Howth RNLI water safety volunteer recognised with 50-year Long Service Award
Howth RNLI volunteer George Duffy has been recognised by the charity with a 50-year Long Service Award for his efforts in helping to save lives at sea.
George started volunteering as a crew member at Howth RNLI in 1968 and was onboard right up until 2012 when he retired from operations and started as a Water Safety Adviser.
During his operational time with the RNLI, 25 of those years were spent as the station mechanic.
As a Water Safety Adviser, he provides RNLI water safety advice to members of the public and actively seeks opportunities to promote targeted RNLI safety messages.
He received his award at a gathering of the charity’s water safety team in the regional office in Swords on Saturday. John McKenna, fellow Howth RNLI volunteer and Water Safety Officer presented the award while Kevin Rahill, retired Water Safety Lead praised George for his contribution to saving lives at sea.
Linda-Gene Byrne, RNLI Water Safety Lead said: ‘We had the pleasure of presenting a 50-year Long Service Award to one of our water safety volunteers from Howth, George Duffy. George retired from lifeboat operations after 44 years, 25 of which were as a mechanic on Howth RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat. Even though he retired from operations, he has remained a volunteer for water safety. Congratulations George and thank you for such dedication and commitment to keeping your community safe.’
Meanwhile, in September, the RNLI also presented four Certificates of Thanks to Howth RNLI current and retired water safety volunteers including Jackie Revill, Beverly Killen, Irene Devitt and Nuala Goulding.
Speaking of their selfless dedication, Linda-Gene said: ‘The Howth team has shown great commitment to the education side of water safety messaging. They ensured that so many kids received water safety messaging in the Howth area over the years. Very sadly, not long after Nuala got her award, she passed away. Our thoughts are with the Howth team and her family and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.’
Ends
Photo Detail
- George Duffy pictured with his 50-year Long Service Award presented by John McKenna.
- Pictured in September receiving their Certificate of Thanks are Irene Devitt, the late Nuala Goulding, Jackie Revill and Beverly Killen, with members of the wider Howth RNLI team pictured at the back Marianne Reynolds, Daragh Shields, Rose Michael and Wilhelmine Van Hoeve Phelan.
RNLI media contacts
For more information, please contact Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Communications Manager on 087 648 3547 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Communications Lead on 087 1254 124 or [email protected]
Key facts about the RNLI
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, 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.