IN PICTURES: Lough Derg RNLI celebrates 20 years of lifesaving service

As the RNLI commemorates the charity’s 200 years of lifesaving this year, Lough Derg RNLI is celebrating 20 years of service on Lough Derg.

Volunteers - past and present - gathered with their families and RNLI staff members at Lough Derg Yacht Club at the weekend to celebrate the lifeboat’s 20 years of service on the lake.

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Christine O’Malley, Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, MC for the event, welcomed everyone, especially those who’d travelled long distances to join the celebration.

A retired Consultant Geriatrician, she spoke about taking on the role of Lifeboat Operations Manager five years ago, and the ‘steep learning curve’ as she absorbed the responsibilities involved, met the challenges and celebrated the rewards.

Other speakers and guests on the day included Niamh McCutcheon, Chair of the Lough Derg Fundraising Committee and an RNLI Vice-President; Seán Ginnelly, RNLI Assessor/Trainer; Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Communications Lead for Ireland and Lisa Hollingum, Area Lifesaving Manager.

During the event, former crew members were presented with RNLI200 badges to mark their service with the organisation.

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Helena Duggan, who served as RNLI Assessor/Trainer at Lough Derg RNLI from 2003 until 2022, recalled her early visits to the new lifeboat station at Lough Derg with her colleagues, the late Michael Carmody and Derek Potter, and the enthusiasm from volunteers as the station became established.

She stressed that the RNLI hugely appreciates the hours volunteers put into training, exercises and Shouts, and that their contribution is never taken for granted’. She described the vast network of people, volunteers and staff, who work
as a team to make the RNLI the organisation it is today.

Eleanor Hooker, Helm and Lifeboat Press Officer thanked Aoife Kennedy, Lifeboat Station Administrator and Launching Authority and her sister Doireann Kennedy, Volunteer Crew, for organising the entire event, including having volunteers bake and cook for the reception to follow the speeches.

PICTURES: Lough Derg RNLI