Achill RNLI volunteers honoured for 20 years of lifesaving service in Mayo
Sean Ginnelly and Patrick McNamara receive RNLI Long Service Awards in recognition of two decades of dedication
Two of Achill Island RNLI’s longest-serving volunteers have been recognised for their outstanding commitment to lifesaving at sea after receiving prestigious 20-Year Long Service Awards from the RNLI.
Sean Ginnelly and Patrick McNamara were honoured at a special RNLI awards ceremony held at Clontarf Castle in Dublin, where volunteer lifeboat crew members from stations across the country were recognised for their service.
Mr Ginnelly serves as Coastal Lifeboat Trainer and Coxswain/Mechanic at Achill RNLI Lifeboat Station, while Mr McNamara is also a Coxswain/Mechanic with the station. Both men have dedicated two decades to serving their local community and responding to emergencies at sea along the Mayo coast.
The pair were praised by Achill RNLI for their unwavering commitment, professionalism and willingness to support and mentor newer members of the crew.
In a statement, the station described both volunteers as an inspiration to many of the people who have joined the crew in recent years.
“Sean and Patrick are always at hand to offer help and advice and pass on their vast knowledge and skills gained over 20 years as lifeboatmen,” the station said.
The station congratulated both men on their awards and thanked them for their dedication and commitment over the past 20 years.
Their experience has played a key role in training and supporting the next generation of RNLI volunteers in Achill, helping to ensure the station remains ready to respond to emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The recognition comes during a significant period for Achill RNLI, following preparations for the recent presidential visit to the island and continued efforts to recruit and train new volunteers to support the station’s work.