President of Ireland Catherine Connolly visited Arklow RNLI today to mark the 200th anniversary of the lifeboat station.
The President, accompanied by her husband Brian McEnery, met local lifeboat volunteers and their families before unveiling a commemorative plaque recognising the generations of people who have helped save lives at sea through the station’s service to the community.
Arklow RNLI is the oldest established RNLI station on the island of Ireland. Over the past two centuries, its crews have been credited with saving more than 443 lives through 803 lifeboat launches.
The visit included a ceremony at the station attended by RNLI representatives, local volunteers and members of the wider Arklow community.
On arrival, President Connolly was welcomed by Arklow RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager John Bermingham, Station Coxswain Ned Dillon, Senior Station Technician James Russell, Fundraising Chair Joy Crosbie and Fundraising Secretary Majella Myler.
RNLI Trustee Dr John Killeen and Head of Region Mike Grocott were also in attendance.
During the ceremony, John Bermingham outlined the history of the station before Dr Killeen delivered a vote of thanks.
Father Padraig Ă“ Cochlainn gave the lifeboat prayer, after which President Connolly unveiled the anniversary plaque.
Eoin Russell and Nell McElheron, children of serving lifeboat crew members, presented the President with flowers and a framed photograph of the station and crew.
The ceremony also featured musical performances by Arklow Shipping Silver Band and harpist Caoimhe Browne.
President Connolly paid tribute to the volunteers who have served the station and the wider community throughout its 200-year history.
She said it was a privilege to mark the anniversary and expressed gratitude for the work of the station in protecting those who work on or enjoy the sea.
The President also highlighted the contribution of the Arklow community, recognising the efforts of those who have served at the station and those who have supported its work over the generations.
In her remarks, she said the volunteers’ courage and commitment were an example of the strongest community spirit.
Before concluding her visit, President Connolly received a tour of Arklow RNLI’s Shannon-class lifeboat from Coxswain Ned Dillon and Senior Station Technician James Russell.
The Shannon class is named after the River Shannon, with the name proposed by former Arklow Lifeboat Operations Manager Jimmy Tyrrell. RNLI all-weather lifeboats are named after rivers, with the Shannon name recognising the contribution of Irish lifeboat volunteers to the organisation.
The Shannon was the first modern RNLI all-weather lifeboat to use water jets rather than traditional propellers, giving it enhanced manoeuvrability.
John Bermingham said it was a great honour to welcome the President to the station for the milestone anniversary.
He paid tribute to the lifeboat community, highlighting the time, commitment and dedication required to keep the station operating and maintain its lifesaving tradition.
He added that the anniversary was a special day for everyone involved with Arklow RNLI. The station has also been awarded five RNLI Silver Medals in recognition of exceptional courage and seamanship, adding to its long history of service at sea.
The 200th-anniversary visit recognised not only the station’s history, but also the volunteers and supporters whose work continues to underpin its lifesaving service to Arklow and the surrounding coastline.
