RNLI honours five Northside volunteers

THE RNLI held its annual presentation of awards at the Guinness Storehouse recently.

The charity presented 56 individual awards to volunteers from across the country, including five from North Dublin. 

The awardees were honoured for their significant contribution to the RNLI in Ireland and years of dedicated and committed service to the charity.

Many awardees were fundraising volunteers, recognised for years of service to the charity, while others were lifeboat crew who collected their long-service badges after many years on the lifeboat. 

However, the ceremony was tinged with sadness as one of the recipients, Rosemary O’Neill, from Howth RNLI, passed away a few days before she was due to receive her Gold Badge for fundraising. 

Howth RNLI chairman Russell Rafter accepted the award on her behalf to warm applause from those in attendance.

Rosemary was an active and valued volunteer, who at the age of 89, served as Box Secretary in Malahide. Her roles during her 22 years’ volunteering with the Howth branch included Branch Secretary and Souvenir Secretary. 

The branch will deeply miss Rosemary. Her efficiency and enthusiasm, which she shared with all involved at Howth, were an enormous benefit to the charity.

The other Northside recipients were John Massey, from Howth RNLI, who received a Gold Badge; Rose Michael, from Howth RNLI, who received a Bar to Gold Badge; Ian Sheridan, from Howth Station Branch, was awarded his Long Service Badge; and Conor Walsh, from Skerries Station Branch, who also received a Long Service Badge.  

John Massey gave 47 years’ service to the RNLI before retiring in 2015 and was described by his former Lifeboat Operations Manager as his right hand man. Rose Michael is chairperson of the Howth RNLI branch and has given a lifetime to fundraising.

Ian Sheridan is the face of lifeboating in his role as Howth Station mechanic and deputy second coxswain. Conor Walsh has served Skerries RNLI since its formation and is currently one of the most experienced helms at the station. He also works for the RNLI as divisonal maintenance manager.   

Guest of honour at the ceremony was outgoing RNLI chairman, Charles Hunter-Pease.  

Speaking to the awardees, he said: “To everyone receiving an award, whether their service has been at sea or ashore, please wear it with pride. 

“It is the mark of someone very special, selflessly dedicated to the lives of others.

“Every day, all around our coastline, people come together to do something incredible for someone they’ve probably never met. 

“Lifeboat crews put to sea not knowing what situation they will face. It also takes determination to raise funds.  

“It’s a determination that sees people raise astonishing sums to keep our service running, and that is no small feat, it requires endless talent, imagination and energy.”