THE dedicated service of a Lough Derg RNLI volunteer over more than a decade has been recognised on his retirement. Dom Sharkey, a helm at Lough Derg RNLI has retired after twelve years service to the charity.

Dom, a carpenter and master craftsman who works in building and renovation has been acknowledged as a valued member of the RNLI team at Lough Derg.  

Following his final exercise on Sunday, February 27, volunteers arranged a surprise leaving party for Dom, held at Lough Derg Yacht Club on whose grounds Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat is currently stationed.

Dom was presented with a woodcut of Lough Derg made by artist Henri Bocxe. As a mark of appreciation on behalf of the local community, Noreen Cavanagh, Manager at the Thatched Cottage Restaurant in Ballycommon, generously provided sandwiches for the party while members of the station also baked cakes and scones.

Dom was moved by everyone’s efforts on his behalf. He reflected on how much it meant to him to be a part of such an important and vital rescue service on the lake and how he has made such great new friends through being on the crew at Lough Derg RNLI. Dom did not rule out the possibility that he would return to the Station when his professional life was less busy.  

The celebration heard how Dom’s calm and considered approach to the challenges faced by crew when out on a Shout earned the deep respect of his fellow volunteers.

Many new crew have benefited from his in-depth knowledge of both the theoretical and practical essentials in being a lifeboat volunteer as well as his understanding of the delights and vagaries of the lake.  

Ger Egan, senior helm at Lough Derg RNLI said of Dom that he was a “committed and dependable volunteer, humble and selfless. Totally focused on whatever challenges a rescue threw at him, he was a huge asset to have at Lough Derg RNLI and will be greatly missed”.