Kieran O’Donnell has officially assumed the role of coxswain for the Arranmore volunteer RNLI crew.
Following his successful assessment, Kieran was welcomed ashore at the station by the crew and his family in a celebratory gathering.
Kieran’s appointment to the position was made in August of the previous year, following the retirement of veteran coxswain Jimmy Early.
Since his appointment, Kieran has undergone rigorous training provided by the RNLI. This training encompassed leadership development, demonstrating unwavering dedication, and committing to mastering all aspects of maritime rescue. Resilience coxswains provided support for the lifeboat during Kieran’s training period. He successfully completed his training and passed his assessment.
Former coxswain Sean O’Donnell and his son Kieran
Kieran expressed his gratitude to everyone involved in his training, stating, ‘I want to thank all of the coxswains who came to Arranmore. They generously shared their time, patience, experience, and knowledge with me at every stage of this journey.’
Kieran added, ‘My thanks also to all the crew who so willingly dedicate their time and to my family for their unwavering care and support. I look forward to serving the community of Arranmore and the broader Donegal coastal area.’
Resilience coxswain Trevor Devereux, from Kilmore Quay in Wexford, commented, ‘I want to congratulate Kieran on his successful completion of his coxswain training. Kieran has been working tirelessly from the moment he was selected. He was a pleasure to work with and is a valuable addition to the RNLI. I wish him all the best in his new role; the Arranmore lifeboat is in excellent hands.’
Kieran’s family celebrates his success
Trevor also noted, ‘It has been a genuine pleasure working with the Arranmore team, and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time visiting the island.’
Kieran is now fulfilling his full-time coxswain role with the Arranmore RNLI.
Arramore RNLI coxswains, Jimmy Early, (retired) Phiiip McCauley, Sean O’Donnell, (retired) Kieran O’Donnell, Jerry Early (retired) and Resilience coxswain Trevor Devereux from Kilmore Quay
The Arranmore volunteer RNLI crew and family of new coxswain Kieran O’Donnell were at the station to welcome him ashore following his assessment on Tuesday 9 June.
The Arranmore crew has recently been extremely active. In May, they responded to their ninth call of the month for a medical evacuation. June began with two additional calls: one for a medical evacuation and another to transport the NOWDOC (North West doctor on call) to assess a patient on the island. On Sunday, June 8th, the lifeboat also brought the NOWDOC doctor to the island. Upon returning to Burtonport with the doctor, Malin Head Coast Guard requested their assistance for a 40ft crabber boat experiencing engine failure approximately 10 miles northeast of Tory Island, with five people on board. After evaluating the situation, the lifeboat crew decided to establish a tow and brought the boat safely to Magheraroarty pier.
Upon their arrival at Magheraroarty, a large group of people from Tory Island and the surrounding areas welcomed the lifeboat crew. They were holding a fundraising event for the Arranmore RNLI.
The event, organized by Niamh Ní Dhubhgáin, was held in honour of Henry O’Donnell, a dedicated supporter of Water Safety Ireland and the RNLI.
The event amazingly raised €5,555 for the Arranmore RNLI, which will be presented to the station at a later date. The Arranmore lifeboat station expresses its sincere gratitude to the organizers and everyone who participated.
The late Henry O’Donnell honoured as RNLI fundraiser reels in €5,555
Kieran O’Donnell takes helm as Arranmore’s new coxswain was last modified: June 11th, 2025 by
Tags:
