The Irish Red Cross Society was established on 1 July 1939 by an Act of the Oireachtas. While this year marks the 70th anniversary in Ireland and Galway, it also marks the 150th anniversary of the battle that inspired the international foundation of the first Red Cross in Switzerland and, subsequently, the first-ever rules of war - the Geneva Conventions.

The Geneva Conventions were subsequently updated after World War II and this year also marks the 60th anniversary of that event.

As well as being active at various local events, members have also assisted in times of disaster. They were involved in the support of the survivors of the Athenia, which was sunk by a German U-Boat shortly after World War II started in 1939. They were also involved in the recovery of bodies after two airline disasters: the TCA Airliner, which went down in Irish waters in 1948 and ten years later when the KLM Hugo deGroot Airliner plunged into the ocean some hundred miles off the Irish coast. In 1969, they looked after Northern Ireland refugees at McGee Barracks in County Kildare. In September 1979, the Galway Red Cross was the main group involved in covering the visit of Pope John Paul II for the Irish Youth Mass held at Ballybrit. Following the tsunami disaster in 2005, the people of Galway donated over €4 million through the Galway Red Cross. This generous donation was added to a central fund, which reached €30 million collected by the Irish Red Cross for the disaster, indicating the generosity of the Irish people and the trust that they have in the society. The branch is also responsible for the organisation of courses in First Aid, Home Nursing and Water Safety throughout Galway city and county. Other activities include care of the aged, invalid services, fund rising and establishing units where they are required. Members of the society are extremely disciplined and are pledged to loyalty and obedience to their officers. The members also service sporting events and other functions that attract large crowds. The Galway Red Cross has also been very successful in competitions at local and national level.

Megan Cotter won the Novice Individual Competition in October of this year. Galway businessman, Des Kavanagh has been a member of the National Executive Committee for the past 15 years. He was also a former treasurer of the Irish Red Cross for over ten years, and still remains a member of the executive. The Galway Red Cross wish to take this opportunity to thank the people of Galway for their tremendous support over the past 70 years.

On 18 December 2007 an urgent appeal for new members was issued for the Galway City Units of the Red Cross. Some areas outside the city, such as Portumna, Woodford, and Athenry, had remained strong during this time as there was a growing interest among students in some of the county schools. Some areas ran courses in 'Caring' in conjunction with 'Caring for Carers.' The Red Cross throughout Galway also promoted Basic Life Support (BLS) courses to staff working in nursing homes.