Gill Haigney has been a dedicated member of St John Ambulance Ireland for more than a decade, progressing from a volunteer to Director of National Event Cover and becoming an important figure in the organisation’s leadership team.
Her journey began just over ten years ago when she joined the Ongar Division on the north side of Dublin as a volunteer. From the outset, Gill demonstrated strong leadership potential and quickly became involved in divisional leadership roles. Her commitment and capability saw her appointed Divisional Manager before she later stepped into the national role of Director of Event Cover.
In her current position, Gill oversees the planning and delivery of medical cover at events across Ireland. Shortly after taking on the role, she made it a priority to travel around the country to gain first-hand experience of the wide range of events supported by St John teams and to build stronger relationships with volunteers nationwide.
The position requires constant availability, often demanding rapid responses to clients, venues, and stakeholders while ensuring that all events maintain the highest standards of pre-hospital care. Alongside operational responsibilities, Gill places particular importance on the welfare and wellbeing of the volunteers who give their time to deliver these services.
Gill has worked to further develop the organisation’s group of Event Managers who coordinate medical provision at major venues and gatherings. These include large-scale stadiums such as Croke Park, which can accommodate around 82,000 spectators, along with many other national, regional, and community venues. A key part of her work involves mentoring emerging leaders and supporting younger volunteers as they develop the skills needed to manage complex event environments.
Among the largest annual operations for St John Ambulance Ireland are the medical teams deployed during the St Patrick’s Day Festival celebrations in Dublin, where St John works closely with partner organisations and private providers to deliver comprehensive event cover. Another major commitment is the Dublin Horse Show each summer. Gill leads the teams that staff the event throughout its full week, including five days of competition. During the 2025 show alone, St John volunteers recorded more than 150 patient interactions and carried out several hospital transfers.
Through her leadership, Gill has built a strong and capable team while shaping a clear strategic direction for the Event Cover department. As one of the younger members of the senior leadership team within St John Ambulance Ireland, she continues to focus on strengthening operational standards, supporting volunteers, and preparing the next generation of leaders who will manage event medical care across Ireland.
