One dedicated volunteer with the Arans Islands lifeboat crew is taking his place at the helm after more than a decade and a half of dedicated service.
Aran Islands RNLI volunteer, Noel Seoighe, completed his final assessment after months of hard work and determination and is now the ready to take command of the David Kirkaldy, all weather lifeboat.
Noel Seoighe has been volunteering with the Aran Islands RNLI for over 15 years, showing his dedication to the lifesaving work they do.
He began his journey with the RNLI as a crew member, and just last year, he qualified as an all-weather lifeboat navigator.
Last week, Noel was evaluated by Sean Ginnelly, Coastal Lifeboat Trainer. To pass out, Noel had a series of assessments both on and offshore, including search and rescue, navigation command and emergency procedures.
“It’s very rewarding to be part of such a vital service that helps people,” Noel said. “My uncles were part of the crew in the 70’s and 80’s, so it’s great to be able to play my part.”
When thinking back about his 15 years with the RNLI and all the stories and relationships he has gained, he’s reminded of how his life had almost started out on the lifeboat.
“Dr Marion Broderick reminded me that mom was rushed out on the lifeboat on Christmas Eve many years ago to give birth to me. Dr Broderick’s husband, MáirtÃn Fitzpatrick, was part of the crew that night.”
“It’s cool that I got to work on the lifeboat with MáirtÃn in my earlier years as a crew member.”
Noel will be on call as coxswain with the Aran Islands lifeboat crew in the upcoming weeks, and we wish him the best of luck in his new role.
