REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MCALEESE AT THE NAMING OF THE LIFEBOAT ‘ROBERT HYWEL JONES WILLIAMS’
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MCALEESE AT THE NAMING OF THE LIFEBOAT ‘ROBERT HYWEL JONES WILLIAMS’ FENIT LIFEBOAT STATION, CO. KERRY
Tá áthas an domhain orm bheith anseo in Fhianait inniu chun an bád breá seo a ainmniú ar son an RNLI. Tá mé thar a bheith buíoch díbh as an chuireadh a thug sibh dom bheith i bhur dteannta inniu.
It is a great pleasure for me to be with you today for the official naming of Fenit Station’s new lifeboat. Today, we remember with thanks the generosity of Robert Hwyel Jones Williams, whose bequest has enabled the Station to acquire this wonderful new boat and which is being named in his honour.
The RNLI has a long and proud history of saving lives on these islands over the past 175 years. We will shortly celebrate the 150th anniversary of its establishment in Ireland, and I am sure that is a matter of some pride to the people of Fenit that this was the first station to operate on the West coast of Ireland, back in 1879.
As an island nation, we know only too well the extraordinary beauty of the seas which surround us. It is one of our key natural resources, providing for generations a means of livelihood and survival to countless coastal communities. In more recent times, it has has been a mainstay of our tourist industry. But we know also the danger it holds, the lives it has taken and the many more lives which would have been lost had it not been for the dedication and courage of voluntary crews in stations such as this around the country. Sadly, not every mission can be successful. This was brought home to us very forcefully with the recent tragic deaths of the four brave members of the Air Corps who had been involved in a search and rescue mission off the Waterford coast. The fact that the rescue itself was successful, and that it was the rescuers who lost their lives highlights the courage of the men and women in the RNLI who risk their lives to save the lives of others.
I know that the crews here in Fenit have been the deserving recipients of many awards for bravery down through the years. Today, we remember with gratitude those who have served here in the past, and we extend a very special, heartfelt thank you to the present day men and women who serve in the station. It is not only the spectacular acts of bravery you should be proud of, but also the day-in day-out commitment to training in all weathers, to answering calls for help, whatever the time of day or night. It is even more remarkable that you do so in a voluntary capacity. On behalf of the Irish people, and especially all those who have received your help over the years, I would like to warmly commend you for your courage, selflessness and community spirit.
It is that voluntary ethos which has enabled the RNLI to survive and flourish down through the years. Technology may have changed the means of rescue, but one thing which has remained the same is the simple, single goal of the RNLI: to save life at sea. Your vital work would not be possible if it were not for the generosity of the Irish people and many individual benefactors. I know that fundraising is a time-consuming and often thankless job, but it is an essential part of your work and one which deserves recognition. I would therefore like to warmly commend the fundraising branch here in Fenit for their tireless work and the major contribution they have made to the success of the station and today’s ceremony in particular.
One of the keys to the RNLI’s success has been the wonderful sense of teamwork and co-operation which exists: between members, between crews and with the Irish Marine Emergency Service. Marine emergencies do not recognise boundaries of nationality or location. So it is both appropriate and essential that the RNLI is such a fine example of an all-island organisation and of Irish-UK co-operation and mutual support.
This occasion provides a very welcome opportunity for me to meet with many members of the RNLI. I would like to pay tribute to Roland Blennerhassett, Chairman of Fenit Lifeboat Station, and all of the branch committee members for their unwavering commitment and dedication. I am also very aware that you could not provide your excellent service if it were not for the support of all your families, spouses, partners and friends – especially when a call comes at 5 o’clock on a winter morning.
In naming this lifeboat, I would like to express the appreciation and gratitude of the people of Ireland to all of you. Go gcúití Dia bhur saothar daoibh.
I name this lifeboat RNLB ‘Robert Hwyel Jones Williams’. May God bless and protect Her and all who sail in Her.