Arranmore RNLI's volunteer crew and the family of new coxswain Kieran O’Donnell were at the lifeboat station to welcome him ashore following his final assessment earlier this week.
Kieran was appointed in August of last year on the retirement of former coxswain Jimmy Early, as previously reported on Afloat.ie.
Following his appointment, Kieran underwent extensive training with the RNLI which requires leadership skills, dedication and commitment before successfully completing his training and assessment in all aspects of saving lives at sea.
During Kieran’s training, resilience coxswains provided cover for the lifeboat station.
Kieran paid tribute to all who helped him with the various aspects of the training: “I want to thank all of the coxswains who came to Arranmore and who gave of their time, patience and expertise to share their knowledge with me on every stage of the journey.
“My thanks also to all the crew who give of their time so willingly and finally, a huge thanks to my family for their constant care and support. I look forward to serving the community of Arranmore and of course the wider Donegal coastal area.”
Trevor Devereux, RNLI regional resilience coxswain mechanic, from Kilmore Quay in Wexford said: “I want to congratulate Kieran on his successful passing out as coxswain. Kieran worked and studied ceaselessly from the moment he was appointed. He was a pleasure to work with and is a huge asset to the RNLI. I wish him continued success and know that the Arranmore lifeboat is in safe hands.
“It is a real pleasure working with the Arranmore team and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on the island.”
Kieran has now taken up his full-time coxswain appointment with Arranmore RNLI.
Meanwhile, Arranmore RNLI's crew have had a busy time recently, finishing the month of May with their ninth call to assist in a medevac and starting June with a further two calls for a medical evacuation and to bring the NOWDOC (North West doctor on call) to assess a patient on the island.
The lifeboat was also called to bring the NOWDOC doctor to the island on Sunday last (8 June) and, on returning to Burtonport with the doctor, was requested by Malin Head Coast Guard to assist five people onboard crew a 40ft crabber boat, 10 miles north east of Tory island.
The boat suffered engine failure and, having assessed the situation and noting the crew could not make any safe onward progress, the lifeboat crew decided to establish a tow and brought the boat to the safety of Magheraroarty Pier.
On arrival at Magheraroarty, the lifeboat crew were welcomed by a large group of people from Tory Island and the surrounding area who were holding a fundraising event for Arranmore RNLI.
The event, organised by Niamh Ní Dhubhgáin, honoured Henry O’Donnell who was a great supporter of Water Safety Ireland and the RNLI.
The event raised €5,555 for Arranmore RNLI and will be presented to the station at a later date. All at Arranmore lifeboat station extend their heartfelt thanks to all the organisers and all those who participated.
