Double Success for Lough Derg RNLI as Crew Member and Press Officer Achieve Key Milestones

Wednesday 10 June 2026

DROMINEER, Co Tipperary - Lough Derg RNLI is celebrating two significant achievements following successful assessments completed by volunteer crew member Paraic Slattery and Lifeboat Press Officer Eleanor Hooker.

Lough Derg RNLI volunteers celebrate two important station milestones. Pictured left to right are James Corballis, Helm; Paraic Slattery, who was passed out as Crew following his successful Tier 2 assessment; Lenny Fourie, RNLI Coastal Lifeboat Trainer; and Cian McInerney, Trainee Crew. In the accompanying image, Eleanor Hooker, Lifeboat Press Officer, is pictured following the successful completion of her five-year RNLI competency assessment. Photo Credit: RNLI/Siobhan McGarry

On Tuesday evening, 9 June, Paraic Slattery was officially passed out as Crew by RNLI Coastal Lifeboat Trainer Lenny Fourie after successfully completing his Tier 2 assessment, both in theory and on the water.

The qualification marks a major milestone in Slattery’s RNLI journey, representing the culmination of more than 18 months of intensive training, study, and practical exercises afloat.

The assessment included a comprehensive classroom-based theory examination followed by a practical, scenario-led exercise on the water. Throughout the process, Slattery demonstrated competence in key operational areas including seamanship, navigation, course plotting, watchkeeping, maritime regulations, boat handling, and emergency response procedures.

As a Captain with the Irish Coast Guard Search and Rescue Helicopter service, Slattery brings extensive operational experience to his volunteer role with the RNLI. Having achieved crew status, he is now eligible to pursue further specialist qualifications within the station, including training as a Navigator or Helm.

Earlier in the day, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Eleanor Hooker successfully completed her five-year competency assessment with RNLI Media Trainer Siobhan McGarry.

The assessment forms part of the RNLI’s ongoing competency-based evaluation programme for volunteer media representatives. Ahead of the review, Hooker submitted a detailed presentation outlining all aspects of her role, including promoting the charity’s lifesaving and fundraising activities, managing media enquiries relating to emergency call-outs, maintaining relationships with local and regional media outlets, and ensuring accurate and timely communications on behalf of the station.

Following a detailed review and discussion of her work, Hooker successfully met all required standards and was passed in her assessment.

Congratulating both volunteers, Christine O’Malley, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Lough Derg RNLI, said:

“I am delighted for Paraic and Eleanor and congratulate them on their successful pass-outs. This is a really positive milestone for the station. Paraic’s pass-out as Crew strengthens our operational capability and reflects our strong training culture and commitment to excellence at Lough Derg RNLI. Eleanor’s successful assessment recognises her continued commitment and professionalism in representing Lough Derg RNLI and the wider RNLI.”

The dual achievements highlight the ongoing commitment of Lough Derg RNLI’s volunteers, both on the water and behind the scenes, in supporting the charity’s lifesaving mission and maintaining the highest standards of operational readiness and public engagement.