Fethard RNLI welcomed local community members to its lifeboat station on Saturday 19 September as volunteers past and present marked 30 years since the station reopened. The anniversary event recognised three decades of lifesaving service by Fethard RNLI volunteers and thanked the many supporters who have helped sustain the station since its return to service in 1996.
Visitors toured the station and lifeboat, met crew members and learned more about the work of the RNLI.
The open day also provided an opportunity to reflect on the station’s history and the dedication of volunteers who have responded whenever their pagers have sounded over the past three decades.
Long service recognised
A highlight of the celebrations was the presentation of RNLI 30 Year Long Service Awards to five volunteers whose commitment has helped shape Fethard RNLI since its reopening.
Thirty Years Recognised — Fethard RNLI volunteers celebrate their long service awards as part of the station’s 30th anniversary open day, honouring three decades of dedication to lifesaving. Photo: RNLI
Those recognised were Walter Foley, Launch Authority and former Lifeboat Operations Manager; Peter Barry, Launch Authority and former crew member; Dr John Cox, Chairperson and former Lifeboat Medical Advisor; John Colfer, Helm; and Jamie Chapman, Helm.
Earlier this year, Walter Foley and Dr John Cox joined RNLI volunteers from around Ireland at a Volunteer Recognition Event at Clontarf Castle, where they received their medals marking three decades of service.
The Fethard anniversary event gave colleagues, family members and supporters a further opportunity to recognise their contribution alongside the other long-serving award recipients.
Three Decades of Service — Walter Foley and Dr John Cox receive recognition at the RNLI Volunteer Recognition Event at Clontarf Castle ahead of Fethard RNLI’s 30-year celebrations. Photo: RNLI
Community support thanked
Speaking at the event, Fethard RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Domini Codd thanked the local community for its continued support.
“Today was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate 30 years of service and to thank the local community for the incredible support they have shown Fethard RNLI since the station reopened.
“The RNLI is a charity, and everything we do is made possible through the generosity of the public. From those who volunteer their time to those who fundraise, donate or support us in any way, we are extremely grateful.
“I would also like to remind everyone that if they see someone in difficulty on the coast, or if they get into trouble themselves in, on or near the water, to call 112 or 999 and ask for the Coast Guard.”
Looking to the future
Fethard RNLI thanked everyone who attended the open day and helped mark the milestone.
While the celebrations recognised 30 years of lifesaving service, the station also looked ahead to the next generation of volunteers who will continue Fethard RNLI’s lifesaving tradition.
