Achill RNLI hosted a function in Johnny Pattens, Dereens, recently to honour four crew members who stepped down from lifeboat service – Paddy Kilbane, Cloughmore, Robert Gogan, Dereens, Patrick English, Cashel and Bernard Briody, Polranny. Lifeboat Operations Manager (LOM ), Tom Honeyman, paid tribute to the four men for their commitment, selfless and generous sacrifice of their free time as RNLI volunteers. Each member received a commemorative plaque and certificate in recognition of services to Achill Island Lifeboat Station. The former LOM, Bob Kingston and the former DLA, Anthony Gielty, made the presentations.
In his tribute to Paddy Kilbane, the LOM, Tom Honeyman, said he was an enormous asset to the lifeboat crew because of his extensive knowledge of the seas around Achill and Mayo. He added that the three crew members, Robert Gogan, Patrick English and Bernard Briody, all volunteers on the lifeboat since 2009, were leaving the area for work reasons. “We do not like to see them leave but sadly the employment situation demands their skills and commitment elsewhere. I know they all have bright futures because I witnessed at first hand how they can apply themselves to any strange or demanding task. The situation may not always be as gloomy. Maybe not so long from now they will once again be part of our crew,” he said.
“I take heart from the many applications for membership because of our open day held on Sunday February 19,” he added. “This shows the young people of Achill and its hinterland have a great awareness of the role the lifeboat plays in their lives. It ensures the work done by the four men we honour tonight will go on.
“I would like to mention the great volunteering effort that goes in to every aspect of lifeboat management. Alongside the volunteer crew there are many others working behind the scenes. The fundraising committee is always busy. Now here is a real example of inspired generosity. Local artist, Alexandra van Tuyll, has just published a book of her outstanding seascapes and landscapes, Sea Meets Land, which was officially launched by broadcaster and writer Tom McSweeney in Gielty’s Pub, Dooagh. A key member of our fundraising committee, she has decided to donate all profits to Achill RNLI. On behalf of everybody involved in Achill RNLI, I want to say a sincere thank you to Alexandra.”
New members of Achill RNLI are currently taking part in the pre-enrolment process.
