The family of the RNLI Coxswain who led the Ballycotton Lifeboat in the famous Daunt Rock rescue in 1936, have presented the medals which he was awarded for the rescue to Cork City Museum.

The medals, presented to Patrick Sliney, popularly known locally as ‘Patsy’, are to become part of an exhibition recalling what is still regarded as the most famous rescue in Irish lifeboat history. Eight Lightkeepers were safely taken from the then Daunt Lightvessel near the entrance to Cork Harbour during February gales that reached hurricane strength when the lifeboat was on continuous service for 49 hours.

Mary Stanford displayed in Ballycotton Photo: Bob Bateman

The Sliney family decided to present the medals to the Cork City Public Museum so that the story of the rescue can be preserved for a wide audience.

The presentation included service medals of Coxswain Sliney from the First World War.

The Museum intends to create an exhibition to commemorate Ballycotton Lifeboats and the Daunt Rock Rescue.

More on the Podcast below, including interviews with the Sliney family and the Museum Curator.