Two Ulster voices feature on RNLI podcast series

Peter, a former RNLI naval architect tells of how his design was the one accepted for a new all-weather lifeboat for the charity. In Grand Designs we hear the story of the creation design and development of the Shannon class, all the RNLI all-weather fleet are named after rivers. Describing it as the ‘pinnacle of my career’ Peter takes us from first draft to first launch. The podcast will be available on the RNLI 200 Voices platform from Thursday 19 October.

The RNLI’s ‘Float to Live’ message is at the heart of Stronger Together by Paddy McLoughlin. A volunteer helm at Red Bay, Paddy is also a trustee of the RNLI. In this episode he tells how a unique partnership between the charity and the Gaelic Athletic Association has grown. There have been up to 120 accidental drownings on the island of Ireland every year. Following one of these tragedies involving a GAA club member this partnership was born. Paddy tells of important water safety messages delivered on big days in Croke Park and the potential for expansion with 330 GAA clubs within a 10km radius of one of the 46 lifeboat stations in Ireland. Stronger Together can be heard on 200 Voices from Friday next 20 October.

Among the episodes from Ireland already available to listen to on the RNLI 200 Voices podcast are:

· Niamh Fitzpatrick Remembers One of Our Own, a personal reflection on how after losing her sister Dara at sea, Niamh talks about how much the RNLI means to her.

· Road to Recovery, Portrush lifeguard Annie Jagoe on how paths cross when a casualty she rescued makes it back to the water.

· Fr. Tom Dalton, a Courtown RNLI crew member where the Co. Wexford priest describes what is like when rescue turns into recovery in Pulling Together.

· In The Calm Before Force 10 Baltimore RNLI’s Kieran Cotter remembers an event that was to change yacht racing forever, the 1979 Fastnet tragedy the fateful call out and the response to the disaster.

· Storms & Teacups, former President Mary McAleese reflects on the role of RNLI in the community

· The challenge of saving lives in a remote place is the theme of Outer Limits by Aran Islands doctor Marion Broderick.

· In Float to Live Lough Derg volunteer helm and poet describes her experience of being on both sides of a rescue.

The unique podcast series will hear from people connected to the RNLI in Ireland and those whose lives have been touched by the lifesaving charity. Hear from locals with a special kinship to their lifeboat station, a crew member who’s been on service for a generation, or the family of someone rescued by an RNLI frontline lifesaver – each episode is sure to take the listener on a journey through a touching story.

Later in the autumn the series will also hear from celebrity ambassadors including musician Phil Coulter on his writing of the RNLI anthem ‘Home from the Sea’.

Available across all podcast platforms and the RNLI’s website, listeners can hear from survivors, supporters, volunteers, lifeguards, celebrity ambassadors, historians and many more from across Wales, England, Scotland Ireland and beyond.

Launch into a podcast like no other: Listen to the RNLI’s 200 Voices daily, wherever you get your podcasts or at RNLI.org/200Voices.

To find out more about the RNLI’s bicentenary, visit www.RNLI.org/200.

Notes to Editor:

· Episodes attached for preview.

· Pictures attached.

· An RNLI spokesperson is available for interviews.

· An audio trailer for 200 Voices can be downloaded here and a video trailer can be downloaded here.

· Find out more about the RNLI’s bicentenary at RNLI.org/200

RNLI media contacts

To arrange an interview or for more information about the 200 Voices podcast series, contact Tom McGuire, RNLI Regional Media Officer, on [email protected] or 00 353 874 764 436

Alternatively you can contact the RNLI Press Office on [email protected] or 00 441202 336789.

RNLI online

For more information on the RNLI please visit rnli.org. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI News Centre rnli.org/news-and-media.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,200 lives.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.