Dunmore East RNLI’s lifeboat volunteers were delighted to receive monies raised from the sales of the book charting the history of the Co Waterford lifeboat.
Dauntless Courage: Celebrating the History of the Dunmore East RNLI, Their Crews and the Maritime Heritage of the Local Community was written, published and sold out during lockdown a year ago.
Restrictions and lockdowns made it impossible for author David Carroll to be in Dunmore East while writing his book, But thankfully David and his family were able to visit the Dunmore Lifeboat station recently, where he was wholeheartedly welcomed by the local lifeboat volunteers.
David is the son of Captain Desmond Carroll, a former Harbour Master in Dunmore. He grew up in Dunmore East and through he moved away from the village in his 20s to pursue a career, he says he has retained a great love for the maritime heritage he inherited growing up in the village.
The book is described as a labour of love, involving several years of researching and writing. The RNLI supported the project, with members of Dunmore East RNLI forming a publishing committee and a total of 66 businesses contributing to the cost of printing. It means that all proceeds go to the charity that saves lives at sea.
Dunmore East RNLI volunteers with author David Carrol and his family at the lifeboat station | Credit: RNLI/Neville Murphy
Recently David was finally able to hand over the huge cheque to the very appreciative volunteers of Dunmore East RNLI.
“I felt very privileged to have been invited to write a history of the Dunmore East lifeboats,” he said. “I enjoyed every single minute carrying out the necessary research and writing the various chapters, but the success of the book is down to all the volunteers and the great team, organised by Brendan Dunne who promoted, packaged, and distributed the book in difficult circumstances.
“A special word of thanks is due to all who gave us permission to use their interesting photographs and wonderful paintings. Our printers, DVF Print and Graphic Solutions, designed and produced a magnificent book that we all can be proud of and will be a fitting testament to all who served in the station since the Henry Dodd first arrived in Dunmore East.
Brendan Dunne of Dunmore East RNLI’s crew said: “As volunteer crew of the Dunmore East lifeboat, we are delighted with David’s book Dauntless Courage and grateful for such a significant amount being raised for our charity.
“The book itself is well written and researched. It truly captures the legacy of those that have crewed the lifeboats here since 1884 and of the lifesaving and maritime heritage of the village. It ensures their contribution to saving lives at sea in all weather conditions will not be forgotten.”
