First all-female crew at RNLI Kilrush

SINCE the foundation of the Kilrush RNLI station in 1997, the make-up of the crew were mainly all men bar one female, Pauline Dunleavy. In the 14 years, some girls had joined but due to family or job commitments had to leave. In recent weeks, the station’s latest crew member, Hungarian girl, Csilla Trungel completed her week’s intensive training at Poole in Dorset, passing all examinations and returning to Kilrush RNLI as a fully fledged crew member. 
Last week with family members, together with members of the public, the all female crew were kitted out and took their place on board the Kilrush Lifeboat. Helm for the evening was Pauline Dunleavy, while the crew consisted of Csilla Trungel, Bríd O’Mahoney and Eve Brennan-Browne. 
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the Irish and UK coasts. The RNLI operates over 230 lifeboat stations. The RNLI is independent of CoastGuard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 139,000 lives.