SSAFA pays tribute to long-serving Republic of Ireland volunteer Paschal Sage

25 August 2026

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, has paid tribute to Republic of Ireland volunteer Paschal Sage, who has sadly passed away. Paschal supported the Armed Forces community as a SSAFA volunteer for more than 20 years.

Paschal was a highly respected volunteer caseworker with SSAFA’s RoI branch, supporting veterans and their families across the country with compassion, determination and discretion.

He also served for 13 years on the Branch Executive Committee, contributing his experience and knowledge to the wider work and direction of SSAFA in Ireland.

Just weeks before his death, Paschal’s contribution was formally recognised when he was awarded Branch Honorary Lifetime Membership.

Yvonne Harrison, Regional Branch and Casework Manager for the RoI, travelled to Ennis Care Facility, Co Clare, on 1 July to present the award, with Paschal’s family and friends in attendance.

The occasion became especially meaningful for those closest to Paschal. It was only then that he shared with many of his family and friends the extent of his 20 years supporting people through SSAFA. Paschal was deeply moved by the recognition and spoke of how honoured and humbled he was to receive his award.

His commitment to the people he supported could sometimes take him extraordinary lengths. On one occasion, Paschal travelled by currach, a traditional Irish boat, to reach a beneficiary living on a small island off the coast of County Galway.

Peter Harty, Chair of SSAFA RoI branch, said: “Paschal lived his life in the service of others. He was a true gentleman who consistently went that extra step to help those in need.

“As a member of the SSAFA RoI branch, he made a real difference, supporting our veteran community through his casework with empathy, compassion and integrity, while also contributing greatly to the wider operational direction of SSAFA across Ireland.

“As Chair, I particularly valued Paschal’s guidance, his integrity and his wonderful sense of humour. He lived the values that SSAFA stands for and set an example to others through the way he treated people with dignity, kindness and respect.

“He will be deeply missed by his friends and colleagues in SSAFA and by all those whose lives he touched. His contribution, his example and his friendship will not be forgotten.”

Yvonne Harrison, Regional Branch and Casework Manager for RoI, worked alongside Paschal for 17 years.

She said: “Paschal’s caring and empathetic nature put people at ease. He would always go above and beyond his role as a caseworker to get the best possible outcome for the people he supported.

“He was also a huge support to me throughout my time with SSAFA, always with his wonderful sense of humour.

“I once asked Paschal why he volunteered for SSAFA. He told me he loved a challenge, that he liked to be on the side of those who had nobody else to advocate on their behalf, and that he liked to win.

“That was Paschal. He quietly gave more than 20 years of his life to helping others and I feel privileged to have worked alongside him.”

Paschal’s Branch Honorary Lifetime Membership recognised more than two decades of service to SSAFA and the Armed Forces community in the RoI.

His family have received condolences from the RoI branch, whose volunteers and colleagues remember him not only for the difference he made through his casework, but for his friendship, humour and unwavering commitment to those in the Armed Forces family.