Volunteers at Lough Swilly RNLI celebrate combined 120 years of service
Five volunteers from Lough Swilly RNLI have celebrated a combined 120 years’ service to the charity that saves lives at sea. They were recognised at an event held in the historic Harbour Commissioners Office in Belfast yesterday (Friday 5 June).
Long Service Awards are the RNLI’s way of recognising the dedication and commitment of its volunteers and this year, Lough Swilly Lifeboat Station has five crew members achieving longstanding milestones.
Amy McCarter-Phillips in her 20 years, has served as a crew member on the inshore D class and Atlantic lifeboats as well as being an all-weather lifeboat crew member and the station’s Lifeboat Training Co-ordinator.
Eamonn Mahon in his 30 years, has served as a helm on the station’s D class and Atlantic lifeboats as well as being a Coxswain and navigator on the all-weather lifeboat. Over the years, Eamon has delivered casualty care in his lifeboat roles and has been part of the RNLI’s Rapid Response and Flood Rescue teams.
Gregory McDaid is also marking 30 years having served as a D class and Atlantic helm and a Coxswain, 2nd mechanic and then full-time mechanic on the all-weather lifeboat. He too served on the Flood Rescue team.
Joe Joyce in his 20 years has served as an inshore Atlantic and all-weather lifeboat crew member as well as delivering the Lifeboat Training Co-ordinator, Lifeboat Press Officer, Launch Authority and Lifeboat Operations Manager roles.
Also celebrating 20 years is William Monaghan who has been an Atlantic and all-weather lifeboat mechanic, tractor driver and mechanic and a Head Launcher.
Commending all five on their significant achievements, Liam Magee, Lough Swilly RNLI Station President said: ‘The number and varied roles each volunteer has taken on and contributed to over their many years of service to the RNLI, highlights their selfless dedication and willingness to saving lives at sea. They are all highly skilled and trained and have delivered so much over the years, not least in seeing Lough Swilly RNLI transition from an inshore to an all-weather lifeboat station. In addition, several crew members have supported the RNLI’s initiatives through the Rapid Response and Flood Rescue teams, providing service beyond Lough Swilly, all while representing the charity in a professional, respectful and loyal way.
‘Behind every RNLI volunteer there’s a family who have a central role in supporting our lifesaving volunteers, and that’s something to be really proud of and acknowledge at events like these.’
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Bridgita Kelly, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Ireland, 087 6997680 [email protected]
Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Ireland, 087 648 3547, [email protected]
Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Ireland, 087 125 4124, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [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.
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