‘As soon as I turned 18 I was on a lifeboat' – Kilmore RNLI volunteer on 48 years of saving lives at sea
While the RNLI lifeboat Killarney is a familiar sight in the waters off Kilmore Quay, as it returned to shore on Saturday it was a momentous occasion. After 48 years volunteering, it would mark the last involvement of retiring coxswain Eugene Kehoe.
Over the years, Eugene has played a part in countless rescues and saved numerous lives in heavy seas off the Wexford coast. His first call-out was on a winter's night in 1977. A fresh-faced 18-year-old, he responded to the call aboard the Lady Murphy. There was a proud tradition of service in his family and he signed up to volunteer alongside his grandfather, father and uncles.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Irish Independent
Community turns out in force for Clogherhead RNLI Open Day
Running from 2pm to 5pm, the event drew families, sea-lovers, and curious onlookers from across County Louth and beyond. Guests had the rare opportunity to tour the station, meet the crew, and get an up-close look at the lifeboat and the equipment used in rescues along the coastline. Volunteers were on hand throughout the day to share stories, demonstrate procedures, and explain the vital role the RNLI plays in local and national search and rescue efforts. For many, it was a chance to appreciate the skill, commitment, and courage that go into every call-out. 'We were delighted to see such a strong turnout,' said a spokesperson for Clogherhead RNLI. 'It means a lot to us to show the community what their support makes possible.' The RNLI, which relies entirely on donations, provides a 24-hour rescue service across Ireland and the UK. Events like Sunday's Open Day not only raise essential funds but also help connect communities with the lifesaving work carried out by local volunteers. From curious children to long-time supporters, the afternoon proved a memorable and meaningful celebration of maritime safety and of the people who dedicate their time to protecting lives at sea.
Irish Independent
18-07-2025
- Irish Independent
Clogherhead RNLI to host family-friendly open day this Sunday
Running from 2pm to 5pm, the event offers a unique opportunity for the public to meet the dedicated volunteers who help save lives at sea along the Louth coastline. Visitors will be able to explore the lifeboat station, chat with crew members, and learn more about the essential life-saving work the RNLI carries out in local waters and beyond. Families, sea-lovers, and curious minds of all ages are encouraged to come along and see first-hand what goes into being part of one of Ireland's busiest lifeboat services. A spokesperson for Clogherhead RNLI said: 'We're really looking forward to welcoming the public into the station. It's a chance to show people what we do, why we do it, and how vital community support is to our operations.' The RNLI, a charity entirely reliant on donations, provides a 24-hour search and rescue service around the coasts of Ireland and the UK. Events like this Open Day play a crucial role in raising awareness and encouraging support for the organisation's lifesaving mission. So whether you're a long-time supporter or just curious about the work of the RNLI, head down to Clogherhead this Sunday for what promises to be an informative and inspiring afternoon.
The Irish Sun
14-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
Major rescue operation launched after two people, 20s, blown out to sea on dinghy off Donegal coast
TWO young people were rescued off Co Donegal after being swept out to sea in a dinghy. The frightening incident happened at Pollan Bay yesterday afternoon. 1 A major rescue operation occurred when two young people were swept out to sea Credit: Getty Images - Getty The pair, both in their twenties, had been caught by an offshore wind and dramatically swept out to sea. The alarm was raised shortly before 4pm on Sunday, when Malin Head Coast Guard tasked Lough Swilly Rescue 118, the The swift response of the Lough Swilly RNLI crews was crucial. READ MORE ON RNLI Joe Joyce of Lough Swilly RNLI said: "There was an off-shore wind blowing, today's outcome could have been so different". Both the all- The casualties were successfully located and taken aboard the Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat and then brought safely ashore. An ambulance and members of Most read in Irish News Joe Joyce of Lough Swilly RNLI paid tribute to the volunteer crew. He said: "There was a lot going on in Buncrana with the Urgent warning for Irish parents as RNLI issues major water safety advice ahead of school holidays The volunteer crew did well launching both boats so quickly." Earlier this year, a The Howth crew set off after receiving an alert at 9.49am following a request for assistance from a lone sailor, who was drifting rapidly offshore due to strong winds and "challenging sea state". The inshore lifeboat was quickly dispatched within 10 minutes with three crew on board. The crew made their way northeast of Howth to the position passed by the Within 10 minutes during the search, the crew had sight of the angling boat, which had drifted "a large distance from its last known position". Due to the worsening SAFE AND SOUND Once on the scene, the inshore lifeboat crew assessed the man on board, who was reported to be wearing a lifejacket and was unharmed. A decision was made to take the boat under tow immediately due to the speed of drift towards the shipping lanes, and they started to bring the vessel to shore safely. The all-weather lifeboat positioned itself ahead of the inshore lifeboat, absorbing the brunt of the heavy seas to make the tow safer and more manageable. The angling boat was successfully towed back to After the successful rescue, the lone sailor was praised for making the right call once he realised he was in trouble.
