President Connolly unveils plaque for Achill Island RNLI’s 30th anniversary
The President of Ireland Catherine Connolly yesterday (Saturday 6th June 2026) visited Achill Island RNLI in County Mayo and unveiled a commemorative plaque in recognition of the lifeboat station’s three decades saving lives at sea.
During the visit, President Connolly met with Achill Island volunteers past and present, as well as representatives from other emergency services, local organisations and supporters.
President Connolly arrived at the lifeboat station to the sound of the Dooagh Pipe Band and was greeted by a welcoming party made up of, Ciaran Needham, Lifeboat Operations Manager, Dave Curtis, Lifeboat Coxswain, Michael Cattigan, Senior Station Technician and Chair of Achill Island RNLI Fundraising Committee Anthony McNamara. Also in attendance, representing the RNLI, were Chief Executive Peter Sparkes and Trustee Dr. John Killeen.
As the crowd gathered in the sunshine, a short ceremony was held to mark the station’s 30th anniversary which culminated with the unveiling of a specially commissioned plaque. Chairman of the Fundraising Branch Anthony MacNamara opened proceedings with a brief history of the station. A service of dedication followed, led by Reverend Susan Cousins and Father Ignatius Chalissery. RNLI Chief Executive Peter Sparkes addressed the crowd before inviting President Connolly to unveil a marble plaque, which will be placed onto the wall of the lifeboathouse. The President was then presented with gifts of flowers and a piece of Achill Island pottery by Finn McGreal, Diarmuid and Chloe Cattigan, all children of lifeboat crew.
Before concluding the visit, President Connolly travelled the short distance to Cé Bheag to be given a personal tour of the Trent class lifeboat by Coxswain Dave Curtis and Senior Station Technician Michael Cattigan.
In recognising Achill Island RNLI’s 30th anniversary in saving lives at sea, President Connolly commented, "As President of Ireland, I am delighted to mark the 30th anniversary of the Achill Island RNLI lifeboat station.
As a volunteer-led station, the community of Achill Island and surrounding areas are owed a debt of gratitude by all of us for their work in protecting the lives of all those who work on or enjoy our seas.
The bravery and commitment shown by them is an example of community spirit at its strongest.
May I thank each and every person who has crewed or supported the station over the last three decades for all that you have done and wish everyone involved with Achill Island RNLI lifeboat station every best wishes for the decades to come."
‘Tá fíor-áthas orm, mar Uachtarán na hÉireann, comhghairdeas ó chroí a dhéanamh libh agus comóradh tríocha bliain á dhéanamh agaibh ar stáisiún bád tarrthála RNLI Oileán Acla.
Tá muid ar fad faoi chomaoin ag oibrithe Oileán Acla agus na gceantar mórthimpeall a shaothraíonn go deonach chun beatha iad siúd a bhíonn ag obair nó ag baint taitneamh as ár bhfarraigí a chosaint.
Is eiseamláir a gcrógacht agus a dtiomantas den spiorad pobail is láidre.
Ba mhaith liom mo bhuíochas ó chroí a ghabháil le chuile dhuine a bhí i mbun oibre nó a thug tacaíocht do stáisiún bád tarrthála RNLI Oileán Acla le tríocha bliain anuas, ní bheadh ann dó gan sibh. Guím gach rath agus beannacht oraibh sna blianta amach romhaibh. Go mba fada buan agus slán sibh.’
John Killeen, Trustee and Council member of the RNLI, added: ‘We wish to extend our thanks to the President of Ireland, Catherine Connolly, who hails from the West coast of Ireland. We thank the President most sincerely for visiting the station on such an important occasion. I would like to thank all involved with Achill Island lifeboat station, those both on and off the water, for their tremendous work. Here’s to many more years of life saving to come.’
Achill Island RNLI Fundraising Branch Chairman Anthony McNamara said, ‘It has been a huge honour to welcome President Connolly to Achill Island Lifeboat Station. We are very proud of our lifeboat community and the support we receive to save lives at sea. Behind our lifeboat are the people who power it, through their time, commitment, and dedication. It is important that we mark this major milestone and acknowledge how far we have come and what we have achieved.’
Since opening in 1996, RNLI crews from Achill Island have launched on service 414 times aided 268 people and saved 11 lives.
Ends
RNLI Media Contacts
RNLI media contacts
For information please contact Ciaran Dixon, Tel: 087 476 4436, email: [email protected], Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Communications Lead Tel: 087 1254 124 email: [email protected] or Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Communications Manager Tel: 087 648 3547 email: [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.