Kieran O’Donnell has been welcomed as the new coxswain of the Arranmore volunteer RNLI crew.
The crew and Kieran’s family gathered at the station to welcome him ashore following his assessment yesterday.
Kieran was appointed in August last year on the retirement of the then coxswain Jimmy Early.
Following his appointment, Kieran underwent extensive training with the RNLI which requires leadership skills, dedication and commitment and successfully completed his training and assessment in all aspects of saving lives at sea. During Kieran’s training, resilience coxswains provided cover for the lifeboat.
Former coxswain Sean O’Donnell and his son Kieran
Kieran paid tribute to all who helped him with the various aspects of the training. He said, ‘I want to thank all of the coxswains who came to Arranmore who gave of their time, patience, expertise and shared their knowledge with me on every stage of the journey.’
Kieran continued, ‘ My thanks also to all the crew who give of their time so willingly and finally, a huge thanks to my family for their constant care and support. I look forward to serving the community of Arranmore and of course the wider Donegal coastal area’.
Resilience coxswain Trevor Devereux from Kilmore Quay in Wexford said, ‘ I want to congratulate Kieran on his successful passing out as coxswain, Kieran worked and studied ceaselessly from the moment he was appointed. He was a pleasure to work with and is a huge asset to the RNLI. I wish him continued success and know that the Arranmore lifeboat is in safe hands.’
Kieran’s family celebrates his success
Trevor continued, ‘It is a real pleasure working with the Arranmore team and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on the island.’
Kieran has now taken up his full-time coxswain appointment with the Arranmore RNLI.
Arramore RNLI coxswains, Jimmy Early, (retired) Phiiip McCauley, Sean O’Donnell, (retired) Kieran O’Donnell, Jerry Early (retired) and Resilience coxswain Trevor Devereux from Kilmore Quay
The Arranmore volunteer RNLI crew and family of new coxswain Kieran O’Donnell were at the station to welcome him ashore following his assessment on Tuesday 9 June.
Arranmore crew have had a busy time recently, finishing the month of May with their ninth call to assist in a medical evacuation and starting June with a further two calls for a medical evacuation and to bring the NOWDOC (North West doctor on call) to assess a patient on the island. The lifeboat was also called to bring the NOWDOC doctor to the island on Sunday 8th June and on returning to Burtonport with the doctor, the crew was requested by Malin Head Coast Guard to assist a 40ft crabber boat 10 miles north east of Tory island with 5 people on board. The boat suffered engine failure and having assessed the situation the lifeboat crew decided to establish a tow and towed the boat to the safety of Magheraroarty pier.
On arrival at Magheraroarty the lifeboat crew were welcomed by a large group of people from Tory island and the surrounding area who were holding a fundraising event for the Arranmore RNLI.
The event, organised by Niamh Ní Dhubhgáin, honoured Henry O’Donnell who was a great supporter of Water Safety Ireland and the RNLI.
The event raised the incredible amount of €5.555 for the Arranmore RNLI and will be presented to the station at a later date. All at Arranmore lifeboat station extend their heartfelt thanks to all the organisers and all those who participated.
Tags:The late Henry O’Donnell honoured as RNLI fundraiser reels in €5,555
