RNLI benefits from Defence Forces ‘Beaufort Cup’ win as crew donate €5000

The competition invites sailing teams from the military and emergency services to take part in a series of races in an event that has become a firm favourite in the racing calendar. Last July Baltimore RNLI, on their boat Joker 2, gave the Defence Forces boat Juggerknot a close run in the competition but were ultimately pipped at the post.

The winning team receives a prize fund of €10,000 to be given to a nominated charity but the Defence Forces opted to split their donation, giving €5,000 to Crumlin Children’s Hospital and €5,000 to the RNLI. At a presentation which took place in the Crumlin Children’s hospital in Dublin, the Defence Forces were represented by their Chief of Staff, Vice-Admiral Mark Mellett, the Skipper of the winning boat, Cmdt Barry Byrne, Colonel Ray O’Lehan and Captain Deirdre Fahy. Present to receive the donation for the RNLI were Baltimore Chairperson of Fundraising, Declan Tiernan and RNLI Media Manager Niamh Stephenson.

Speaking following the presentation Baltimore RNLI Fundraising Chairperson Declan Tiernan said, ‘It was a lovely surprise when we heard that the Defence Forces were donating half of their prize to the RNLI and we were incredibly honoured to share it with Crumlin Children’s Hospital. The Beaufort Cup provided a fantastic week’s racing and it came down to a close finish between the Defence Forces and Baltimore RNLI at the end.’

‘We’d also like to acknowledge Crosshaven RNLI who had a boat in the race and performed exceptionally well. All of this has just whetted our appetite to come back bigger and better next time and Comdt Byrne should expect another nail bitter to the finish. We are tremendously proud of our team and are so grateful for the generosity of the winners from the Defence Forces.’

Declan went on to thank those who had allowed the station enter the competition by providing or sponsoring support. Andrew Algeo, who donated his boat Juggerknot free of charge for the crew to race and PPL Ltd., James and Joanne McKenna, Peter O’Flynn Cushman from Wakefield, Peter and Anthony O’Leary from O’Leary Insurance and Bushes Bar all provided generous sponsorship.

Juggerknot Crew :Youen Jacob (Skipper & Baltimore Lifeboat Crew), Peter O’Leary (Tactician) Pat Collins, Cathal Cottrell, Jim Baker, Aiden Bushe, Kieran Cotter, Jim Griffiths (Crew and Baltimore Lifeboat Crew. Garry Haughton, Sandy Remington Bowman and Fionn Lyden (Crew).

Ends

Note for Editor:
Photo Caption L-R Colonel Ray O’Lehan, Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Vice Admiral Mark Mellett, Baltimore RNLI Fudnraising Chairperson Declan Tiernan, RNLI Media Relations Manager Niamh Stephenson, Commandant Barry Byrne and Captain Deirdre Fahy receive a donation of €5,000 from the Defence Forces for winning the Beaufort Cup during Cork week.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Kate Callanan Baltimore RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Tel: 087 290 6607 or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Public Relations Manager Tel: 087 1254 124 / 01 8900 460 email [email protected] or Nuala McAloon RNLI Press Officer Tel: 087 6483547 email: [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.