Lough Ree RNLI mourns passing of Coosan resident Tony McCarth
The volunteer crew at Lough Ree RNLI in Athlone have paid warm tribute to their great friend and colleague, Tony McCarth, following his death yesterday (Tuesday).
The Castlequarter, Coosan, resident passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family. The Lough Ree RNLI flag is flying at at half-mast over the Lifeboat Station at Coosan Point as a mark of respect.
Tony first became a volunteer crew member with Lough Ree RNLI in 2014. Eager to support the life-saving community effort on the lake, he progressed through several roles before taking on the volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager post in 2017.
During his tenure in this role he led the transition from temporary structures to the wonderful boathouse facility at Coosan Point, which was officially opened in June 2022. He was really proud to deliver the scripture reading in Irish at the opening ceremony.
While the delivery of the new boathouse, and the achievement of raising more than €100,000 in a local community contribution was a fantastic achievement, Tony’s greatest asset was his people skills.
He loved a good story, was a great listener, and was interested in everyone he met. There is not a single member of the crew, past or present, at Lough Ree RNLI who has not at some time been encouraged and supported in their volunteer role by Tony McCarth.
In 2023, the RNLI’s 200th anniversary year, he was awarded the ‘Excellence in Volunteering Award’ to mark his generous contribution as a volunteer to saving lives on Lough Ree and the river Shannon.
Reflecting on Tony McCarth’s wonderful service to the local community through the RNLI, Lough Ree RNLI founding member and Launch Authority Damien Delaney said: "Tony McCarth made an incredible contribution to Lough Ree RNLI and for more than a decade he made a positive contribution to saving and preserving lives on our waters and was a beacon for all volunteers who followed in his footsteps."
The volunteer crew at Lough Ree RNLI, volunteers around the country and the staff of the charity offer sincere condolences to Tony McCarth’s wife Kathleen, his daughter Ciara and his wider family on their loss.
He will be reposing at his residence (N37 P6Y3) on Thursday from 4pm to 8pm. Mass of the Resurrection will take place on Friday in Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Coosan, at 12.30pm, followed by burial in Coosan cemetery.
His Funeral Mass may be streamed live here. Family flowers only have been requested, with donations, if desired, to the RNLI.
May he rest in peace.