02/06/2004

Lifeboat in final salute

It is with great sadness that we salute the contribution of Bernard O’Driscoll, who died on May 30th this year, to the RNLI. The whole community in Baltimore was shocked by his death and in particular the lifeboat crew and committees deeply mourn his passing. Bernard was so much a part of village life and also played such an important role in the lifeboat that he was known by everybody, indeed he had only recently stepped down from his role as Hon Secretary after a tenure of a decade, to take on the less demanding role of Deputy Launching Authority. His affable smile, and humorous wit won him many friends. He was generous with his time, having a word for everyone that crossed his path.

He ran a very successful Guest House, the Corner House, was the Post-master of the local Post Office where he dispensed nuggets of information to all, and he ran the Lifeboat restaurant, a place where you could eat his delicious home-made soup and freshly baked soda bread. He was twice chieftain of the O’Driscoll clan and was always at the centre of the hospitality for their annual gatherings. For ten years he was the launching authority for the Baltimore Lifeboat, responding to calls at all hours of the day and night with the assistance of his wife Bernadette. He was a devoted husband and father who enjoyed the company of his family, taking pride and pleasure in their pursuits.

He was waked in the Corner House on the night before the funeral, lovingly cared for by his wife, Bernadette, family and friends. The next day the crew of the lifeboat formed a guard of honour as his coffin was removed to the Church, each one stunned and speechless at the loss. The whole community stood still in silent respect for his last journey through the village. Mourners travelled from near and far to pay their respects to a man who was quiet and unassuming.

At the church in Rath, a huge crowd gathered. Fr. Pierce Kenny led the service as a celebration of his life, but when the combined voices of the lifeboat crew joined in song for the lifeboat anthem, there was no holding back the emotion. Their raw and unrehearsed voices touched each of us and permitted us to feel our grief. At the graveside, their was a final salute from the Sikorsky Air Sea Rescue Helicopter.

Nobody likes to say goodbye, but in cases of sudden death that luxury is not afforded to family or friend. But we must say goodbye to Bernard O’Driscoll, in the only way we can, with a quiet dignity and regard for his life tragically cut short. Our deepest sympathies go to his wife Bernadette and his children Kathryn and Peter, the O’Driscoll clan and the Hearty family. May He Rest in Peace.

Home, Home from the sea,
Angels of Mercy, answer our plea
and carry him home, home from the sea,
carry him safely home from the sea

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