REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE AT THE GALWAY LIFEBOAT STATION ON WEDNESDAY 17 JUNE 1998
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE AT THE GALWAY LIFEBOAT STATION ON WEDNESDAY 17 JUNE 1998
I would like to thank all of you for your warm welcome this morning – and I have to say that I am delighted to have this opportunity to see Lifeboat House – to meet the members of the station – and to pay tribute to the important work that you do for those who use Galway Bay for their livelihoods and leisure. You are providing an invaluable rescue service to people who can find themselves in perilous situations – where adventure can so easily turn to tragedy.
- Galway Lifeboat Station is a relatively recent arrival to the RNLI network – and it arose out a perceived need by a group of people in 1990 – who were conscious of the growing use of the Bay and the increase in the number of ‘emergencies’ over the previous few years. The decision to locate the station here and to put an Atlantic 21’ lifeboat on a year’s evaluation was very quickly vindicated – and has lead to the construction of this new permanent station with the first Irish inshore lifeboat – the Atlantic 75 – in Irish lifeboat history. Galway Bay Lifeboat Station is now one of the 37 Lifeboat Stations around the Irish coast – at which there are a total of 44 lifeboats.
- Of course, a lifeboat of itself is of no use without a crew - and I want to use this opportunity to pay tribute to the volunteers at Galway Station – who give of their time and resources so that they can help others in a time of crisis. So often we hear of a day’s outing which can quickly turn to tragedy when the unthinking sea or wind can completely change a day of enjoyment and fun into a nightmare. Members of the RNLI all over Ireland are constantly putting their own lives at risk in the service of others – with 730 people being assisted in 1997 – of which 226 were lives saved. I know that from time to time in the history of the RNLI – tragedy has struck – with some members paying the ultimate price in attempting to help others. That people are prepared to do that for others is deserving of the high commendation and praise – and the members of the lifeboat service will always command the highest respect amongst uses of the sea and ‘landlubbers’ alike.
- I know that the number of people who are taking to the sea for sport and leisure is constantly on the increase – and that the demands on your resources will continue to rise in the years and decades ahead. It is important that all users of the sea should be aware of the dangers involved – so that they can minimise the risks to themselves and others through being ill equipped or unprepared. However, I know that the crews of the RNLI are prepared to take on the most precarious situations without being judgmental about those they assist. Speaking of rescues reminds me of the story about the naval officer who fell overboard and was rescued by a deckhand. When asked his rescuer how he could reward him for saving his life, the man said “the best way Sir, is to say nothing to anybody – because if the others knew what I’d just done, they’d throw me overboard!”. Obviously, it wasn’t the Irish Navy.
- Finally I would like again to thank you for receiving me today – and I want to wish you well in your important and vital work for the users of Galway Bay.