Clogherhead RNLI volunteers had a busy weekend commemorating the 125th anniversary of the RNLI lifeboat service at the station.
Weather conditions were favourable, wind was non-existent and the sun shone in a deep blue sky for all who came on board for the Clogherhead Lifeboat 125th Anniversary celebrations at the station last weekend.
It all started on Saturday 18th May when a group of very enthusiastic swimmers from all along the north-east coast took to the water for a Celebration Dip at, what is locally referred to in Clogherhead as, ‘The Little Strand’.
Shortly before their dip, the high-spirited swimmers and Clogherhead RNLI volunteers took part in the formation of a human 1-2-5 on the beach to be captured for posterity by drone.
The main event took place on Sunday afternoon when a large crowd converged on the lifeboat station at Clogherhead for what proved to be a glorious afternoon of commemoration, celebration, music, song, laughter and a reunion of old acquaintances.
A short ecumenical service conducted by Canon Joyce Moore, Fr. Paul Clayton-Lee, Fr. Paul Byrne and Rev. Brian O’Reilly after Clogherhead RNLI Chairman Noel Phillips welcomed everybody to the event.
Clogherhead RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Tony Campion initiated a wreath laying ceremony in remembrance of all past volunteers and casualties who had died since Clogherhead lifeboat came into service in 1899.
Music was the order of the day then as the crowd was entertained for the afternoon by Callystown N.S. Children’s Choir, the melodic Oriel Sounds, traditional music group Triskell joined by Stevie Dunne, super duo Conor Judge and Caoimhin Seery and the ever impressive Drogheda Male Voice Choir with David Leddy.
The boathouse itself housed an historical exhibition compiled by Tony Campion detailing all the lifeboats that have served at Clogherhead station from 1899 up to the present day.
There were many other activities ongoing all afternoon including a sandcastle competition, face-painting, refreshments, a raffle, gift buying at the RNLI Shop and, of course, the obligatory cup of tea with an RNLI bun!
All in all, it was a truly memorable occasion for lots of reasons and all credit is due to the group of Clogherhead RNLI volunteers who organised and supervised it all. Their mission to save lives at sea continues. Their presence at Clogherhead has been a strong one for the past 125 years and we wish them the very best into the future.
