Skerries lifeboat operations manager retires after 44 years dedicated service
Niall McGrotty stepped down as lifeboat operations manager on Saturday (11 October) after 44 years of volunteering for Skerries RNLI.
Niall was one of the first volunteer crew when the lifeboat station reopened in Skerries in 1981 and served 19 years on the water as crew and helm of the D-Class and later the Atlantic 21 inshore lifeboats. He then volunteered as a deputy launching authority for two years before taking on the role of lifeboat operations manager in 2002.
On Saturday a celebration was held in honour of Niall in Skerries sailing club, attended by lifeboat crews past and present alongside family and friends.
Niall’s former RNLI crewmate and lifelong friend Kalanne O’Leary gave him a wonderful introduction before presenting him with a lifeboat painting by Hugh Ryan, commissioned by the station as a thank you. Area Operations Manager, and volunteer crew in Skerries, Lisa Hollingum also presented him with his official certificate of service, marking the 44 years, over which more than 100 lives were saved.
Niall gave an emotional speech where he thanked his fellow volunteers past and present, calling out how every role at the station was a vital cog in ensuring that we continue to save lives at sea. He thanked his family and friends for their support over the years, especially his wife Grainne for her patience and understanding with the demands of a busy lifeboat station. He also thanked the wider communities of Skerries and the surrounding towns for their continued support.
A number of other volunteers also received awards on the night:
Willie Boylan, who also recently retired, received his certificate of service and 30 years long service medal and clasp.
Rob Morgan received his 20 years long service medal.
Peter Kennedy received a certificate of thanks for serving 12 years as station mechanic.
Conor Walsh was also presented with an award by Michael O’Neill from the regional RNLI headquarters recognising his 30 years of working for the RNLI
Skerries RNLI would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Niall’s former RNLI colleague Brian McDonagh for acting as MC for the awards night.
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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.
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