Local RNLI volunteers recognised at anniversary awards ceremony

NORTHSIDE RNLI volunteers were recognised at an awards ceremony held by the charity recently at Farmleigh in the Phoenix Park.

It was a very special occasion at this year’s RNLI Annual Presentation of Awards as it marked the 190th anniversary of the charity that saves lives at sea and on inland waters.

The awards recognise fundraising and operational volunteers from across Ireland for their role in raising funds and awareness for the RNLI and in doing so supporting the volunteer lifeboat crews in their work.

Guest of honour for the occasion was RNLI chairman, Charles Hunter-Pease, who handed out awards to 61 volunteers. Other attendees included the British Ambassador to Ireland Dominick Chilcott CMG, Commodore Hugh Tully, Flag Officer Commanding the Naval Service, Breda Collins, Chairperson of Irish Water Safety and Yvonne Shields, Chief Executive of the Commissioners of Irish Lights.

Dr Damien Jennings, from the Howth RNLI station branch, received a Gold Badge. Damien has given freely of his service in support of operations at Howth from crew medicals to supporting the lifeboat operations manager.

Damien has always been an active member of the team. Having retired from his post with nearly a quarter of a century of addressing the RNLI’s operational medical needs in Howth, it was the wish of all the volunteers at Howth RNLI that he be awarded the Gold Badge as a tribute to the services he has given so willingly during his tenure as lifeboat medical advisor.

Captain Tom Rickard, from the Howth RNLI station branch, received a Bronze Badge. Tom joined the operations team in Howth as deputy launching authority in 2006.

With a lifetime of maritime experience Tom has worked closely with the lifeboat operations manager at this busy station. He is respected and appreciated by all at Howth Lifeboat Station and is fully deserving of his award.

David Farrell, from the Howth RNLI fundraising branch, also received a Bronze Badge. David has been a member of the Howth branch for the past 11 years. He helps out every year at the Flag Days and willingly gives of his time collecting in the coastal town of Malahide. He assists by coordinating the collectors and will engage and encourage them.

David has also hosted lifeboat talks in Howth Sailing Club to raise funds for the RNLI and his contribution is truly valued by the branch.

Gowan Bryce was another person from the Howth RNLI fundraising branch who received a Bronze Badge. Gowan has been part of the Howth branch for the past 20 years and is a regular house-to-house collector in the area. A very keen RNLI supporter, those who come into contact with her in her volunteering role with the fundraising branch hold her in very high regard.

Howth Sailing and Boating Club received a Record of Thanks and Commodore John Craddock collected this award. The club have been long standing supporters of the RNLI in Howth. They hold an annual barbecue and donate the funds raised from this event to Howth lifeboat station. This is usually over e1,000 annually. There is a long-standing relationship with the local branch and is one that the RNLI values highly.

Tom McDermott, from Swords, received a Certificate of Thanks for his work in the Dublin RNLI office. Tom is a true maritime lover and has a passion for the work of the RNLI, being a member of the Howth Branch before becoming a volunteer at the Dublin fundraising office.

Tom makes a very valuable contribution to the office and the RNLI is extremely grateful for all his support.

Mary Courtney, from the Skerries RNLI lifeboat station, received an Inscribed Statuette. Mary served for almost a decade as Skerries RNLI lifeboat press officer before taking up a new role as lifeboat administration officer in 2013.

In her decade handling the media for the station she has covered her fair share of stories including open days, fundraising events and rescues. She is a respected and valued member of the lifeboat community.

During his speech RNLI chairman Charles Hunter-Pease congratulated the awardees.

“It all starts with the people who give their time, their donations and their expertise,

? he said.

“Over the decades, as we have expanded our service and developed new craft and facilities, our volunteers, fundraisers and supporters have become more important than ever.

“Without them there is no lifeboat station, no lifeguard unit, no flood rescue team, and no coastal safety work preventing tragedies.

?