Lough Ree RNLI volunteers mark 200 years in Dublin and Westminster

At North Wall Quay in Dublin volunteer helm Liam Sheringham was one of a number of RNLI crew from around the country who marked the birthday with the launch of two special edition stamps from An Post. The stamps were designed by Dave Mooney and by coincidence feature an Atlanic 85 lifeboat just like the ‘Tara Scougall’ which serves the community around Lough Ree.

Meanwhile in London, a special Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey was attended by three volunteers from Lough Ree RNLI, Lifeboat Operations Manager Kevin Ganly, Treasurer Vincent Rafter and Station Visits Officer Paul Kelly. They joined with colleagues from around Ireland and the UK to mark the foundation of the charity which was founded following a meeting in The London Tavern on this day in 1824.

Speaking after the ceremony Kevin Ganly said: ‘it was a real privilege to be part of a day which commemorates the past, celebrates the present and strives to inspire the future of the RNLI.’

The first RNLI lifeboat station was established in Arklow, Co. Wicklow in 1826, today there are 46 stations on the island of Ireland, Lough Ree RNLI is one of four which are on inland waters.

To mark the bicentenary Irish Rail facilitated the lighting up of the White Bridge in Athlone in yellow over the weekend. Further events are planned in the course of the year including a special ‘One Moment, One Crew’ occasion on 1 August and the arrival of a commemorative scroll which will visit selected lifeboat stations.

Note to picture editors: Athlone Town Bridge;

At Westminster (L-R) Vincent Rafter, Mark Dowie, CEO RNLI,Kevin Ganly, Paul Kelly.

At Dublin Port (L-R) Tom McGuire, Lifeboat Press Officer and Liam Sheringham, Lough Ree RNLI Helm.

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Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around Ireland and the UK. The RNLI operates 46 lifeboat stations in the Irish region. The RNLI is independent of Coast Guard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service.

RNLI at 200

In 2024, the RNLI celebrates 200 years of saving lives at sea – thanks to volunteers giving their time to save others, all funded by voluntary public donations. Throughout its 200^th anniversary year, the charity is running events and activities to commemorate its history, celebrate the lifesaving service it provides today, and inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters. For more information visit RNLI.org/200.

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.

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