Bundoran RNLI crew named Emergency Response Team of the Year
Bundoran RNLI crew named Emergency Response Team of the Year
At a ceremony on Saturday night (24th January), the volunteer crew of Bundoran RNLI Lifeboat were awarded the Emergency Response Team of the Year – awarded as part of the 2015 Community and Council Awards which are celebrated by LAMA (Local Authority Members Association).
The ceremony took place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Santry, County Dublin and saw community groups from all over the country recognised for their achievements in the past year. The lifeboat crew from Bundoran, who are celebrating their 40th anniversary, were nominated by Donegal County Councillor Barry O’Neill who said ‘what this crew do is of upmost importance not just to Bundoran but to the whole region and they are carrying on a legacy for the people who had the vision to establish the service in the first place.’
Accepting the award on behalf of the crew at the ceremony, volunteer Press Officer Shane Smyth along with senior helm for Bundoran RNLI Elliot Kearns said ‘we are thrilled to be here tonight to accept this award for the volunteer crew which is a testament to their commitment to the RNLI ethos of saving lives at sea. Each one of our crew, be they on the boat or not, volunteers their time and skills all year round in order to keep our coastline safer and I know they will be delighted with this accolade tonight.’
Darren Byers, RNLI Divisional Operations Manager added ‘This is a great honour for Bundoran RNLI. Every one of our lifeboat stations operates to the highest standards. What many people will not know is that behind the big rescues and stories there is a dedicated group of people who train all year round and who are always ready to drop everything to ensure the lifeboat launches to help those in trouble. From the lifeboat crew to the shore crew and station management to the dedicated fundraisers, they all work together on behalf of their community to rescue, to serve, to raise awareness and to educate. Well done to everyone at Bundoran RNLI.’
The award comes less than a week ahead of the crew’s 40th annual fundraising dinner dance which takes place at the Great Northern Hotel in Bundoran on Friday January 30th at which country star Johnny Brady will play.
Ends
