President Catherine Connolly visited Arklow RNLI in Co Wicklow on Friday (9 October) to mark the lifeboat station's 200th anniversary, recognising two centuries of volunteer service during which crews have been credited with saving more than 443 lives.
Accompanied by her husband, Brian McEnery, the President unveiled a commemorative plaque honouring generations of lifeboat volunteers at what is the oldest established RNLI station on the island of Ireland.
Arklow's lifeboat crews have been credited with 803 launches and five RNLI Silver Medals for exceptional courage and seamanship during the station's history.
The presidential visit follows Arklow RNLI's bicentenary open day in August, when volunteers welcomed the public to the station for demonstrations, entertainment and activities celebrating 200 years of lifesaving.
President Pays Tribute to Arklow Volunteers
Signing History — President Catherine Connolly signs the visitors' book at Arklow Lifeboat Station during her visit to commemorate 200 years of lifesaving in the Co Wicklow port. Photo: Eamon Bermingham
Speaking at the anniversary ceremony, President Connolly said: "As President of Ireland, it is a privilege to mark the 200th anniversary of the Arklow RNLI lifeboat station, the oldest established RNLI station on the island of Ireland."
She said the community of Arklow and surrounding areas was owed a debt of gratitude for the work of its volunteer crews.
"As a volunteer-led station, the community of Arklow and surrounding areas are owed a debt of gratitude by all of us for their work in saving the lives of more than 443 people over the last two centuries and for protecting the lives of all those who work on or enjoy our seas."
The President also paid tribute in Irish to those who have worked for and supported the station over the past 200 years.
The station's continuing operational role was demonstrated in July when Arklow RNLI responded to three incidents in quick succession, including the rescue of two kayakers and assistance to a yacht which had lost engine power.
Anniversary Plaque Unveiled
Two centuries remembered — President Catherine Connolly unveils a commemorative plaque honouring the crews and volunteers of Arklow RNLI, established in 1826. Photo: Eamon Bermingham/Arklow
The President was welcomed by Lifeboat Operations Manager John Bermingham, Coxswain Ned Dillon, Senior Station Technician James Russell, Fundraising Chair Joy Crosbie and Fundraising Secretary Majella Myler.
RNLI Trustee Dr John Killeen and the charity's Head of Region Mike Grocott also attended.
Following a brief history of the station delivered by John Bermingham, Father Padraig Ó Cochlainn led the lifeboat prayer before the President unveiled the commemorative plaque, which will be mounted on the boathouse wall.
A gift for the President — Eoin Russell, whose father serves with Arklow RNLI, presents President Catherine Connolly with a framed photograph of the station and its lifeboat community. Photo: Eamon Bermingham
Two children of serving lifeboat crew, Eoin Russell and Nell McElheron, presented the President with a framed photograph of the station and crew and flowers.
A young volunteer family's tribute — Nell McElheron, whose father serves with Arklow RNLI, presents flowers to President Catherine Connolly during the bicentenary celebrations. Photo: Eamon Bermingham
Music was provided by Arklow Shipping Silver Band and harpist Caoimhe Browne.
John Bermingham described the presidential visit as a special occasion for the station.
"We are very proud of our lifeboat community and its lifesaving tradition that goes back over two centuries," he said.
"Behind every station are incredible people, who through their time, commitment, and dedication make everything happen. This has been a special day."
President Tours Shannon Class Lifeboat
All Aboard — President Catherine Connolly and Brian McEnery aboard Arklow's Shannon class lifeboat with Station Technician James Russell, Lifeboat Operations Manager John Bermingham and Coxswain Ned Dillon. Photo: Eamon Bermingham
The visit concluded with a tour of Arklow's Shannon class all-weather lifeboat, hosted by Coxswain Ned Dillon and Senior Station Technician James Russell.
The station's €3.1 million lifeboat, Roy Holloway, was formally named at Arklow Harbour in June 2025, having entered service earlier that year.
The Shannon class takes its name from Ireland's longest river, following a proposal by former Arklow Lifeboat Operations Manager Jimmy Tyrrell.
The name recognises the contribution of Irish lifeboat volunteers to the RNLI's lifesaving work.
The Shannon class was the RNLI's first modern all-weather lifeboat to use waterjet propulsion rather than conventional propellers, providing greater manoeuvrability during rescue operations.
The anniversary commemorations recognise the contribution of generations of Arklow volunteers and their families to the station's lifesaving service since 1826.
Further reports on lifeboat rescues, station developments and volunteer activities around the Irish coast are available in Afloat.ie's RNLI and lifeboat coverage.
