Tributes Paid to RNLI Volunteers in Clifden

Members of the Connemara/Clifden RNLI Lifeboats Fundraising Branch gathered at the Station House Hotel in Clifden recently to acknowledge the contributions and retirements of some longstanding members.

Area Fundraising Manager Tony Hiney, who is himself set to retire this year, joined with Clifden RNLI Fundraising Manager AnnMarie Bennett and Chairman Pearse Hyland to present the awards.

Geraldine Heanue of Letterfrack received an award in recognition of her retirement after more than 20 years service as a fundraising officer.

Stuart Freeman of Ballynahinch was presented with an award for long service on his retirement, having volunteered as an RNLI box collector and fundraiser for over 40 years.

A posthumous award was presented to Ann and Catherine Coyne in recognition of Owen Coyne of Clifden’s longstanding support of the lifeboats during Flag Day and Church Gate collections.

Margaret Wallace was also recognised for her volunteering for collections and retirement from the fundraising team.

Bernie Davis received an award for excellence in volunteering for her long running annual participation in the Dublin Women’s mini marathon in support of Clifden RNLI.

Although unable to attend on the day, Michael Mullen also received an Award for Excellence in fundraising for his annual darts competition in memory of his son Mikey Mullen, who was tragically lost at sea. Mikey Mullen’s mother Laurence Inglebach also received an Award for Excellence for her annual fundraising Clifden Lifeboat 10k Run earlier this year.

Speaking at the gathering, Ann Marie Bennett thanked everyone in attendance for their consistent and long standing support of the lifeboats in Connemara. ‘The Clifden RNLI has grown and developed hugely over the years and the generosity and dedication of all our fundraising volunteers is what helps this to happen. Without the time and energy of our fundraising volunteers, the crew would simply not be able to carry out the lifesaving work that they do, and we are all extremely grateful for everything you have done in support of the lifeboats. Your generosity and time has saved lives and helped families and our community in so many different ways over the years’.

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.

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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.