Wexford RNLI volunteers receive Excellence in Volunteering award

Lorraine Galvin and David Maguire were presented with their framed certificates during the Wexford Maritime Festival, the hugely popular event the pair helped set up.

In a citation from the RNLI’s Chief Executive, Mr Paul Boissier, he explained the award was in recognition for David and Lorraine’s ‘vision in founding the Wexford Maritime Festival back in 2012’ and their ‘drive and energy in continuing to manage and run the festival’. He went on to praise them for the building of links with other rescue and blue light organisations and for raising awareness of the work of the RNLI.

Welcoming the award, Wexford RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Nick Bowie said, ‘ We are very proud of Lorraine and David at the lifeboat station. They take their lifesaving role in the community very seriously and their enthusiasm is infectious. Volunteering to be on the lifeboat crew is a huge commitment but to then go on and set up the festival to promote water safety and bring visitors to our town is incredible.’

The Wexford Maritime Event promotes having fun on the water safely and raises funds for the work of the RNLI. It has become one of the largest annual events held in the South East.

RNLI Area Lifesaving Manager Owen Medland commented, ‘David and Lorraine have demonstrated the very highest level of volunteering both operationally and with their involvement with the Wexford Maritime Festival since its inception. Their energy, enthusiasm and professionalism is contagious. Both volunteers are fully deserving of this recognition and we are truly grateful for all they contribute to the saving of lives.’

SAR Operations Manager at Irish Coast Guard, Declan Geoghegan, said: ‘In the many SAR incidents Lorraine and David have been involved in, they have been known for their dedication and dependability in all aspects. They are professional in all aspects of their work. The Coast Guard would like to congratulate Lorraine and David on this well deserved reward’.

Ends

Note for Editors: Photo captions
Photo 1: David Maguire, Nick Bowie (LOM Wexford), Lorraine Galvin, her daughter Lauren, Councillor Jim Moore Mayor of Wexford

Photo 2: Lorraine Galvin and daughter Lauren

Photo 3: Nick Bowie, David Maguire and his wife and 2 of his sons: Luke, Mary, Hugh

Photo 4: David Maguire, Declan Geoghegan IRCG, Lorraine Galvin and her daughter Lauren, Councillor Jim Moore Mayor of Wexford, Ger Hegarty IRCG

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The RNLI charity 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 146,000 lives.

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