Fethard RNLI Fethard RNLI celebrates 30 years with community open day

The event provided an opportunity to recognise three decades of lifesaving service by Fethard RNLI volunteers and to thank the many people who have supported the station since it reopened in 1996.

Visitors enjoyed tours of the station and lifeboat, meeting crew members and learning more about the RNLI. The day also offered an opportunity to reflect on the station's history and the dedication of the volunteers who have answered the call whenever their pagers have sounded over the past 30 years.

A highlight of the day was the presentation of RNLI 30 Year Long Service Awards to five dedicated volunteers whose commitment has helped shape the station since its reopening. Walter Foley, Launch Authority and former Lifeboat Operations Manager; Peter Barry, Launch Authority and former crew member; Dr John Cox, Chairperson and former Lifeboat Medical Advisor; John Colfer, Helm; and Jamie Chapman, Helm, were all recognised for their 30 years of service to Fethard RNLI.

Earlier this year, Walter Foley and Dr John Cox joined fellow RNLI volunteers from around Ireland at a special RNLI Volunteer Recognition Event held at Clontarf Castle, where they were formally presented with their medals in recognition of three decades of dedication to the charity. The anniversary celebrations at Fethard RNLI provided an opportunity for fellow volunteers, family members and supporters to acknowledge their achievements alongside those of the other long-serving award recipients.

Speaking at the event, Fethard RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Domini Codd said:

"Today was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate 30 years of service and to thank the local community for the incredible support they have shown Fethard RNLI since the station reopened.

The RNLI is a charity and everything we do is made possible through the generosity of the public. From those who volunteer their time to those who fundraise, donate or support us in any way, we are extremely grateful.

I would also like to remind everyone that if they see someone in difficulty on the coast, or if they get into trouble themselves in, on or near the water, to call 112 or 999 and ask for the Coast Guard."

The station would like to thank everyone who attended the open day and helped make the celebration a memorable occasion. While the anniversary celebrated 30 years of dedicated service, it also looked to the future and the next generation of Fethard RNLI volunteers who will carry on the station's lifesaving tradition in the years ahead.

Ends

Notes to Editor

The attached photograph shows Fethard RNLI volunteers John Colfer, Jamie Chapman, Walter Foley, Dr John Cox and Peter Barry with their 30 year Long Service Awards presented by Domini Codd, Lifeboat Operations Manager (third from left). Credit Pat Kent

The second photo shows Dr John Cox, Niamh Stephenson RNLI Communications Manager Ireland and Walter Foley at the RNLI Volunteer Recognition Event in Clontarf Castle in June. Credit Walter Foley

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Nadia Blanchfield, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Fethard RNLI , [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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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.