Castletownbere's station history

At an exceptionally well attended meeting held in the Ford Ri Hotel, Air Vice-Marshal Tetley explained the Executive Committee had resolved that an Arun class all-weather lifeboat station was to be established at Castletownbere in 1997 for 12 months' evaluation.

An Arun class lifeboat, Roy & Barbara Harding (ON1118), arrived at the station for evaluation on 25 October.

Lifeboat station established in October 1998.

The new Severn class lifeboat Annette Hutton (ON1277) arrived on station on 2 August. This lifeboat was funded from the generous bequest of Annette Amanda Marguerite Hutton.

A new lifeboat station and pontoon opened on 19 May in a central position, resulting in the launch time of the lifeboat being halved. The new facility cost 950,000 euros to construct, replacing the temporary facility which had been in use for 15 years.

A Bronze Medal for Gallantry was awarded to Coxswain Dean Hegarty in recognition of his courage and determination on 10 October 2018, when Castletownbere lifeboat launched to the aid of the fishing vessel Clodagh O. The crew onboard the vessel were in grave and imminent danger after losing power close to rocks in 4–5m swells.

With the weather deteriorating, there was only a short window of opportunity to save the men before the vessel would hit the rocks or cliff face and be lost. Coxswain Hegarty managed to establish a tow and brought the casualty vessel to safety of the harbour. Six lives were saved.

Framed Chair Letters of Thanks and Medal Service Certificates were awarded to crew members Marney O’Donoghue, Seamus Harrington, John Paul Downey and David Fenton. A Medal Service Certificate and Lifesaving Operations Director Commendation was awarded to Michael Martin-Sullivan.