On Friday evening 13 September, Mary Aldridge joined lifeboat crew, operations team, fundraising volunteers, family and friends at Wicklow Sailing Club for a special event to celebrate her retirement as lifeboat operations manager.
To mark Mary’s retirement, coxswain Nick Keogh presented a gift from the crew. Speaking at the event, he said: “Best of luck in retirement again, Mary, it was a pleasure working with you. On behalf of all at Wicklow RNLI, enjoy all your free time and the camper van.”
John Hayden of the fundraising branch presented Mary with a framed collage of photographs as a memento of her time at Wicklow RNLI.
Speaking about her time at Wicklow RNLI, Mary said: “On 29 June 2017, my Mam died. I was only a few months in the station as a launch authority. I was in Naas at the wake, and a friend sent me a picture of the station flag at half-mast in Wicklow. That meant so much to me, and I knew that Wicklow Lifeboat would become an important part of my life. Leila Aldridge is proudly remembered, and her name is displayed on Clifden Lifeboat.
“During my time as a launch authority and lifeboat operations manager, we had some difficult shouts. The boats were out for long hours searching and recovering in some cases, and in some cases not. The lives saved and the comfort to families was rewarding. The willingness of volunteers to turn out at all times is what we do. Sometimes, it was just the bare crew, but the boat always went.
“It is families, partners and kids that I want to thank. Without their support and love, we could not do what we do. It was great over the past seven-and-a-half years to see your kids growing up and, in some cases, joining the crew and fundraising team. To the crew and fundraisers no longer with us, We remember them.
“Best wishes to the new lifeboat operations manager Joe Healy; I know he will do a great job with the support of you all. It was an honour to serve with you all.”
Tributes were paid to Mary across social media pages, with Girvan Hickey of the fundraising branch posting: “Congratulations on your retirement Mary and every best wish for the future. Thank you for all you have done, your dedication and support for all members. You did everything with a smile.”
Wicklow RNLI said: “We want to thank Mary Aldridge sincerely for her dedication and commitment to our station. We hope you enjoy your well-deserved retirement.”
