Achill Island RNLI marked a major milestone on Saturday as President of Ireland Catherine Connolly unveiled a commemorative plaque celebrating the station's 30th anniversary. The President visited the Co Mayo lifeboat station to recognise three decades of volunteer-led search-and-rescue service and to meet current and former crew members, emergency service personnel, supporters, and members of the local community.
President Connolly arrived to a welcome from the Achill Island Pipe Band and was greeted by Lifeboat Operations Manager Ciaran Needham, Coxswain Dave Curtis, Senior Station Technician Michael Cattigan and Fundraising Branch Chair Anthony McNamara. A ceremony at the station included a history of the lifeboat service, delivered by McNamara, followed by a dedication led by Reverend Susan Cousins and Father Ignatius Chalissery.
Milestone Moment — President Catherine Connolly unveils a commemorative plaque marking the 30th anniversary of Achill Island RNLI and three decades of volunteer lifesaving service on Ireland's west coast. Photo: RNLI
RNLI Chief Executive Peter Sparkes addressed those gathered before inviting the President to unveil a specially commissioned marble plaque, which will be permanently displayed at the lifeboat station.
The President was presented with flowers and a piece of Achill pottery by children of lifeboat crew members before visiting Cé Bheag, where she received a tour of the station's Trent-class lifeboat.
Speaking during the visit, President Connolly paid tribute to the volunteers who have served the station since its establishment. "As President of Ireland, I am delighted to mark the 30th anniversary of the Achill Island RNLI lifeboat station," she said. "The bravery and commitment shown by them is an example of community spirit at its strongest." She thanked everyone who had crewed or supported the station over the past three decades and wished the organisation continued success in the years ahead.
Community Tribute — President Catherine Connolly joins Achill Island RNLI volunteers, supporters, RNLI representatives and local community members during the station's 30th anniversary celebrations. Photo: RNLI
RNLI Trustee Dr John Killeen welcomed the President's attendance, describing the anniversary as an important occasion for the station and its volunteers.
Fundraising Branch Chair Anthony McNamara said the visit was a significant honour for the Achill RNLI community. "It is important that we mark this major milestone and acknowledge how far we have come and what we have achieved," he said.
Since opening in 1996, Achill Island RNLI has launched 336 times, aided 234 people and spent 728 hours at sea on emergency callouts. The station is one of 46 RNLI lifeboat stations across the island of Ireland, providing a 24-hour search-and-rescue service covering waters up to 100 nautical miles offshore.
