Ireland’s leading maritime newspaper covering the Coastal, Fishing and Maritime Communities

MARINE TIMES NEWS January 2nd:
Wicklow RNLI New Years Day Remembrance Ceremony and Long Service awards presentation

The volunteers of Wicklow RNLI rang in the new year with a remembrance service for the lives lost during the year, followed by the presentation of long service awards to two volunteer crew members.

Both of Wicklow RNLI lifeboats were launched on New Years Day for a wreath laying ceremony to remember those loved ones who have passed away over the years but especially for those lost this year.

Fr. Aquinas Duffy and Rev. Jack Kinkead lead a short prayer service from the back of the east pier, joined by members of the RNLI and bereaved family members Once the prayer service was complete, wreaths were transferred from the All-Weather Lifeboat to the Inshore Lifeboat where they were placed in the water. While many people were remembered, there was a moment dedicating a special wreath to former Duty Launch Authority Tom Byrne. Tom passed away recently, and his family joined the ceremony on the pier.

Speaking after the ceremony, Lifeboat Operations Manager Joe Healy said ‘It is important that we remember those that have gone before us. We were heartened to see such a large crowd gather for today’s ceremony, especially thinking of Tom who recently passed away after many years of dedication to the RNLI and the wider maritime community within the Irish Coast Guard’.

The moving ceremony was followed by the presentation of two long service awards to volunteers Ciaran Doyle and Mark Kavanagh.

Ciaran Doyle receives his award from Tommy McAuley accompanied by Joe Healy

Ciaran Doyle received his 40-year service award, having joined the RNLI in 1984. Throughout his time, Ciaran has taken on a number of important roles within the station. Having started as a crewmember, then qualifying as an Emergency Mechanic, Ciaran could take the boat to sea as mechanic and was responsible for all machinery operations onboard. Ciaran then took on the role of Emergency Coxswain in 1999 before being promoted to second Coxswain of Wicklow Lifeboat station in 2006. As Coxswain Ciaran has full responsibility for the operations of the All-Weather Lifeboat while at sea.

Whilst still volunteering at Wicklow RNLI Lifeboat station, Ciaran has also taken on the full-time role as relief Coxswain Afloat Mechanic for the RNLI. If a station needs external cover Ciaran can be deployed to that station to provide the cover needed.

Mark Kavanagh received his 20-year service award having joined the RNLI as a volunteer crewmember in 2005. In his time with the RNLI, Mark has become a helm, responsible for the safe operation of the station’s inshore lifeboat whilst at sea. He has also qualified as a navigator for the all-weather lifeboat, an important role, responsible for ensuring the safe navigation of the lifeboat and efficient locating of casualties during search and rescue operations.

Mark Kavanagh receives his award from Joe Healy accompanied by Tommy McAuley

Speaking at the presentation Tommy McAuley Wicklow RNLI Coxswain and lifelong friend of Ciaran said ‘The awards the two men have received today are a testament to their dedication and commitment to the RNLI. We cannot forget however, that none of this would be possible without the support of the families behind us. They sacrifice a lot so that we can continue the 200-year-old tradition of Saving Lives at Sea.’

Cian Kelly (left) with his partner Nicola and Ian Heffernan (right) with his partner Emma.

The day also gave the crew the opportunity to congratulate, in person, two crewmembers who got engaged over the Christmas period. Congratulations to Ian Heffernan and his partner Emma and Cian Kelly and his partner Nicola.

Speaking at the end of the day, Connie O Gara Lifeboat Press Officer said ‘Today was a busy day for the station beginning with the remembrance service, followed by the presentation of the long service awards. These are very important occasions to mark and are a nice way of bringing the crew together outside of the normal training and search and rescue operations.’

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