Athlone man honoured for 50 years of water safety service

Athlone man Gerry Flannery received an award for 50 years of service at the Water Safety Ireland’s National Annual Awards Ceremony at the O’Reilly Hall, UCD, Dublin on Tuesday, October 21.

Gerry retired from his role with Athlone RSC in August 2023 after 48 years. He first started work as a life guard in August 1975 for Athlone Town Council (later Westmeath County Council).

In 2002, when Athlone Regional Sports Centre replaced the old town pool, he continued his role as duty manger responsible for the pool. Gerry has been a member of Water Safety Ireland for decades as an instructor, tutor and examiner.

Over the years, he was at the centre of swimming in Athlone, teaching thousands of children and adults how to swim, and has been responsible for the training and making of hundreds of life guards.

He was one of just three 50-year service award winners at the event which celebrated the enduring dedication of over 70 Water Safety Ireland volunteers, who received Long-Service Awards for teaching swimming, water rescue, and survival skills – representing a combined 1,755 years of voluntary service.

Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Jerry Buttimer also presented Seiko Just in Time Awards, Rescue Appreciation Awards and Bravery Awards to 73 individuals whose bravery prevented water tragedies across Ireland and abroad.

Other locals to be honoured for their service included Brian Fagg (40 years service), Morgan Fagg and Colm Sammon (20 years), Enda Hanniffy (15 years) and Niall Fallon and Nuala Moroney (ten years service)