RNLI honour for local volunteers

Two Kilrush RNLI volunteers were honoured at the RNLI annual presentation of awards at Trinity College, Dublin, recently. They were among 51 volunteers honoured.

Elizabeth Saunders from the Kilrush RNLI branch received a silver badge at the event. Elizabeth has been involved in fundraising for the lifeboat in Kilrush since the early 1990s, when the lifeboat station was established.
Elizabeth became an active fundraising committee member with the local branch and has held the positions of PRO, secretary and vice-chairperson, as well as chairperson.

Kilrush member Edel Glynn received a bronze badge. Since the establishment of Kilrush lifeboat station, Edel has been a supporter of the fundraising branch, helping out at collections and in the shop.

She formally became a committee member in 2009 and has held the positions of treasurer and assistant treasurer. Edel was instrumental in setting up the Kilrush coffee morning three years ago, which is now a staple event on the calendar. Her award was collected on her behalf by Elizabeth.

RNLI chairman Lord Boyce, who gave out the awards, spoke of his time as chairman of the charity and the pride he felt in representing it and in recognising the volunteers present for their commitment.

“Pride is something that links all of us; pride in the role we all have in saving lives at sea and proud to be part of a cause that prevents tragedies because we all know what the sea is capable of doing.

“We can only give our ­lifesavers everything they need and deserve because people like you lend your time, talents and support,” he said.

The RNLI operates more than 230 lifeboat stations, with 43 in Ireland. The RNLI is independent of the coast guard 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 137,000 lives.

The RNLI is a charity registered in Ireland, England and Scotland.