LIFEBOAT crew, station management, fundraisers and supporters of Howth RNLI were joined by members of the public to officially name the North Dublin lifeboat station’s newest lifeboat in memory of the incredible woman who funded it.
The ceremony took place in the sunshine at Howth Harbour where the public saw up-close the Aideen Cresswell. It was officially named by Mrs Cresswell’s nephew Seymour, in the maritime tradition by pouring champagne over its bow.
Mrs Aideen Cresswell (nee Stokes, whose generous bequest funded the €71,000 lifeboat, was born in London in 1921 and later came to live at the Baily, Howth. At a young age she met her husband John Cresswell at an RNLI ball and they spent their honeymoon on board a yacht sailing from Dublin to Dunmore East.
Mrs Cresswell’s nephew Seymour remembered his aunt during his speech, whom he described as ‘a rebel; feisty and a free spirit’. He spoke of her lifelong support of the RNLI and her affinity for the sea. She passed away in 2011 after a short illness in her 91st year and was married to John for 67 years. RNLI Vice-President and member of the Irish Council, Peter Killen, accepted the lifeboat into the care of the RNLI before passing it on to Howth Lifeboat Station.
The ceremony was opened by Howth RNLI chairman Russell Rafter and the Vote of Thanks was given by Rose Michael in her role as chairperson of the fundraising branch. Rose also presented Mrs Cresswell’s two nephews with framed photographs of the new lifeboat which were signed by the crew.
Colm Newport, the station’s Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: “I accept with great pride this lifeboat ‘Aideen Cresswell’ to Howth Lifeboat Station. Aideen’s legacy provides the lifeboat that will be of service to all who earn their living or derive pleasure from the sea and coastline in our area. Since we received our new lifeboat this summer she has been called out on service nine times.”
Following the ceremony the new lifeboat was launched into Howth Harbour to the accompaniment of a lone piper.
