Tributes were paid last Saturday night (2 April) to five retirees and seven long-service recipients for their commitment and dedication to Bundoran RNLI, which amounts to over 250 years of saving lives at sea at the charity.
The event at the Great Northern Hotel was the first major gathering for the crew since 2019 and marked the retirement of five personnel, including Captain Hugh Anthony ‘Tony’ McGowan as previously reported on Afloat.ie.
Other retirements marked on the night included those of Hugh John Patton as deputy launching authority (28 years), Michael Goodwin also as DLA (5 years), fundraiser Frank Bourke (25 years) and DLA Patrick McMorrow.
Seven volunteers received recognition for anywhere between 20 and 25 years of service | Credit: RNLI/Bundoran
The long service of seven volunteer lifeboat crew members was also marked, with medals presented by the RNLI’s lifesaving lead for Ireland, Owen Medland.
Recipients of long-service medals were Elliot Kearns (20 years), James Cassidy (21 years), Michael Patton (22 years), Geraldine Patton (23 years), Dr Philip Murphy (23 years), Brian Gillespie (23 years) and Shane O’Neill (25 years).
Reminiscing over his time, Tony McGowan thanked his colleagues from the past 28 years, adding that all times the station was a team effort — and remarked on all the positive changes he has seen over the years, including children of crew members now grown up and becoming crew members themselves.
Medland added: “While one era is ending, a new one is beginning at the station and I wish the management team and volunteer crew well into the future.”
