Shane McCrudden, the Officer in charge at Killybegs Coast Guard, bid colleagues a bittersweet farewell yesterday as he moves on to a new role with the Irish Coast Guard.
McCrudden has been promoted to a full-time role as Sector Manager, marking an exciting new step in his career.
His departure from the Killybegs unit was commemorated with a special presentation last night.
Featured photo: Shane Mc Crudden and Ronan Mc Fadden, the Deputy Officer in charge of Killybegs Coast Guard
Killybegs CG members past and present gathered to wish Shane well, alongside members from Bundoran RNLI and the National Ambulance Service. Personal messages were shared in video form featuring people across the community, the political landscape and music star Daniel O’Donnell.
Expressing his gratitude, Shane shared with Donegal Daily: “It’s been the absolute honour and privilege of my life, to serve there for 14 years, not just in Killybegs Coast Guard but in south west Donegal and across Donegal as a county helping neighbouring units.
“Some of us went in as best friends, we are still best friends, but I made a lot more friends.”
Shane upskilled constantly throughout his tenure, progressing from Boat Coxswain to Climbing Instructor, and from Deputy Officer in Charge in 2017 to acting Officer in Charge for nearly three years before his recent appointment.
“It’s my life’s work. It’s an absolute passion,” he said.
“I will say the unit will grow even further now and get bigger and better, just as I hand over the baton to the next individual, whoever he or she may be.”
Photo credit: Killybegs Coast Guard
Photo credit: Killybegs Coast Guard
Although Shane will no longer be at the helm of the Killybegs unit, he won’t be too far away with his ongoing work with the Irish Coast Guard.
An online tribute from the Killybegs Coast Guard paid tribute to the ‘voice and face’ of the unit.
“Shane has passed on his many skills, talents and knowledge to current and past members over the years. He had the ability to keep a cool, calm, and professional approach to every situation he encountered,” they said.
“We are beyond sad to see Shane go but he has left us with an abundance of knowledge that has made our unit what it is today.
“Shane, from everyone here in the unit and indeed in Killybegs and beyond we wish you all the very best in your new role within the Irish Coast Guard. Thank you.”
