To look back on the obituaries published by Afloat.ie during 2025 is to acknowledge the passing of men and women whose lives were shaped by the sea and waterways, and whose contributions enriched sailing, boating, rescue services, boatbuilding, rowing and coastal communities across Ireland.
From offshore sailors and traditional boat advocates to quiet volunteers and club stalwarts, each obituary marked not just a death, but the end of a chapter in Ireland’s living maritime story.
Lives Shaped by the Sea
Among those remembered in 2025 was Jack Wolfe, whose remarkable century-long life was defined by an enduring love of cruising and seamanship, and whose long association with the Irish Cruising Club inspired generations of sailors.
The sailing world also bade farewell to Andy Cassell, an Olympic gold medallist and fiercely competitive sailor whose courage, humour and determination left a deep impression on everyone who shared a start line or clubhouse with him.
Pat Murphy, a GP14 champion, marine industry leader and round-the-world sailor, was remembered for a lifetime spent promoting sailing, preserving maritime heritage and encouraging participation at every level.
Northern waters lost a devoted sailor in Brian Law, whose passion for cruising and classic boats made him a central figure in the Strangford Lough community.
Builders, Designers and Custodians
Boatbuilding and design were represented by Nick Stratton, whose work at Ballyholme helped shape the success of the Ruffian range and left a lasting legacy in Irish yacht construction.
Supporters of traditional boats and maritime heritage also mourned Fred Kinmonth, whose patronage and enthusiasm helped ensure that classic vessels and traditional craftsmanship continued to thrive.
Service, Community and Quiet Dedication
Several of those remembered in 2025 were not defined by trophies or titles, but by service.
Tom Byrne, a long-serving MRCC radio officer at Valentia and RNLI Wicklow volunteer, played a vital role in maritime safety, providing calm professionalism during countless rescue operations.
On inland waterways, Johnny Connon was a familiar and much-loved figure, whose stewardship of the barge Bona Spes kept the spirit of the Shannon’s working boats alive.
The loss of Declan Bates was deeply felt in Kilmore Quay and beyond. A fisherman turned Saltee Islands tour guide, he shared his deep knowledge of the sea with thousands of visitors.
Dublin Bay sailing mourned Hilda Byrne, whose tireless work as a race officer and committee boat volunteer was central to the smooth running of countless events.
Mermaid sailor Hal Bleakley, former DBSC Commodore and Dun Laoghaire Marina manager, was remembered for his professionalism, warmth and long-standing involvement in the local sailing scene.
Journalism, Rowing and Club Life
Maritime journalism and rowing lost a powerful voice with the death of Micheal Johnston, whose writing and advocacy left a lasting imprint on Irish rowing and watersports.
Galway Bay Sailing Club paid tribute to Máire Swan, whose long life and quiet commitment exemplified the importance of volunteers and supporters at the heart of club sailing.
Ireland’s maritime memory also marked the passing of Séamus Tully, whose contribution to sailing was recognised through a 2025 tribute on Afloat.ie.
Finally, the country remembered Michael Tobin, the last surviving crewman of the Plassy, whose life formed a living link to one of the most iconic shipwreck stories in Irish maritime history.
A Shared Legacy
Each of these lives, different in scale and circumstance, shared a common thread: a deep connection to water and to the communities that gather around it. Together, they reflect the breadth of Ireland’s maritime world — from oceans to rivers, from boatyards to race committees, from rescue coordination rooms to quiet clubhouses.
As Afloat.ie continues to record the life of Ireland’s maritime community, this look back at 2025 serves as both remembrance and thanks — for lives well lived, and for legacies that will endure on the water.
