Three crew members with the Galway RNLI have been presented with Long Service Awards in recognition of their dedication and commitment as long-serving volunteers with Galway Lifeboat Station.
At the One Crew Celebration to mark 30 years since the establishment of Galway RNLI, long service medals were presented to Les Perry, Volunteer Treasurer for the Fundraising Committee for 20 years’ service and to Barry Heskin and Shane Folan for 30 years’ service as lifeboat crew.
The event brought together former and current crew who have volunteered with Galway Lifeboat Station over the past 30 years.
It was a fitting time to present the long service awards with crew and fundraisers past and present, along with partners. The long service awards were presented by Anna Classon, RNLI Head of Region for Ireland.
Paul Carey, Acting Lifeboat Operations Manager at the Galway Lifeboat Station delivered a tribute to the long service award recipients. He spoke of how Les Perry became a volunteer and said:
“Les Perry grew up in Wexford and always heard stories of the great work of the volunteer crew at Kilmore Quay RNLI which very much impressed him.”
“Before retiring from his long and successful career in the insurance industry, he approached his good friend Pat Lavelle to ask him about volunteering and he was roped in immediately.”
“Les has been a dedicated Volunteer Treasurer on the Fundraising Committee for 20 years crossing the city and county of Galway emptying donation boxes, banking, posting receipts and thank you cards, placing Christmas cards and a whole lot more.”
“Les is a well-known face across the pubs of Galway for all the right reasons. We are honoured to present Les with his well-deserved 20 year service award and thank him for all he’s done.”
Barry Heskin was presented with a long service medal for 30 years’ volunteering. Paul Carey said, ‘Barry Heskin served as a crew member responding to countless callouts and rescues often in challenging and dangerous conditions.”
“He then progressed to the role of Helm leading crews at sea and ensuring safe and effective rescue operations and then on to being a Launch Authority at the station providing calm and decisive leadership from shore to ensure the lifeboat and crew could launch safely and swiftly whenever needed.”
‘A true team player and respected leader within the station, and he has contributed immensely to the management and operational success of the Galway Lifeboat Station. Your leadership, bravery, and dedication embody the very best of what the RNLI stands for.’
The final award of the evening was presented to Shane Folan for 30 years’ service as a volunteer. In his tribute, Paul Carey said, “Shane Folan, among his many achievements, holds the distinction of being the very first volunteer crew member officially enrolled at the Galway Lifeboat Station.”
“Since 28 May 1995 he has excelled at every position he has held, earning the respect of fellow crew members and the wider RNLI community as he progressed from crew, to Helm, to the role of Launch Authority that he currently holds.”
“In addition to his RNLI role, Shane contributes to local maritime safety through his position on the Galway Multi-Agency Search and Rescue Committee, and he is instrumental in the development work underway to introduce a new rescue craft on the River Corrib.”
“In acknowledging the long service awards for crew members we also have to recognise the families and partners of our crew for their unwavering support, understanding and sacrifices over the years.”
“Every time the pager sounds, it isn’t just the crew who answer the call but also the family who stand behind with patience and pride.”
