RNLI honours Lough Ree volunteers for their combined 200 years of service

Six local volunteers have been honoured for a lifetime of commitment to the RNLI at a special event in Athlone on Wednesday, November 12.

Lough Ree RNLI also marked the contribution of two recently retired GPs who gave medical support to the station since its opening.

Taking place in The Bounty, the event hosted the RNLI members, their families and the wider lakeside community gathered to celebrate volunteerism.

Special long service awards were presented to three local couples who have raised funds for the charity since 1975 and the contribution of two local doctors since 2012 was marked.

Lough Ree RNLI founder Damien Delaney was honoured for 50 years of service while his wife Bridie received a 30-year award.

Vincent Rafter, Chair of Lough Ree RNLI Fundraising was a recipient of a 40-year award alongside his wife Terry who was presented with a 30-year award.

Jill Walsh was honoured for 30 years’ service while her husband Declan was a recipient of a 20 year award.

Presenting the awards Brian Wilson, Area Fundraising Manager, RNLI said: "The generosity of the volunteers generated more than €350,000 to the charity. Events ranged from Flag Day collections in Athlone in the 1970’s to the raising of €100,000 locally as a community contribution to the new boathouse on Lough Ree."

Specially commissioned RNLI Certificates of Thanks were presented to Dr. Graham Kearon and Dr. Mark McCormick, both recently retired, who had served as Lifeboat Medical Officers since the establishment of the service in 2012.

Newly appointed Lough Ree RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager Dave McCourt thanked both doctors for "26 years of dedicated volunteering and diligent support of the lifeboat crew since its foundation."