The annual fundraising dinner in aid of Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat was held on Wednesday, 8 February, at The Grain Store, Ballymaloe, in East Cork, with special guest, Phil Coulter.

Tickets sold out well in advance of the event, with the proceeds going towards the RNLI’s, Lifejackets for Lifesavers, appeal.  The RNLI have designed innovative lifejackets in consultation with their lifeboat crew members and are due to replace all lifejackets in every lifeboat station in Ireland later this year.  Events are being run to fund this and the event at The Grain Store, Ballymaloe, will be used to fund the replacement of lifejackets at Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat station.

In her speech, Ms. Fiona Flynn, Chairman of the Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat fundraising committee, welcomed the guests to the event.   She informed them that RNLI lifeboats responded to over 980 calls for assistance in 2011, rescuing over 900 persons. Ballycotton lifeboat launched 14 times in 2011, 7 of which were night time rescues.  She explained that the volunteer crew at Ballycotton spent 170 hours at sea during these shouts and a further 560 hours on training exercises.  When Ms. Flynn finished, Rory Allen then welcomed the special guest of the evening, Phil Coulter.

To check the guests’ vocals the evening’s entertainment was opened with a rousing rendition of Ireland’s Call.  Phil Coulter sang a few more songs before introducing an array of amazing entertainers.  The first on stage was Christine Moran, a 13 year old from Aghada.  She wowed the audience with her rendition of Danny Boy, accompanied on the piano by the maestro himself.  Following a second song from Christine, Deirdre Casey from Shanagarry took to the stage.  She was followed by dance duo, Keith & Futo.  Aghada’s answer to West Life took to the stage in the guise of Eddie & Paddy, accompanied by Rory Allen on guitar.  In between their two songs, Paddy kept the audience entertained with his stories.

Michael Cahill and Shannon Burke showed their Irish dancing skills before Roisin Donohoe took to the stage with her harp.  This 15 year old, Junior Certificate student from Kinsale, amazed the audience with her skill on the harp. Before she left the stage she set her harp aside to sing unaccompanied.  Roisin’s proud mother later told a guest she also plays the viola and had actually won a competition earlier that day.  The Armani Acrobats rounded up that section of the entertainment.

Following the presentation of the Ballycotton Lifeboats book, Ballycotton Lifeboats, 150 Years of Gallantry, by Fiona Flynn to Phil Coulter a very enjoyable evening was finished up when all those who participated in the entertainment returned to the stage and joined in with the guests to sing Home from the Sea, under the direction and musical accompaniment of Phil Coulter.

An impromptu traditional session then commenced with a couple of guests observed dancing to the music.  A very enjoyable evening was had by all and a general reluctance by some to end their night out.

Ever wonder how far it is from Cork to Swansea?  Staff at the 4 star Garryvoe Hotel, on the shore of Ballycotton Bay in East Cork, decided to run a fundraising event that would cover the distance to raise funds for their local RNLI lifeboat station across the bay in Ballycotton.

Proposals were put forward and the idea of Swimming to Swansea was born.  It is approx. 314 kms from Cork to Swansea and the organisers wondered if they could cover the distance in 24 hours.  Those taking part quickly realised that if this mammoth task was to succeed they would need some help.  Posters were put up in the hotel leisure centre looking for volunteers.  Leisure centre members interested in taking part were encouraged to take sponsorship cards.

On Saturday, 23 July 2011, at 8am, a team of 25 swimmers started a relay swim in the Garryvoe hotel leisure centre swimming pool.  Their aim was to swim 80 kms in 12 hours.  When the swimmers were finished their part of the swim they were presented with a bag with fruit and bottled water, sponsored by the Village Greengrocer in Castlemartyr.

The second part of the fundraising event was to row the balance of the distance, i.e. 234 kms. Approaches were made to the Fastnet Line, who kindly agreed to sponsor the return trip for the fundraising team and provided a cabin to rest in between rowing.  At 6pm on the 23rd a team of 9 rowers took a bus from the Garryvoe Hotel to Ringaskiddy to catch the Fastnet Line ferry to Swansea.  They brought three rowing machines with them. Two came from the Garryvoe Hotel leisure centre and a third was provided by T&T Fitness.

The 9 rowers formed three teams of 3 and commenced rowing on deck in relays.  They rowed from Cork to Swansea.  While one team was rowing the others rested in the cabin provided by the Fastnet Line.  To ensure the fundraisers got the best support possible, and raised as much money for Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat as they could, regular announcements were made throughout the ship encouraging travellers to visit the rowers and offer their support.  RNLI lifeboat collection buckets were placed close to the rowing machines and passengers dropped money into them to help with the sponsorship effort.

The weary but delighted team of swimmers and rowers completed their 314 kms task.  In January 2012, when all funds were counted, Stephen Belton, General Manager, and staff at Garryvoe Hotel presented a cheque for €3,500 to members of the Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat fundraising committee.  Mr. Belton related that the staff at Garryvoe Hotel were delighted to support this local charity.  Committee Chairman, Fiona Flynn, said the funds raised by the Garryvoe Hotel and Leisure Centre staff and members would go towards on-going training of lifeboat crew.  Ms Flynn thanked them for their efforts and explained how much it is appreciated by all involved at Ballycotton RNL lifeboat station.

We queued up at Garryvoe in East Cork on Christmas morning to park our car.  I wondered had I hibernated for six months and awoken in a different season.  When it was our turn to go we had to park the car three quarters way down the promenade and walk back to the hub of the activity.  This was not a normal day; the swimmers were all going to swim for charity.

We got out of the car wrapped in our winter woollies and fleece lined jackets.  A strong wind was blowing, bringing with it the rain and the cold.  We were greeted by people wrapped in towels.  Many had Santa hats on and towels wrapped around them.  I felt the odd one out with my jacket keeping me warm and dry.

There was no hanging around.  They were on a mission and that was to do what they were paid to do, get wet.  The Irish lifeboat service was one of several charities represented at Garryvoe this Christmas morning.  The banter was good humoured but their reason for being there was serious.

In 2010, when many were sitting down to their Christmas dinner the crew of the Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat launched to assist three persons who had become stranded on the island off Ballycotton pier by the incoming tide.  Ralph Gunn is one of many who happily give up an hour on Christmas Day for this well needed charity.  Who knows when you or a friend or even a member of your family will need to call on this service?  The Irish lifeboat service depends on donations and fundraising events to operate this free service.  Ballycotton in East Cork is one of over forty RNLI lifeboat stations throughout Ireland who are on standby 24 / 7 and they are very thankful for all the support they have received in 2011.

They swam in the snow in 2010 on Christmas morning for Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat.  Would you look forward to your Christmas Day swim this year?  Ralph Gunn’s hardy men and women are.

They are gearing up to take their annual Christmas morning swim at Garryvoe Beach in East Cork at 12 noon in aid of Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat.  The swimmers are currently looking for sponsorship for their efforts but are always interested in swelling their numbers.  If there is anyone interested in fundraising by taking a dip at Garryvoe Beach for Ballycotton lifeboat they could contact 087 4151475.

The swim at Garryvoe has become a Christmas Day tradition for many in East Cork.  If they are not going into the water many travel to the beach to support the swimmers and wish all a Happy Christmas.

Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat station are thankful for the support given to them throughout the year.  Weather permitting, crew members will be seen in their lifeboat boarding boat at Garryvoe in support of those taking a dip for them this Christmas morning.

Many supporters of Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat look forward to their annual fundraising event at Ballymaloe House early in the New Year.  Around this time of year their thoughts go to booking their tickets and supporting this worthy cause.

Phil Coulter has been a great supporter of the RNLI lifeboat service in Ireland for many years.  What many people don’t know is that he was in Ballycotton when, going down the hill to the pier, past the lifeboat house and onto the steps leading up to the storm wall that runs along the length of the pier, the final verse of Home from the Sea came to him.

The Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat fundraising committee are organising their annual event in the impressive Grain Store at Ballymaloe House on Wednesday, 8 February 2012, and Phil Coulter has kindly agreed to act as host.  Tickets are €65 and are available from the organising committee.  Enquiries can be made by ringing 087 4151475 or via email to ballycottonrnli14@eircom.net.  These tickets  would make a wonderful Christmas present, with something to look forward to in the New Year and supporting the Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat at the same time.

The organisers are thrilled that Phil Coulter will be hosting the event and are thankful for the continued support of management and staff at Ballymaloe House.  They hope the event will be well supported and will be a good start to their fundraising efforts in 2012 for the vital RNLI lifeboat service at Ballycotton.

 

Related Video:

Santa Claus is in a bit of a pickle this year.  He didn’t take up the scrappage scheme and now realises his sleigh has seen better days.  It is going to need considerable work done in order to pass its NCT in January.  At this late stage in the year he can’t bring it into the workshop or it won’t be ready for Christmas and he can’t disappoint the children.  He will have to draw up a contingency plan.

As Ireland is surrounded by water there is the possibility that Santa’s sleigh could run into difficulties at sea.  His sleigh can land anywhere but how would he get ashore if he had to ditch it at sea.  He knows the RNLI lifeboats are on call 24 / 7 and has been talking to members of the crew at Ballycotton in East Cork.

Santa usually takes the reindeers for a run a week before Christmas to get them ready for Christmas Eve.  He has arranged to do an exercise with Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat on Saturday, 17 December, at 12 noon.  The lifeboat crew will rescue him and bring him ashore at Ballycotton pier so he knows what to expect in case of such an event occurring.

Santa Claus is inviting children to come down to meet him at noon on Saturday, 17 December on Ballycotton pier.   He would like to hear what they want for Christmas and in return is looking for some ideas on what he should do in case his sleigh breaks down and he needs help.  His time will be short in Ballycotton as his sleigh will only stay afloat for a couple of hours.

The volunteers at Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat station have told Santa they will be ready to answer his call (or anyone else’s for that matter) if the need arises.  Santa hopes he will meet plenty of children before he has to return to his sleigh so, children, don’t disappoint him.

THE YOUGHAL RNLI was launched for the second time in a week on Thursday 1st December at 13:47. It went to the aid a 20ft fishing vessel with 3 persons on board that had broken down with engine failure 2 miles south of Black Ball Head. Weather conditions were calm at the time.

The Youghal Lifeboat The Patricia Jennings with its volunteer crew Patsy O’ Mahony, Thomas Cliffe and helmsman John Griffin Jnr arrived on scene and established a tow.  The fishing vessel along with the 3 casualties were towed safely to the Shipping Quay in Youghal where the Lifeboat handed over to the Youghal Coast Guard. Pic: John Hennessy | website: www.jhennessy.net

 

Related Video: Youghal Emergency Services Demonstration 2009

Youghal Emergency services in action in Youghal, An exercise involving the RNLI, Coast Guard, Ambulance Services, Civil Defence and Air Rescue, This exercise was carried out near Claycastle Beach, where there was a command post set up, including a decontamination area.

9:03 PM 30th Nov. 2011
Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat was launched this evening, Wednesday, 30 November, at 2040 hours to an Irish registered fishing vessel taking water approx. 20 miles south east of Ballycotton.  The Waterford based Coastguard helicopter, Rescue 117, was also launched and is en route to the fishing vessel.  Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat is expected to be with the casualty at approx. 2130 hours.  Weather conditions are rough with winds blowing Force 8 in the area.  When on scene attempts will be made to place a salvage pump aboard the fishing vessel to help manage the water intake and the fishing vessel will be taken under tow. More to follow later….

Wed, Nov 30th, 2011 at 11:17 PM - Latest : The alarm was raised this evening, 30 November, by an Irish registered fishing vessel taking in water approx. 20 miles south east of Ballycotton.  Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat and the Waterford based Coastguard helicopter, Rescue 117, were requested to launch to lend assistance.

With winds blowing up to Force 8 in Ballycotton the RNLI lifeboat, Austin Lidbury, with its volunteer crew, slipped her moorings at 2045 hours and headed towards the fishing vessel’s reported position.  The four man crew of the fishing vessel were keeping the water intake under control with buckets and steamed their fishing boat towards the oncoming lifeboat.  Conditions in the area were poor, with high winds, rough seas and squally showers.  At 2140 hours the Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat arrived on scene with Rescue 117 arriving shortly thereafter.

The emergency services stood by the fishing vessel while it headed towards Ballycotton harbour under its own power.  Rescue 117 returned to base having updated themselves on the situation and the Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat escorted the fishing vessel for the remainder of the journey.  The fishing vessel arrived in Ballycotton at 2300 hours and an RNLI salvage pump was placed aboard to extract the excess water.  The four man crew offered their thanks to the emergency services for the assistance given.

Plan A on Friday evening last was to swim from the Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat slip, out around Ballycotton lighthouse and back to the lifeboat slip.  The August weather had other ideas.  The event organisers arrived in Ballycotton at 3:30pm, reviewed the conditions in Ballycotton Bay and put Plan B into action.  Three buoys were placed in the Bay and the 45 swimmers had to swim around these to complete the 3.5 km swim. Photos: Courtesy of Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat

The swim was organised by the Munster Open Water Swimming Organisation and they travelled from as far as Limerick in the west to Waterford in the east and places in between.  The swimmers ranged in age from 13 to 65 years.  They were started in five different groups, at five minute intervals, the slower starting first and the fastest in the last group.  By doing this the field would have tightened up towards the end of the swim.  Each group was accompanied by kayakers for the entire swim.  The organisers had two ribs in the area also.  The Ballycotton RNLI all weather lifeboat, Austin Lidbury, kept careful watch over the swimmers in the middle of Ballycotton  Bay and their boarding boat, with two lifeboat crewmembers aboard, moved throughout the entire route.
There was a sprint for the finish between two swimmers, who completed the course in 50 minutes.  The camaraderie among the group was infectious and the many onlookers felt involved.  Having swum the 3.5 km course they then waited on the Ballycotton lifeboat slip for the other contestants to finish.

One of the organisers, Carol Cashell, explained that all entrants had to have swum a 3 km open water competition previously to qualify.  She related that the swimmers enjoy the freedom of swimming long distances in the open water.  Carol confirmed 32 did this swim last year, when they successfully swam around Ballycotton lighthouse, 6 have swum the English Channel, 6 have done the Straits of Gibraltar and 2 have swum around Manhattan Island in the US.  When asked about the weather conditions and how they affected the swimmers she explained that they don’t particularly like the sunny days as this blinds them.  They would have been happy enough with the misty evening they were faced with.  However, by the end of the swim the sun shone on this harty group.

This event was a fundraising effort for Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat.  Initially an email was sent to 150 swimmers listed on the Sandycove mailing list.  By the morning of the event, Friday 19 August, 45 swimmers, 14 kayakers and 2 ribs had volunteered their time and energy to help raise funds for our lifeboat service.  Carol explained that the swimmers have done swims such as this for other lifeboat stations in Co. Cork, e.g. Courtmacsherry, Kinsale, Crosshaven.  As a charity the RNLI appreciates efforts such as this in support of their lifeboats which offers a free service to those in trouble at sea. When the swim was finished and all swimmers had safely completed the course they left with the promise that they would be back again next year.

Click here to visit the Ballycotton RNLI Lifeboat website

11th January 2011

Tuesday, January 11th, the Commissioners of Irish Lights confirmed that their last nine remaining fog signals – including those at Roches Point and Ballycotton – will immediately cease operations.

While the Commission states that it consulted widely about its decision, Youghal Fishermen’s Co-Op member, Sean Murphy stated, “It is a bad idea to discontinue the fog horn service which is an immensely valuable aid to the fisherman and small boat users. The fog horn signal from the Ballycotton Lighthouse is a navigation aid back to the safety of Youghal Harbour when fog at sea. Anything that helps at sea is vital. Not all vessels have GPS, especially smaller boats. It’s a ludicrous idea. Why are they doing this?”

The Commission has been closing fog signals on a ‘case by case basis’ over the past 20 years and state that they are no longer ‘an aid to navigation.’

Text below from the The Commissioners of Irish Lights Website
Termination of Fog Signals
The Commissioners of Irish Lights announce that their last 9 remaining fog signals will no longer operate after today.

Although we have been closing fog signals on a case by case basis for over 20 years, the 2010 Aids to Navigation (AtoN)  Review re-confirmed that fog signals can no longer be considered as AtoN.

The recommendations in the Review were accepted by the Boards of the GLAs and the Marine Users Consultative Committee.

Irish Lights provide an integrated service of Aids to Navigation in British and Irish waters with our sister Services -Trinity House and Northern Lighthouse Board. Our mandate is to provide Aids to Navigation commensurate with the amount and nature of marine traffic and the degree of risk.

Then 3 GLAs carry out a joint AtoN Review every 5 years. The 2010/2015 Review commenced in May 2009 and was completed and published in May 2010. Each AtoN is examined with regard to the amount of traffic and the degree of risk and whether the AtoN remains relevant.

This review is available on the CIL website at www.cil.ie/publications

CIL published a Notice to Mariners, No 10 of 2010 on 24th September 2010 advising that the remaining fog signals would be closed down on or about the 11th January 2011.

Text below from LORNA SIGGINS, Marine Correspondent with the Irish Times

THE COMMISSIONERS of Irish Lights says it consulted widely about its decision to discontinue the last fog signals around the coastline.

Nine lighthouses directly run by the lighthouse authority will stop using their fog signals tomorrow, while several other lighthouses run by local authorities or harbour boards, including Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin, will also fall silent.

A number of other fog signals were discontinued over the previous 20 years.

The last nine directly run are at Fastnet, Old Head of Kinsale, Roches Point and Ballycotton on the Cork coastline; Hook Head and Tuskar Rock, Co Wexford; the Kish tower off Dublin Bay; Dundalk, Co Louth; and St John’s Point in Co Down.

Capt Kieran O’Higgins of the commissioners said the decision was notified to mariners last September, and was taken due to rapid advances in marine navigation technology, and the fact fog signals are “not an aid to navigation”.

However, a former master of the Jeanie Johnston , Capt Michael Coleman said he did not believe the decision had been adequately publicised. Many small boat users without electronic equipment could rely on a such signal for their safe passage in thick fog, and even bigger boats with satellite equipment could be affected if they had a power failure in a hazardous situation, he said.

Irish Fishermen’s Organisation chairman Ebbie Sheehan said it was probably true that fog signals were no longer required by most fishing vessels equipped with an “array of electronic aids”.

“On the other hand if you have a problem with your equipment and you are coming in to Castletownbere in thick fog from the west and hear the foghorn on the Bull Rock to the southeast, you know you are north of it and safe,” he said.

“So the horn does have its uses, and small boat owners might miss it.”

Most mariners now rely on satellite navigation, through the global positioning system (GPS).

However, the Commissioners of Irish Lights also warn shipowners, fishing vessels and marine leisure users to ensure that no single aid to navigation is relied on.

Click on and play (at Fog Horn volume) Alas Smith and Jones: The Predictable Lighthouse-keeper