29/10/2008
Blessing Bessie
Lifeboat crew, fundraisers and supporters
braved a cold October wind to officially welcome the new Inshore
Lifeboat to Baltimore last Sunday. In a blessing ceremony
performed by Father Kevin O Regan and Reverend Bruce Hayes
the Atlantic 75, ‘Bessie’ was rolled out from
her base at the pier and presented to the public in front
of Baltimore Sailing Club. There was a tremendous showing
of strength from crewmembers old and new who proudly lined
up beside the Lifeboat. Bessie was made available as a resource
to the Irish Coast Guard in June and since then she has exceeded
all expectations in providing a rapid response to incidents
on the Islands and in the waters adjacent to Baltimore.
Declan Tiernan, the newly appointed Chairman
of Baltimore Lifeboat hosted the event. Lifeboat Operations
Manager Tom Bushe addressed the gathering and praised the
commitment of those involved in establishing the new boat
in Baltimore. Margo O Flynn who chairs the fundraising committee
was anxious to stress that the ‘credit crunch’
wasn’t going to be accepted as an excuse when her committee
come calling. The fundraising record locally is second to
none with Baltimore enjoying an enviable reputation throughout
Ireland and the UK for it’s remarkable efforts in raising
money for the RNLI. Kieran Cotter, Coxswain of the all weather
Lifeboat spoke of the planned developments at Baltimore Lifeboat
Station. The next four years will see changes which will conspire
to make Baltimore one of the best equipped lifeboat stations
in the UK and Ireland, or indeed perhaps in the world.
Mrs Naomi Hoare, wife of the late Rear Admiral
Desmond J Hoare was an honoured guest at the ceremony. Admiral
Hoare, originally from Cobh was involved in the development
of the rigid inflatable craft of which Bessie is an example.
Mrs Hoare was presented with a bouquet of flowers by Alice
Bushe, daughter of Lifeboat Operations Manager, Tom in recognition
of her late husbands invaluable contribution to the Lifeboat
service.
Rathmore Church choir provided the music at
an event which highlighted the remarkable tradition and commitment
to the Lifeboats that exists in Baltimore. Bessie was launched
into a grey, choppy sea helmed by Kieran Collins, son of the
long serving Coxswain the late Christy Collins showing how
the tradition of Lifeboating passes down through the generations.
Those who braved the chilly conditions were
invited to Jacob’s Lookout Restaurant where the fundraising
committee organised refreshments.
Photos of the event can be viewed here
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