Arklow RNLI's Shannon class lifeboat offically named Roy Holloway at harbour ceremony

Sunday 22 June 2025

Arklow RNLI hosted a special ceremony on Saturday (21 June) for the naming of the new €3.1M All-Weather Shannon Class Lifeboat.

Richard and Joshua Cartwright with members of the Arklow lifeboat crew. Photo Credit: RNLI/Mick Kelly

The lifeboat which went on service in February is named Roy Holloway in honour of its principal donor. The naming came from the inspiration of Roy Holloway, who cherished a Christmas card featuring a bright orange lifeboat. Brothers Richard and Joshua Cartwright, former students of Holloway, had the honour of the naming ceremony. Richard Cartwright expressed his gratitude, stating, "I feel incredibly honoured to be part of this moment in a place with such a proud and powerful maritime legacy. Roy was affectionately known as the tall chap, a calm confident presence behind the piano. His extraordinary gift to the RNLI will live on with every launch, every rescue and every safe return.’

Roy’s extraordinary gift to the RNLI will live on with every launch." RNLI Chief Executive Peter Sparkes remarked, "Ever since 1826 successive generations of lifeboat crew in Arklow have been keeping the waters safe using the best lifesaving equipment that we can provide. During this time Arklow lifeboat crews launched 776 times and saved 441 lives. That is a remarkable number of people that have been reunited with their families. This Shannon class lifeboat ensures that the lifesaving tradition continues in Arklow for many years to come.’

Receiving the lifeboat on behalf of the lifeboat station and the people of Arklow, John Bermingham, Lifeboat Operations Manager said ‘The Roy Holloway lifeboat arrived into Arklow in October and following a period of intensive training, entered service in February this year. Since then, the lifeboat has been involved in10 callouts. Our new Shannon class lifeboat brings a new era of lifesaving to the station.’

The Shannon class replaces the station’s Trent class lifeboat which was on service in Arklow since 1997. Ger Tigchelaar now joins the relief fleet.

The Shannon class lifeboat is the first modern all-weather lifeboat to be propelled by waterjets instead of traditional propellers, making it the most agile and manoeuvrable all-weather lifeboat in the RNLI’s fleet. The naming of the class of lifeboat follows a tradition of naming lifeboats after rivers. When the Shannon was introduced to the RNLI fleet, it became the first time an Irish river was chosen, and it was done so to reflect the commitment and dedication of Irish lifeboat crew for generations.

The service of dedication was delivered by Fr. Padraig O’ Cochlain, Rev. Michael Anderson, Rev. Jack Kinkead and Pastor Soloman Aroboto. Music was provided by Arklow Revival Gospel Choir, Arklow Shipping Silver Band and Arklow Saint Colmcille’s Pipe Band. The ceremony was opened by Secretary of the Arklow Fundraising Branch, Majella Myler and closed with a vote of thanks by crew member Cillian Kavanagh.

Arklow RNLI was established in 1826 and the station will celebrate it's 200 anniversary next year.