Howth RNLI water safety volunteer recognised with 50-year Long Service Award

Wednesday 19 November 2025

Howth RNLI volunteer George Duffy has been recognised by the charity with a 50-year Long Service Award for his efforts in helping to save lives at sea.

George started volunteering as a crew member at Howth RNLI in 1968 and was onboard right up until 2012 when he retired from operations and started as a Water Safety Adviser. Photo Credit: RNLI/Howth

During his operational time with the RNLI, 25 of those years were spent as the station mechanic.

As a Water Safety Adviser, he provides RNLI water safety advice to members of the public and actively seeks opportunities to promote targeted RNLI safety messages.

He received his award at a gathering of the charity’s water safety team in the regional office in Swords on Saturday. John McKenna, fellow Howth RNLI volunteer and Water Safety Officer presented the award while Kevin Rahill, retired Water Safety Lead praised George for his contribution to saving lives at sea.

Linda-Gene Byrne, RNLI Water Safety Lead said: ‘We had the pleasure of presenting a 50-year Long Service Award to one of our water safety volunteers from Howth, George Duffy. George retired from lifeboat operations after 44 years, 25 of which were as a mechanic on Howth RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat. Even though he retired from operations, he has remained a volunteer for water safety. Congratulations George and thank you for such dedication and commitment to keeping your community safe.’

Meanwhile, in September, the RNLI also presented four Certificates of Thanks to Howth RNLI current and retired water safety volunteers including Jackie Revill, Beverly Killen, Irene Devitt and Nuala Goulding.

Speaking of their selfless dedication, Linda-Gene said: ‘The Howth team has shown great commitment to the education side of water safety messaging. They ensured that so many kids received water safety messaging in the Howth area over the years. Very sadly, not long after Nuala got her award, she passed away. Our thoughts are with the Howth team and her family and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.’

George started volunteering as a crew member at Howth RNLI in 1968 and was onboard right up until 2012 when he retired from operations and started as a Water Safety Adviser.

During his operational time with the RNLI, 25 of those years were spent as the station mechanic.

As a Water Safety Adviser, he provides RNLI water safety advice to members of the public and actively seeks opportunities to promote targeted RNLI safety messages.

He received his award at a gathering of the charity’s water safety team in the regional office in Swords on Saturday. John McKenna, fellow Howth RNLI volunteer and Water Safety Officer presented the award while Kevin Rahill, retired Water Safety Lead praised George for his contribution to saving lives at sea.

Linda-Gene Byrne, RNLI Water Safety Lead said: ‘We had the pleasure of presenting a 50-year Long Service Award to one of our water safety volunteers from Howth, George Duffy. George retired from lifeboat operations after 44 years, 25 of which were as a mechanic on Howth RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat. Even though he retired from operations, he has remained a volunteer for water safety. Congratulations George and thank you for such dedication and commitment to keeping your community safe.’

Meanwhile, in September, the RNLI also presented four Certificates of Thanks to Howth RNLI current and retired water safety volunteers including Jackie Revill, Beverly Killen, Irene Devitt and Nuala Goulding.

Speaking of their selfless dedication, Linda-Gene said: ‘The Howth team has shown great commitment to the education side of water safety messaging. They ensured that so many kids received water safety messaging in the Howth area over the years. Very sadly, not long after Nuala got her award, she passed away. Our thoughts are with the Howth team and her family and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.’