

The Red Cross foursome who secured awards this year did so independently of one another. Much of their recognition is based on their extensive First Aid qualifications and the services they provide on a voluntary basis to their own local communities.

Read more about Gerard, Adrian, Aoife and Caol\xE1n.