Dun Laoghaire RNLI has appointed volunteer Dave Farrell as its new coxswain after more than a decade of service.
Farrell has served on both the inshore and all-weather lifeboats, moving exclusively to the all-weather vessel in 2020.
His introduction to the RNLI came when former crew member Captain Jim Kennedy arrived with an application form and encouragement to begin training.
The RNLI’s competency-based training programme ensures all crew meet operational standards before progressing.
“The coxswain plan is all about competency,” Farrell said. “The trainers decide when you’re genuinely ready.”
“They’re not there to trip you up, they’re there to verify the standard.”
Like many volunteers, Farrell balances RNLI duties with work and family life.
“But the RNLI has always been in the background for us,” he said.
He recalled an early callout involving a missing diver off Dalkey Island, led by Coxswain Stuart Kane and mechanic Rory Bolton.
“All the information we had was they were down at Dalkey Island,” he said. “Stuart had correctly read the situation and decided they must have drifted north.”
“We found them within 30 minutes.”
Farrell said the variety of incidents remains a defining feature of the role.
“You can go out to five different yacht rescues, but every one of them is different,” he said.
“You’ll have a different crew, sea state and conditions. It could be day or night, January or June.”
As coxswain, he said his focus will be on maintaining standards and supporting the crew.
“It’s a privilege to take this on,” he said. “We have a fantastic team here.”
Dun Laoghaire RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Eamon O’Leary said Farrell’s appointment reflects his commitment.
“It’s a great achievement for Dave,” he said. “He is a very valuable asset to the station.”
“It’s an honour to have him as a fully-fledged coxswain with a strong lifesaving tradition here in Dun Laoghaire.”
