Aran Islands RNLI celebrate volunteer crew milestones
Volunteer crew members Leah Ní Shearcaigh and Billy Gillan have successfully completed their Tier 1 assessment on the Severn Class lifeboat, David Kirkaldy, marking an important step in their progression as lifeboat crew members.
They were evaluated by Sean Ginnelly, Coastal Lifeboat Trainer, while on an exercise. Sean assessed them on anchoring, rope handling and local knowledge, ensuring they have mastered the essential techniques and procedures required for this critical role.
Once the crew returned to the station, Leah was presented with a commendation by Lifeboat Operations Manager and her sister, Avril Ní Shearcaigh.
Leah was awarded a commendation following a challenging callout in 2024 when the Aran Islands Lifeboat responded to reports of a casualty at the Cliffs of Moher. After a strenuous six-hour operation, the crew had recovered the casualty. The RNLI acknowledged the crew who had demonstrated courage, professionalism, and teamwork throughout the call.
Speaking to Avril Ní Shearcaigh, Lifeboat Operations Manager, she said: ‘I’m delighted for both Billy and Leah on passing their Tier One Assessment. They have put in a lot of time and effort into their training.’
‘I’m also proud to present Leah with her commendation. She demonstrated exceptional resilience, professionalism and teamwork throughout the callout along with her fellow volunteers, who work together in challenging conditions to deliver the best possible outcome.’
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The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
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