If you were in Ballycotton last Friday night you might be forgiven for thinking you had stepped back in time or stepped into the wrong saloon! The Blackbird Bar was transformed into a scene straight out of Tombstone Arizona, complete with straw bales, gingham tablecloths, ‘wanted’ posters of local ‘outlaws’ and bursting with a cowboys and cowgirls ready to muster up and raise vital funds for Ballycotton RNLI.

The night was a huge success. Thanks to the generosity of the 140 guests on the night, and the support of local business and individuals, the event raised a total of €9,248 through ticket sales, donations and a raffle. As a huge bonus Green Rebel pledged to match-fund the figure raised on the night, doubling the total money raised to a phenomenal €18,496.00. And due to the generosity of local businesses who sponsored every aspect of the event, 100% of funds raised will go directly to supporting Ballycotton RNLI.

On arrival, folks were welcomed by Sheriff Áine Flynn and her trusty sidekick Síle Scanlon (dressed as a horse!), who both took a night off from volunteering as crew members on the lifeboat to greet Ballycotton bandits as they arrived. Once all pistols had been accounted for, they were offered a complimentary drink, choosing between a Kentucky Mule (sponsored by Matson’s Wine Store) or beer (courtesy of Heineken), to quench their thirst. Country music filled the air along with the sweet smell of succulent BBQ pig roasting on a spit. The Spitting Pig company cooked up a feast with roasted pig, chicken & vegetarian dishes with a mouth-watering selection of salads that had everyone coming back for more - all generously sponsored by VTSL Ireland.

Once everyone was fed and watered it didn’t take much for The Ryan Phoenix band (sponsored by The Blackbird), to quickly get the crowd on the dance floor. Pumping out a selection of rousing country tunes, a sea of Stetsons, check shirts and denim danced the night away and when the band finished playing DJ Mossie Tattan made sure to keep the fun and dancing going till closing.

Fundraising committee member Fiona Clark said “We pulled this event together in a very short time, but once the theme was agreed it didn’t take long for people to get in the spirit of it, with one local farmer supplying us with straw bales at the last minute. We are very lucky to have such great supporters and patrons of the Ballycotton RNLI, who year after year give so generously to help this crucial service that is run solely on donations. We want to give special thanks to our generous sponsors including The Blackbird Bar, VTSL Ireland, MTA1, Matson’s Wine Store and of course Green Rebel. And there are many more who supported with raffle prizes and donations - it really does take a village, and it was wonderful to see everyone put so much effort into dressing up and having a fun time for a great cause. On the strength of the night, we hope to go bigger again next year. So, if you missed out you have a whole year to plan your costume!”

The RNLI is a registered charity supported solely by donations and fundraising. It costs approximately €250,000 per year to keep the station and lifeboat operational, €1,667 to train one volunteer crew member and €1,786 to kit them out. Funds raised at the event will ensure that the crew has the necessary equipment and training to continue to keep our coastline safe.

The Ballycotton RNLI fundraising calendar 2023 kicks off in style with a ‘Wild West’ entertainment-filled evening at the Blackbird, Ballycotton on Friday 3rd February from 7.30 pm until late.

Dust off your cowboy hat and pull on your dancing boots for what is going to be one wild shindig. RNLI hungry outlaws can enjoy a lip-smacking hog roast and selection of salads by the The Spitting Pig Company all washed down with a complimentary drink on arrival. When your belly is full you can line dance the night away to music by Ryan Phoenix band followed by a lively country music disco with DJ Mossie. The RNLI will also be holding a raffle on the night to help raise vital funds to support the local station.

Tickets cost just €35 and are available on Eventbrite

Jaffa, a nine-metre Dutch yacht with six people onboard that suffered a fouled propeller 4.5 nautical miles east of Ballycotton island in the early hours of this morning (Tuesday, 9 August), was brought to safety by the lifeboat crew from Ballycotton RNLI.

Ballycotton RNLI Lifeboat The Austin Lidbury was requested to launch by Valentia Coast Guard at 12.01 am following a request for assistance from the crew of a student training yacht whose propeller was fouled on a lobster pot marker and were unable to sail to the nearest safe harbour as there was not enough wind. They had begun their journey yesterday morning in Kilmore for Cork as part of a college training voyage to circumnavigate Ireland.

With excellent conditions and clear visibility, Ballycotton RNLI was quickly able to locate the stricken yacht and assess the situation. After confirming all people on board were safe, Alan Cott a volunteer crew member boarded the yacht and was able to cut the rope wrapped around the propeller and free of the vessel. Ballycotton RNLI Lifeboat then secured a towrope to the yacht and returned to Ballycotton pier at approximately 2.30am.

Eolan Walsh, Ballycotton RNLI Lifeboat Coxswain, said, ‘It was approximately 11.00 pm when their propeller became fouled. The crew of the Jaffa remained calm and made the correct decision to request assistance from the Irish Coast guard when they encountered propeller difficulties. Everyone on board was wearing a life jacket and were relieved to see us. We would advise people to take the correct water safety advice for the activity they are taking part in and to always make sure they have a means of raising the alarm if things go wrong’.

The crew of the Jaffa expressed their gratitude to Ballycotton RNLI and will remain in Ballycottton until repairs have been carried out before setting sail on the rest of their journey. 

Three people were brought to safety by Ballycotton RNLI after their pleasure boat suffered engine failure 17 nautical miles south of Helvick Head on Wednesday evening (27 July).

Ballycotton’s all-weather lifeboat Austin Lidbury was requested to launch by Valentia Coast Guard at 6.50pm when the 16.5ft fishing boat reported engine failure.

Weather conditions were calm and once on scene, the lifeboat crew assessed the situation. Alan Cott, a volunteer crew member, boarded the small boat and was able to get the engine started again.

Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat crew made the decision to then escort the boat to the safety of Helvick Harbour before returning to Ballycotton at 10.30pm.

Commenting after the callout, Cott said: “Thankfully conditions were very good and all three people were wearing lifejackets and had called for help as soon as they encountered engine difficulties.

“We would advise people to take the correct water safety advice for the activity they are taking part in and to always make sure they have a means of raising the alarm if things go wrong.”

A 36ft yacht with two people onboard that had suffered engine failure south of Roche’s Point yesterday (Wednesday, 20 July), was brought to safety by lifeboat crew from Ballycotton RNLI.

Ballycotton RNLI was requested to launch by Valentia Coast Guard at 4.20 pm when a yacht suffered engine failure. The vessel had been en route to Crosshaven in Cork Harbour.

Conditions were calm and once on scene, lifeboat crew assessed the situation before establishing a tow and bringing the yacht to the nearest safe port, which was Crosshaven.

Commenting on the callout Ballycotton RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Jerry Lynch said, ‘Thankfully conditions were perfect for the callout. With the recent good weather we have seen an increase in people out enjoying the water. We would advise people to take the correct water safety advice for the activity they are taking part in to always make sure they have a means of raising the alarm if things go wrong.’

Ballycotton RNLI’s all-weather Trent class lifeboat Austin Lidbury was called out by Valentia Coast Guard to a report from a passing yacht of a possible upturned boat south of Nohaval.

Conditions were fresh with Force 6-7 south-westerly winds and clear visibility when the lifeboat launched at 2.20pm yesterday afternoon (Sunday 24 October).

Two miles west of Daunt Rock, the lifeboat crew discovered the remains of an old boat with its hull upturned in the water. It is believed it may have been washed out to sea as a result of recent storms.

Ballycotton RNLI duty coxswain Barry Murphy said: “Thankfully this was a false alarm, and the call was made with good intent. The RNLI would always ask members of the public to call 999/112 if they feel somebody is in possible danger.”

All crew from Ballycotton RNLI returned safely at 5.20pm to refuel and wash down in preparation for the next callout.

Ballycotton RNLI all-weather Trent class lifeboat the Austin Lidbury was tasked by Valentia Coast Guard at 11.25 am yesterday to a report of a fishing vessel with engine failure approximately 5 miles off Flat Head, south of Cork Harbour. 

Conditions were fresh with a strong 5/6 knot easterly wind and clear visibility.

Volunteer lifeboat crew with Ballycotton RNLI arrived at the scene at approximately 11.50 am where they found the 13-metre catamaran fishing vessel being held in position by another fishing vessel. The crew of Ballycotton RNLI secured the vessel, ensuring the two crew on board the boat were safe and then proceeded to tow the boat into Cork dockyard where it was moored safely. 

Speaking following the callout, Peter O' Shea Ballycotton RNLI Mechanic said “On arrival, the fishing vessel was being held in position by another fishing boat. If they had not be able to secure a line to the boat it would have most likely ended up on the rocks due to the strong easterly winds. By towing the vessel to safety the outcome was positive for all involved”.

Broken down RIB

As the crew of Ballycotton RNLI prepared to return to the station they were alerted by radio to a report of a 6.5-metre semi-rigid pleasure boat with engine trouble anchored in Cobh harbour with two people on board. Ballycotton RNLI secured the boat and towed it into Cobh where it was safely brought alongside the pontoon and secured. The two people on board were both wearing lifejackets and had a radio which they used to call for assistance. 

All crew from Ballycotton RNLI returned safely at 4.00 pm. 

Ballycotton RNLI Crew:

• Mike Hallihan - Coxswain
• Peter O’Shea - Mechanic
• Claire McCarthy
• Eolan Breathnac
• Sile Scanlon
• Mike Kenneally
• Ciaran Walsh

Ballycotton RNLI in East Cork was launched at 7.30 pm this evening following a request from Valentia Coastguard to a report of two swimmers thought to be missing off Garryvoe beach approx. two miles west of Ballycotton by a concerned member of the public.

Conditions were good with clear visibility.

Ballycotton RNLI all-weather Trent class lifeboat Austin Lidbury and its boarding boat carried out an extensive search between Arhnahinch and Garryvoe beach.

Two members of the volunteer crew from the boarding boat went ashore and spoke with several members of the public. No sign of the swimmers was found and it is believed they had returned to shore and the call-out was treated as a false alarm with good intent.

All crew from Ballycotton RNLI returned safely at 9.00 pm.

We would remind everyone to respect the water, to understand the risks and to stay safe. Never swim alone. If you see someone in trouble, dial 999 and ask for the coastguard. Consider wearing a wetsuit and bright coloured hat and safety buoy for longer swims.

Ireland needs to appoint a Secretary of State’s Representative to deal with any future maritime or shipping incidents similar to the beaching of the MV Alta, a maritime expert advises.

Captain Neil Forde, a maritime consultant with Marine Hazard Ltd, tells the Irish Examiner that the ‘ghost ship’ which ran around in Ballycotton at the weekend is proving to be an “insurmountable bureaucratic obstacle” to measures to deal with the cargo ship, which underwent an environmental assessment yesterday (Tuesday 18 February).

“We are going to have a major maritime incident at some point, it is just inevitable … The county council, who even with the best will and intention is only going to be able to deal with small incidents, has been pushed into dealing with this by the current legislation,” he said.

Another ‘ghost ship’, the MV Lyobov Orlova — its decks infested with ‘cannibal’ rats — could pose a biohazard threat to Ireland if it reached these shores.

A straightforward solution, Capt Forde suggests, is to appoint a single expert whose “job is to say to the different agencies ‘you are going to do this’, no ifs or buts about it, and to deal with the situation quickly”.

The Irish Examiner has more on the story HERE.

Ballycotton Sea Adventures is reporting that a cargo ship abandoned at sea for more than a year has run aground on the Cork coastline during Storm Dennis, writes Tom MacSweeney.

An initial Irish Coast Guard inspection of the 'ghost ship' from the air reports no signs of pollution so far from the 80-metre vessel, which lies three miles west of Ballycotton.

The Irish Coast Guard's Twitter account posted video recorded from its Rescue 117 helicopter based in Waterford which was tasked to the location.

Rescue 117 was tasked earlier today to a vessel aground near Ballycotton, Cork. There was nobody on board. Previously the @USCG had rescued the 10 crew members from the vessel back in September 2018. The vessel has been drifting since and today came ashore on the Cork coastline. pic.twitter.com/NbvlZ89KSY

— Irish Coast Guard (@IrishCoastGuard) February 16, 2020

Alta was some 1,500km off West Africa in the autumn of 2018 when its crew abandoned ship, and it remained lost at sea until September last year when it was spotted by the Royal Navy in the middle of the Atlantic.

RTÉ News has more on this breaking story HERE.

During #StormDenis this 80 metre vessel 'The Alta' washed up 3 miles west of #Ballycotton. It was cargo vessel that was abandoned in South East Bermuda in October 2018.

The vessel last spotted off the coast of West Africa in September 2019 and has been wandering seas until today pic.twitter.com/6jUsdpbzy9

— Ballycotton Sea Adv (@BCSeaAdventures) February 16, 2020