President Connolly visits Arklow RNLI on station’s 200th anniversary

During the visit, the President unveiled a commemorative plaque to be put on the boathouse wall, which was commissioned for all those who have saved lives at sea with the station, in service to their community. President Connolly also met with local volunteers and their families before receiving a personal tour of the station’s Shannon class lifeboat.

On arrival at the station the President was greeted by welcoming party, Arklow RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager John Bermingham, Station Coxswain Ned Dillon, Senior Station Technician James Russell, Fundraising Chair Joy Crosbie and Fundraising Secretary Majella Myler. Also in attendance were RNLI Trustee Dr. John Killeen and Head of Region Mike Grocott.

A short ceremony followed with John Bermingham giving a brief station history before introducing Dr John Killeen, who proposed a vote of thanks. Father Padraig Ó Cochlainn delivered the Lifeboat prayer, before John Bermingham then invited President Connolly to unveil the 200th anniversary plaque. Eoin Russell and Nell McElheron, children of serving lifeboat crew, presented the President with flowers and a framed photograph of the station and crew. Arklow Shipping Silver Band and harpist Caoimhe Browne performed during the ceremony.

Before concluding the visit, President Connolly was given a personal tour of the station’s Shannon class lifeboat by Coxswain Ned Dillon and Senior Station Technician James Russell. The class of lifeboat was named after the River Shannon, which was proposed by former Arklow Lifeboat Operations Manager Jimmy Tyrrell. All RNLI all-weather class lifeboats are named after rivers and the Shannon was chosen in recognition of the contribution of Irish lifeboat volunteers and their service to the Institution. The Shannon is the first modern all-weather lifeboat to be propelled by waterjets instead of traditional propellers, making it the most agile and manoeuvrable all-weather lifeboat in the fleet.

In recognising Arklow RNLI’s 200th anniversary saving lives at sea, President Connolly commented, ‘"As President of Ireland, it is a privilege to mark the 200th anniversary of the Arklow RNLI lifeboat station, the oldest established RNLI station on the island of Ireland.

As a volunteer-led station, the community of Arklow and surrounding areas are owed a debt of gratitude by all of us for their work in saving the lives of more than 443 people over the last two centuries and for protecting the lives of all those who work on or enjoy our seas.

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 An tInbhear Mór le dhá chéad 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.’

Arklow RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager John Bermingham added: ‘It was a huge honour to welcome President Connolly to Arklow Lifeboat Station, the oldest RNLI station in Ireland. We are very proud of our lifeboat community and its lifesaving tradition that goes back over two centuries. Behind every station are incredible people, who through their time, commitment, and dedication make everything happen. This has been a special day.’

Lifeboat crews at Arklow have been credited with saving more than 443 lives through 803 lifeboat launches and the station has earned five RNLI Silver Medals in recognition of exceptional courage and seamanship.

Ends

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Communications Staff Member for RNLI, [email protected] Tel: 087 1254 124

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.