Tuesday Blue

Today’s Tuesday Blues are the Irish Red Cross for their unwavering commitment to keeping us all safe at the RSC. They have made numerous lifesaving and emergency interventions in recent months and years and, while it is gratefully appreciated by individuals and families, I think it should be recognised by a wider audience.

One such intervention came at the end of the match yesterday when a young lad fell ill and, I believe, collapsed. The Red Cross were quick to the scene and took great care of him. Thankfully, everything seemed to have worked out alright and he came around soon after under their care, but it was a worrying situation initially.

They have come to fans’ aid on many occasions during seizures, falls and accidents. One family told me how the Red Cross saved their mother’s life last year when she stopped breathing at a match. That lady was back in the RSC yesterday and able to thank the first responders for saving her. 

All of this, of course, is done in a VOLUNTARY capacity which truly makes them the best of us. They are at every match for the men’s and women’s teams to watch over the safety of fans and players.

It is the Portlaw Unit of the Irish Red Cross who provide this vital service, but the good news is I’m told that a Waterford city branch is in the process of being re-established. We did a fundraiser on TheBlues.ie for the Portlaw Unit at the end of last year and members gave generously. Hopefully we’ll be able to do one again this season.

Thanks to each and every volunteer, past and present, for their dedication and willingness to turn up at the RSC on the coldest and wettest nights throughout the season. They are an amazing part of our community and deserve all of our support.