The volunteer lifeboat crew of Clifden RNLI were tasked at 5.30pm on Monday (30 September) to carry out a medical evacuation from Inishbofin.

Under the command of coxswain James Mullen, Clifden’s all-weather lifeboat St Christopher was launched with Joe Acton, Kenny Flaherty, Shane Conneely and Chris Nee as crew.

The crew carried out casualty care on the patient, who was injured from a fall, and received a handover from fellow RNLI volunteer Ash Sweeney who is providing relief nursing on the island.

Once the patient was secure and comfortable on the lifeboat, he was transported back to Cleggan Pier and into an waiting ambulance for further treatment by paramedics.

The crew were also called out on Sunday afternoon (29 September) to investigate a local sailing boat that had broken free from moorings in Clifden Bay.

Clifden RNLI lifeboat operations manager Tony Casey said: “As the seasons and sea conditions are changing and we expect more wet and windy weather, now is a good time to remind all mariners to check their moorings and ensure their vessels are in good condition.

“Mechanical failure is the single biggest cause of rescue call-outs to sailing and motor cruisers, accounting for nearly 20 per cent of RNLI lifeboat launches.

“Always wear an appropriate lifejacket. Always carry a means of calling and signalling for help. Ensure there is an emergency action plan in place and everybody has an onboard briefing — in particular on the location and use of the safety equipment, including the spare kill cord for powerboats. Lastly please never delay in calling for assistance — in Clifden RNLI we are ready to respond 24/7.”

The volunteer crew at Clifden RNLI launched both the all-weather and inshore lifeboats on Friday evening (6 February) to assist a man who had sustained injuries on Inishbofin.

The pagers sounded at 6.45pm and the lifeboats were away shortly afterwards.

Once at the scene, southwest of the island, the casualty was found to have a serious leg injury and was in significant pain.

The lifeboat crew carried out a full casualty care assessment, and were able to assist with pain management and make the casualty more comfortable for transport.

The Irish Coast Guard’s Sligo-based helicopter Rescue 118 soon arrived on scene and the lifeboat crew worked with coastguard colleagues to safely winch the casualty on board the aircraft, on which he was transported to Mayo University Hospital.

Speaking about the call-out, Clifden RNLI lifeboat operations manager Tony Casey said: “I’m glad we were able to help the casualty today and all in Clifden station wish him a speedy recovery.

“Our volunteer crew do regular exercises to prepare for scenarios like this and it’s great to see the training result in a successful operation. My thanks to the crew, our coastguard colleagues and the island nurse for great team working today.

“If you see someone in difficulty in the water, dial 999/112 and ask for the coastguard.”

The Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat was helmed on Friday by Owen Hayes with crew members Caroline Barry, Shane Conneelly and Brian Ward. John Mullen was coxswain in command of the Shannon class all-weather lifeboat with crew Andy Bell, James Mullen, Joe Acton, Neil Gallery and Conor O’Malley.

The volunteer crew of Clifden RNLI launched at 12.30pm on Tuesday (3 September) to reports of a broken-down fishing vessel.

Clifden’s Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat was launched with Owen Hayes as helm and John Mullen, Sinead O’Sullivan and Shane Conneely as crew, who made their way to the location east of Carraig an Róin island.

The all-weather lifeboat St Christopher was also tasked to the scene and stood by to provide assistance.

The casualty vessel was located at anchor with two persons on board. It emerged that the boat had suffered major mechanical failure, rendering it without propulsion.

To ensure the safety of all on board, the vessel put under tow and brought to safe harbour in Clifden some 40 minutes away.

Clifden RNLI helm Owen Hayes said: “I want to commend the casualties for raising the alarm when they knew they couldn’t make safe progress. Every moment matters. Please never delay in calling for assistance; in Clifden RNLI we are ready to respond 24/7.

“Our advice for anyone going to sea is to plan your journey in advance, have the relevant charts required, lifejackets for all on board and a means of calling for assistance if you find yourself in trouble.

“My thanks to all the crew in Clifden for a great team effort.”

Clifden RNLI launched on Tuesday evening (20 August) to rescue two people and their pet dog from Omey Island after they were cut off by the tide.

The volunteer lifeboat crew were tasked at 8.30pm and launched their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat shortly after with Kenny Flaherty at the helm alongside crew Chris Nee and Sinead Pryce. They were assisted on the shore by Joe Acton, Ian Shanahan, Tom Guy and Tony Casey.

The casualties were quickly located on Omey and found to be well. The lifeboat crew proceeded to bring the pair and their dog back to safety in Claddaghduff.

Speaking about the call-out, Clifden RNLI lifeboat operations manager Tony Casey said: “Omey is a tidal island and only accessible by foot or car for the few hours around low tide.

“We would remind locals and visitors to always check tide times and heights before venturing out to Omey and to always make sure you have enough time to return safely.

“If you do get cut off by the tide, it is important to stay where you are and not attempt a return to shore on your own as that may be when the danger presents and you get into difficulty.

“Always carry a means of communication and should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”

Clifden RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat crew were called out on Monday (19 August) to assist two sailors who had run into difficulty in Ballinakill Bay, near Letterfrack.

The sailors of the 10-metre yacht were two sister who had passaged from Cardiff in Wales and broken down in Connemara waters.

The all-weather lifeboat St Christopher around 10.30am and made best speed to the scene with Daniel Whelan in command as coxswain and Joe Acton, Chris Nee, Andy Bell and David O’Reilly as crew. The shore crew to launch and recover the lifeboat were Ian Shanahan and John B Mannion.

Once the vessel was located and the sailors were confirmed to be safe and well, it was decided to establish a tow line and bring the vessel and her crew into safer waters. This was to ensure the safety of those onboard and to prevent a navigational hazard in the maritime channel of Ballinakill Bay.

The yacht and her two sailors were successfully towed by Clifden RNLI and brought to a safe mooring at Cleggan pier.

Speaking about the rescue, Whelan said: “Today’s shout was a good reminder to always request help if you run into difficulty at sea. The weather and sea conditions are very changeable for this time of year and people should not hesitate to call for help if they are in danger. We wish the sailors well on their onward journey.

“We are very fortunate enough in Clifden RNLI to have massive support from our local community. In this case I’d like to thank Johnny King from Cleggan for the use of his mooring during the operation.

“As always, if you see someone in difficultly in the water, please radio or call 999/112 for help — we are ready to respond 24/7.”

Clifden RNLI’s call-out on Wednesday evening (14 August) for a medevac from Inishbofin was the first under the command of Daniel Whelan, since his passing out as coxswain a few weeks ago.

Chris Nee also served as mechanic for the first time since completing his training on the all-weather lifeboat based in western Connemara.

The St Christopher launched at 6.30pm on Wednesday under Daniel Whelan with crew Joe Acton, Dave Barry, Neil Gallery and Chris Nee. John Brendan Mannion, Ian Shanahan and Tom Guy assisted from the shore.

The crew arrived at the island at 7pm and carried out a comprehensive casualty care assessment on the individual. They were the brought onboard the lifeboat, transported back to Cleggan pier and handed over to paramedics from the National Ambulance Service.

Volunteer mechanic Chris Nee is now fully trained on Clifden RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat | Credit: RNLI/Nigel Millard

Sea conditions at the time were challenging with Force 6-7 winds and large waves.

Speaking about the shout, Clifden RNLI lifeboat operations manager Tony Casey said: “My thanks to all involved…in particular Daniel and Chris who have demonstrated huge commitment to the station over recent months.

“We have a constant focus on training and skills development in Clifden RNLI, ensuring that when we go to sea we have the knowledge and experience to manage the most complex rescues.

“I wish the casualty a swift recovery and remind the public that the volunteer crew at our station are on call 24/7. If you get into difficulty, or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”

Clifden RNLI came to the aid of two sailors yesterday afternoon (Monday 15 July) after their 26ft yacht got into difficulty with a fouled propellor while on passage from Roundstone earlier that morning.

The volunteer crew were requested to launch their all-weather lifeboat at 3.30pm at the request of the Irish Coast Guard.

Weather conditions at the time were good with clear skies, calm seas, and light westerly Force 1-2 winds.

The lifeboat launched under Coxswain Alan Pryce and with five crew members onboard and made its way to the scene.

On arrival, the crew observed that the sailors had managed to cut the ropes loose and the yacht was back under sail. As the engine had no power however, the lifeboat stood by and escorted the sailors as the yacht made its way safely into Clifden where the lifeboat crew then assisted them onto a visitor mooring.

Speaking following the call out, Clifden RNLI Coxswain Alan Pryce said: ‘The sailors did the right thing in calling for help when they knew they were in difficulty and if the weather was not favourable, things could have changed quickly. In this case they were able to free themselves but without engine power, we were happy to escort them safely back to shore.

‘As the summer continues, we would encourage anyone planning a trip or activity at sea to enjoy themselves but to go prepared. Check weather and tides before venturing out and always wear a lifejacket or suitable flotation device for your activity. Carry a means of communication and let someone on the shore know where you are going and when you are due back. Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’

Clifden RNLI’s volunteer crew launched both lifeboats on Thursday afternoon (11 July) to assist three divers who had experienced a rapid ascent near Friar Island.

The crew were tasked at around 4.15pm to reports of divers in difficulty a mile to the south of Inishbofin.

Helmed by Owen Hayes with crew Chris Nee and Conor O’Malley, the Atlantic 85 lifeboat Joyce King was launched and made way to the scene.

Clifden’s all-weather lifeboat followed under John Mullen as coxswain with Joe Acton, Dave Reilly, Caroline Barry and Shane Conneely as crew.

The inshore lifeboat crew arrived first on scene and came alongside the dive boat to escort the group back to the pier in Inishbofin. At this point Clifden's all-weather lifeboat St Christopher was stood down as the operation was under control.

Along with members of the local community, the inshore lifeboat crew helped the divers from the dive boat to the airstrip on Inishbofin, where they were airlifted by the Sligo-based Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 118 to University Hospital Galway for hyperbaric treatment.

Speaking about the shout, Clifden RNLI helm Owen Hayes said: “At this time of year we expect to see people enjoying water sports and boating activities around our coasts. We want everyone to enjoy the water and come home safely.

“Please always remember to wear a lifejacket when out on the water, always carry a mobile phone or VHF radio to call for help in an emergency.

“Never delay if you think someone is in trouble in the water — every minute counts. Call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard and our crew in Clifden will respond, 24/7.”

Clifden RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat crew in western Connemara were tasked just after 11am on Sunday morning (7 July) by the Irish Coast Guard to assist a casualty on the island of Inishbofin.

The Shannon class all-weather lifeboat St Christopher was launched under coxswain James Mullen, with John Mullen, Alan Kearney and Andy Bell as crew.

Arriving at the island, the lifeboat crew made their way to the casualty and carried out a comprehensive casualty care assessment on the individual.

The person was then transported to the airstrip on the island and handed over to the coastguard’s Dublin-based helicopter Rescue 116 for further treatment in hospital.

Having completed the operation, the all-weather lifeboat crew joined with Clifden’s Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat crew and 40 other boats who were escorting the late John Burke from Cleggan Pier to his final resting place on Inishbofin.

Speaking about the call-out, Mullen said: “My thanks to all involved in today’s shout, as always we had great cooperation and assistance from the community in Inishbofin, and I also wish the casualty a swift recovery.

“The volunteer crew at our station are on call 24/7. If you get into difficulty, or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”

A Connemara camping and caravan site overlooking Omey island has been awarded gold level certification by the Sustainable Tourism Network (STN).

Clifden Eco Beach Camping and Caravanning Park is currently the only campsite in Ireland to hold this certification, STN says.

The family business run by Tatjana and Kris Acton is located on the Aughrus peninsula and overlooking Omey island in Co Galway.

It says it has always had a focus on sustainability since it was first certified back in 2014. The 2024 reissue of their gold award follows a detailed onsite audit by an independent auditor.

Some of the highlights of its sustainability efforts include:

• Banning toxic formaldehyde-based camper toilet solution and insisting on an eco-friendly product instead since 2014.
• Banning plastic water bottles and single use plastics since 2014.
• Becoming Europe’s first certified climate neutral campsite in 2015.
• Sourcing spring water from beneath its sand-bearing soils which is free from chemicals.
• Limiting the amp of power to each camping pitch to conserve energy.
• Use of 100% green energy through their provider.
• Forgoing the use of hard stands (concrete) for pitches so that the site can be returned to a green-field site easily and quickly.
• Providing a pick-up service for customers that travel by public transport.
• Providing bikes for customers.

The business also demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement - another essential element of sustainability.

Planned future initiatives include:

• Upgrading the facilities to increase accessibility for people with disabilities, highlighting a dedication not just to environmental sustainability but also to social responsibility.
• The introduction of smart meters and solar panels to further their use of renewable energy sources.
• The introduction of QR codes at each pitch point, which both enhances visitor experience but also reduces paper use.

Speaking about the certification, Kris Acton states “This independent certification is important for us because it allows us to talk to an Irish and international audience about our sustainability. It says we are a sustainable business at the highest level. The audit is very evidence based.”

Tatjana adds, “The learning we got as we worked with STN as we worked towards recertification was priceless. The environmental education we are getting is second to none and it’s ongoing as we engage with STN.

The campsite sits in a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) for bottlenose dolphins and is a designated machair habitat site.

Machair sites are beach/sand dune habitats backed by peatland/wetlands and support pollinators and wading birds amongst other species.

Rob Rankin, STN director, said it was a “ remarkable accomplishment”.

“We are so impressed with this business. They prove that a small operation can be truly powerful leaders when it comes to sustainability. We are just delighted to see them reaping the rewards of their hard work,”he said.

The independent audit uses criteria recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).

The GSTC is an independent non-profit UN-mandated organisation that has developed criteria that serve as globally accepted standards for sustainable tourism.