Displaying items by tag: Arklow
Book Charting History Of Arklow RNLI Launches This Friday
#RNLI - Olympic gold medallist and son of Arklow, Ronnie Delaney, will be on hand this Friday 22 November for the official launch of a new book that charts the history of the Wexford town's lifeboat station.
As previously reported on Afloat.ie, To the Banks & Beyond was written by local historian Jim Rees, who spent a number of years putting together the project that recounts the history of Arklow RNLI from 1826 to the present day in words and pictures.
A limited run of hardback editions has already sold out, but the paperback is still available priced at €15 (plus P&P) via Arklow RNLI Fundraising or the lifeboat station shop at 0402 32850 or [email protected].
Arklow Lifeboat Crew Comes To Aid Of 'Sammy The Seal'
#RNLI - Arklow RNLI’s volunteers were involved in an unusual rescue yesterday (5 November) at Arklow Harbour's boat slipway when they came to the aid of a seal pup.
Lifeboat crew were alerted to the marine mammal's plight by a member of the fishing community who had spotted the seal in an exhausted condition near Arklow lifeboat station.
On arriving at the scene, Arklow RNLI lifeboat volunteer press officer Mark Corcoran made contact with the Irish Whale & Dolphin Group and the Irish Seal Sanctuary to ascertain the best course of action to assist the seal pup. Also on scene was Tommy Heffernan from Avondale Vets.
Arklow RNLI lifeboat crew members including Scott Heaney and other members of the public assisted by keeping onlookers and curious dogs away from the distressed seal, who was determined to be tired and dehydrates following consultations with experts.
It was then decided that it would be best to remove the baby seal - named Sammy by the crew - to the safety of Avondale Vets and, once he was stabilised, to move the seal onward to the Irish Seal Sanctuary.
The pup is now being cared for by the Irish Seal Sanctuary and will enjoy a diet of fresh fish until it reaches a healthy weight and can be released back into the wild.
"It was an amazing experience to get so close to a seal," said Corcoran after the call-out. "They’re really fantastic creatures, and it’s not an everyday occurrence.
"Thanks to the teamwork demonstrated by the different groups involved, the story had a happy ending and I’m really pleased that we could help."
New Book Charts History Of Arklow RNLI
#RNLI - The history of Arklow's lifeboat station from 1826 to the present is recounted in a new book to be published this coming November.
To the Banks & Beyond is written by renowned local writer and historian Jim Rees, who put the project together over a number of years.
A limited run of very collectable hardback copies of the book is being made available for booking prior to the launch, and Arklow RNLI's fundraising branch committee is now inviting presages.
Only 100 copies will be printed at a cost of €25 plus P&P, though a paperback edition (€15 plus P&P) will also be produced. Orders can be placed by contacting Arklow RNLI at [email protected] or via Facebook, or by calling Tony Fennell at 086 256 9787 or Tom Nolan at 086 161 2037.
The book will also be available from Dee-Jay Publications.
Arklow Rowing Club Carry Irish Flag at World Coastal Championships
#WorldCoastalRowing: Three boats from Arklow Rowing Club competed in B Finals at the World Coastal Rowing Championships at Helsinborg in Sweden.
In the men’s single, Cormac Kelly placed fourth of 10, while in the women’s single Jeanne Ní Ghormáin also took fourth in her B Final. The women’s double of Jessica Lee and Deirdre Maghery were third, just 10 seconds behind the winners, Skovhoved Roklub of Denmark.
World Coastal Rowing Championships, Helisngborg, Sweden (Irish interest)
Men
Single – Heat Two (First 8 to A Final; Rest to B Final): 12 Arklow (C Kelly) 24 min 51 secs. B Final: 4 Arklow 23:50
Women
Double – Heat Two (First Six to A Final; Rest to B Final): 8 Arklow (J Lee, D Maghery) 29.38. B Final: 3 Arklow 24:05
Single – Heat Two (First Six to A Final; Rest to B Final): 9 Arklow (J Ní Ghormáin) 33.57. B Final: 3 Arklow 24:05
Arklow Man Greets New Shannon Class Lifeboat
#RNLI - Two maritime legends finally met last bank holiday weekend at the Gathering of the Fleet Maritime Festival when Arklow RNLI lifeboat operations manager Jimmy Tyrell climbed aboard the new Shannon class lifeboat.
Jimmy, and his father before him, lobbied the life-saving charity for many years to call one of their lifeboat classes after an Irish river - and was finally rewarded when the Shannon class lifeboat was put into production last year.
Its arrival at this year’s Gathering of the Fleet in the Wicklow port town was one of the highlights of the event.
The lifeboat is on a tour of RNLI stations to introduce volunteer lifeboat crews to the new vessel, and Jimmy Tyrell was given a warm welcome onboard and had a full tour of the lifeboat from its RNLI crew.
The Shannon class lifeboat is the first all-weather lifeboat to be powered by twin water jets instead of propellers, making it more manoeuvrable and safer to operate in shallow water. It has a top speed of 25 knots and is due to replace the Mersey class lifeboat.
Just prior to the departure of the new Shannon class lifeboat, named Jock & Annie Slater, Arklow RNLI’s crew made a presentation to Jimmy Tyrell and the boat's coxswain to mark the visit and its importance to everyone at Arklow RNLI.
East Coast FM also broadcast their popular morning radio show with Declan Meehan live from the Arklow RNLI lifeboat station, with special guests Diarmuid Gavin and Shane Byrne joined by Arklow RNLI volunteers to get involved in the fun.
The lifeboat crew gave their guests a warm welcome, but had taken the precaution of having a fully kitted-out crew on scene in case they received a call-out during the show.
The Gathering of the Fleet, held in aid of the RNLI, played host to vessels of all shapes and sizes over the August bank holiday weekend.
Commenting on the festival, Arklow RNLI lifeboat press officer Mark Corcoran said: “This weekend was the fruition of months of hard work by the committee. Living on the east coast, the sea is such a big part of everyone’s lives and we wanted to celebrate our proud maritime history and traditions with this Gathering of the Fleet Maritime Festival.
"Thanks to all the boat owners near and far and to the many people who have given their time and energy to make this year’s event something special.”
#rnli – Two maritime legends finally met last bank holiday weekend at the Gathering of the Fleet Maritime Festival when Arklow RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Jimmy Tyrell climbed aboard the Shannon class lifeboat. Jimmy and his father before him lobbied the life-saving charity for many years to call one of their lifeboat classes after an Irish river and was finally rewarded when the Shannon class lifeboat was put into production last year.
Its arrival at this year's Arklow Gathering of the Fleet Maritime Festival was one of the highlights of the event. The lifeboat is on a tour of RNLI stations to introduce volunteer lifeboat crews to the new vessel. Jimmy was given a warm welcome onboard and had a full tour of the lifeboat from its RNLI crew.
The Shannon class lifeboat is the first all weather lifeboat to be powered by twin waterjets instead of propellers, making it more manoeuvrable and safer to operate in shallow water. It has a top speed of 25 knots and is due to replace the Mersey class lifeboat.
The Gathering of the Fleet Maritime Festival which was held in aid of the RNLI, played host to vessels of all shapes and sizes over the August bank holiday weekend.
Just prior to the departure of the new Shannon Class Lifeboat "RNLB Jock & Annie Slater" Arklow RNLI's crew made a presentation to Jimmy and the boats Coxswain Tommy to mark the visit and its importance to Jimmy and indeed all at Arklow RNLI.
East Coast FM broadcast their popular morning radio show with Declan Meehan live from the Arklow RNLI lifeboat station with special guests Diarmuid Gavin and Shane Byrne and our own volunteers getting involved in the fun. The lifeboat crew gave their guests a warm welcome but had taken the precaution of having a fully kitted out crew on scene in case they received a callout during the show.
Commenting on the festival Arklow RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer Mark Corcoran said, "This weekend is the fruition of months of hard work by the committee. Living on the east coast, the sea is such a big part of everyone's lives and we wanted to celebrate our proud maritime history and traditions with this Gathering of the Fleet Maritime Festival. Thanks to all the boat owners near and far and to the many people who have given their time and energy to make this year's event something special."
#RNLI - New Zealand man Greg Murphy and his wife Anne have made an emotional journey to Arklow RNLI to visit the lifeboat station where more than a century ago the lifeboat crew set out in heavy seas and torrential rain to save the life of his grandfather.
In 1897 James Murphy was just a teenager when the schooner he was on ran aground and he was saved by Arklow RNLI lifeboat crew.
The details of the call-out were recorded by then honorary secretary of the Arklow lifeboat, James Tyrell, and paint an extraordinary picture of a dramatic rescue which began at 9.45am on 28 March 1897.
James was on the schooner Express with his father, uncle and two crew en route to Wexford from Dublin when in strong winds and driving rain the vessel grounded off Arklow. The skipper was washed overboard and lost.
The Arklow lifeboat - Frances and Charlotte, a pulling and sailing lifeboat under the command of coxswain Richard Wadden - was launched and the lifeboat crew rowed through breaking seas to reach the stricken vessel.
The account goes on to detail how, on rounding the stern of the vessel, the lifeboat itself was filled by “a fearful sea” but emptied seconds later.
The hull of the schooner was under water when the lifeboat neared her and four crew members, including young James Murphy, were clinging to the rigging. In difficult conditions the lifeboat crew cast a line and secured it to the rigging with the plan to get the men to fasten themselves to the rope together and jump overboard.
However it is not known whether they did not hear or understand the instructions, but they only tied James to the rope and lowered him into the water.
He was hauled toward the lifeboat but there was not enough slack to get him onboard and the lifeboat crew shouted to the men to let him go or he would drown. They did so and the lifeboat crew recovered the boy onboard almost lifeless.
Tragically the stranded men had cast off the line and all contact with the wreck was severed. Attempts were made to again throw a line to the men but it was without success. Ultimately the mast went over into the sea, taking the men clinging to the rigging with it and they were lost. The lifeboat crew tried to recover them but were unsuccessful. It was to be the last callout for coxswain Wadden, who retired a short time later.
In subsequent months the Murphy family relocated to New Zealand. But they never forgot the story of the schooner Express and the actions of the Arklow lifeboat crew.
On visiting the lifeboat station more than 116 years later with his wife Anne and meeting with some of the present-day crew, Greg Murphy commented: “On behalf of myself and my very large family back in New Zealand, I want to say thank you for what you do.
"Without the bravery of the men of the Arklow lifeboat back in 1897 myself and my family simply would not exist. Thank you all so very much.”
Arklow RNLI Rescues Couple From Yacht With Fouled Propeller
#RNLI - Arklow RNLI rescued a man and woman after their 12m yacht got into difficulty of the Wicklow coast yesterday afternoon (Wednesday 19 June).
The volunteer crew was requested to launch their all-weather lifeboat at 12.23pm following a report that a vessel was in distress four miles north of Arklow.
The man and woman on board the stricken vessel had been travelling from Scotland and were Arklow-bound on their journey home to Kent when they got into difficulty. Weather at the time was good.
Arriving on scene, the crew on board the lifeboat Ger Tigchelaar - under coxswain Ned Dillon - assessed the situation and observed that the vessel’s propeller had been fouled.
The stricken yacht’s crew had made efforts to clear the fouled lines. A tow line was quickly established and the vessel was towed safely back to Arklow.
Speaking after the call-out, Arklow RNLI volunteer lifeboat press officer Mark Corcoran said: "The man and woman on board the yacht this afternoon came into the lifeboat station to express their appreciation to the crew who were delighted to assist and to be able to bring them and their vessel safely to shore."
Crew members on board the lifeboat included coxswain Ned Dillon, mechanic Michael Fitzgerald, Brendan Dillon, Roger Tyrell and Andy O’Loughlin.
Arklow RNLI Hosts Summer Solstice Fundraiser
#RNLI - Arklow RNLI supporters are being asked to come out and walk or jog a midnight mile - four laps of the running track at Coral Leisure Centre - in Arklow this Friday 21 June.
The walk/run will take place on the Summer Solstice from 10pm. The event is free and all donations are welcome. Prize raffles will take place, and Stormy Stan and his lifeboat buddies will be on hand to cheer on the participants.
Participants are being asked to assemble at the Lake Coffee Shop in the leisure centre from 10pm, with the walk/jog commencing just before midnight.
Full details are available from Mary at 086 304 5418.
In other Arklow RNLI news, a former chairman of fundraising at the lifeboat unit was honoured recently by the charity for his trojan work recently.
Tommy Annesley, a local councillor, received the Bronze Award at the recent RNLI Annual Presentation of Awards at Trinity College Dublin.
A few days later, Annesley was again honoured, this time by his hometown and fellow councillors when he became Lord Mayor of Arklow.
All at Arklow RNLI including lifeboat crew, fundraisers and other volunteers extended their best wishes to Tommy Annesley for his tenure as Lord Mayor.
Meanwhile, at the recent RNLI AGM in London, Arklow RNLI operations manager Jimmy Tyrell made a presentation to current RNLI operations director Mike Vlasto to honour the relationship and friendship that has developed between them in their years in the RNLI.
- A unique handcrafted piece was made locally in Arklow for the presentation.
Both Tyrell and Vlasto are retiring from the RNLI over the next year.
Stormy Stan Sails In For Arklow's Gathering of the Fleet
#MaritimeFestivals - Stormy Stan sailed into Arklow aboard tall ship Ruth recently as part of the build up to Arklow RNLI’s Gathering of the Fleet Maritime Festival.
This August Bank Holiday weekend, Arklow RNLI and Arklow Harbour will play host to vessels of all shapes and sizes from tall ships such as Ruth to Naval Service vessels, vintage and prototype RNLI lifeboats, emergency service vessels and visiting boats from all around the UK, Ireland and further afield for the fundraising festival, which is now over 50 years old and continues to go from strength to strength.
Boat trips, kayaking and windsurfing opportunities will be up for grabs, as well as the special attraction of the Thundercat Experience, where visitors can head out on the water aboard a Thundercat racing boat.
There will be aerial attractions too, with a flying visit by the Garda Air Support Unit and the regular Air Sea Rescue Display with the Irish Coast Guard's Rescue 117 helicopter.
And that's not to mention the activities or landlubbers such as the carnival, food and craft stalls, live music, model boats, emergency service demonstrations and vintage vehicles.
Arklow RNLI volunteer lifeboat press officer Mark Corcoran said: "This weekend really is a must for maritime enthusiasts and all the family. Almost all of the events are free. This is our opportunity to put something back in our town.
"Without our communities continued support we couldn’t continue, so make sure to come down to Arklow this August Bank Holiday weekend for the Gathering of the Fleet-Arklow Maritime Festival."
He added: "There really is something for everybody, so put it in the calendar."
Full details of the festival will be available on the festival's Facebook page, where anyone with a vessel who wants to take part in the festival can make contact. There is also an opportunity for any novice or experienced sailors to arrive at the festival aboard a tall ship – e-mail [email protected] for further details.