Lough Ree RNLI honours former colleague

Lough Ree RNLI hosted a special event recently to honour a leading light in the organisation's history.

At the event at Lough Ree RNLI Boathouse in Athlone on Tuesday, August 18, RNLI volunteers, past and present, along with the local community were joined by family members of the late Tony McCarth to remember a volunteer who made an immense contribution to the charity and the area.

The late Tony McCarth was a member of the Lough Ree RNLI for more than ten years until his untimely passing last year. He served the charity in numerous roles but especially as volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager from 2017–2021. In a time of transition he oversaw and led the delivery of the new RNLI Boathouse at Coosan Point and guided the station's volunteer crew through challenging pandemic times.

During the event, a special ceremony took place to name the slipway at Lough Ree RNLI Boathouse the 'Tony McCarth Slipway’ to commemorate the dedication, friendship and leadership of a special volunteer.

In July 2025 Tony was presented with a special Certificate of Service by the RNLI which acknowledged his eleven years involvement with the charity and noted that during that time Lough Ree RNLI had 'saved or aided 1452 lives’ on the waters of the lake and River Shannon.

Speaking at the naming ceremony Lough Ree RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager Dave McCourt welcomed Tony's family and friends back to the station, especially his wife Kathleen and daughter Ciara and thanked them for the wonderful support they had given to Tony in his various roles at the RNLI. He said: "Tony will be remembered someone who led by example, was a welcoming and supportive presence at the Lifeboat Station and as someone who always cared about every volunteer, especially younger members of the crew."