Acclaim for Killaloe Coast Guard

Finalist at inaugural Blue Light Awards

Members of the Killaloe Coast Guard Unit have expressed their “immense sense of pride” following their recognition at the inaugural Irish Blue Light Awards, hosted by the Clayton Hotel in Dublin on August 15. Designed to shine a light on the “unwavering dedication, resilience and bravery” of the incredible individuals and teams who serve in the emergency services across the UK and Ireland, the Blue Light Awards honour excellence, innovation and service, and encompass a wide variety of different categories.

The Killaloe Coast Guard Unit, which was represented at the event by members Haaris Sheikh and Damien Madden, was one of four finalists shortlisted in the Contribution to Diversity category, by virtue of their partnership with the Midwest School for the Deaf. As part of a joint initiative, members of the local Coast Guard provided an accessible water safety and emergency services workshop to deaf pupils, using a variety of communication techniques such as Irish Sign Language (ISL), subtitled videos and practical demonstrations. Pupils were given the opportunity to learn and absorb critical life-saving information and also to participate and engage in simulations intended to imitate real-world emergency situations.

The Midwest School for the Deaf was proudly represented at the function by Roisin Mercier, who was a central figure in the initiative. Although the Contribution to Diversity award was ultimately presented to Kerry Garda Patricia Fitzpatrick in recognition of her contribution, it was a testament to both Killaloe Coast Guard and the Midwest School for the Deaf that they were nominated for what was a brilliantly inclusive and important initiative.

Dramatic rescue operation

There was also recognition on the evening for the crew of the Irish Coast Guard’s Rescue 115 helicopter, who staged a dramatic rescue operation on December 15 of last year, saving 15 members of a fishing vessel after it was driven onto the rocks near Dingle. The incident, which captured national media attention, required an elaborate multi-agency response and a conventional sea rescue operation was rendered impossible due to hazardous conditions. Ultimately, Rescue 115 was deployed from Shannon, and a successful rescue operation was completed.

Finally, there was delight for the Irish Coast Guard as they were announced as the Blue Light Emergency Service of the Year at the conclusion of the evening, a significant honour for the organisation. However, there was a general acceptance amongst everyone in attendance that no one service is more important than any other, a point emphasised by the Irish Coast Guard representatives. Rather, it is through the combined efforts and cooperation of a myriad of different bodies – ranging from the Coast Guard to the Defence Forces to An Garda Síochána and so on – that Ireland’s emergency response network is so effective.

In an elaborate press release reflecting on the event, Killaloe Coast Guard, the Rescue 115 team and the broader Irish Coast Guard described the entire occasion as “a powerful reminder of the dedication and professionalism of those who serve, often quietly and without expectation of recognition”. They went on to pay tribute to the volunteers and workers across every emergency service, who often operate in the most challenging of circumstances and “continue to answer the call when others are in distress”.