Wreath laid at sea by Fethard Lifeboat

By Dan Walsh

On Saturday, 25 years to the exact day since Fethard RNLI lifeboat station was re-established (July 10^th, 1966), following an absence of 82 years, a milestone was marked by a solemn ceremony at sea, where current lifeboat crew laid a wreath to remember all those involved with the station, who had passed away over the last 25 years.

The anniversary was originally to involve a large-scale exercise at sea, viewed by the public from Baginbun beach and involving Fethard RNLI, Kilmore Quay RNLI, Dunmore East RNLI and the Irish Coast Guard. Unfortunately, the display was postponed due to the ongoing restrictions for Covid, and it is now planned to take place on Sunday, September 12th.

Commenting on the 25th anniversary, Fethard RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Walter Foley said; “All of us involved with Fethard RNLI would like to sincerely thank our wonderful community who have supported this lifeboat station for the past 25 years. There are so many people involved with our station and we appreciate every one of them and the work they do.

‘Having a lifeboat station re-established after suffering such a loss as we did in 1914 is an incredible achievement. In the intervening years, our community decided they wanted their lifeboat back and campaigned and raised the funds necessary to return one to the area. There is a special bond between Fethard RNLI, and its community and it is the reason why we are still going strong today.”

An official event to mark the 25^th anniversary of the reopening of Fethard RNLI is due to take place on Baginbun beach on Sunday, September 12th. Further details will be available nearer the date.