‘As soon as I turned 18 I was on a lifeboat' – Kilmore RNLI volunteer on 48 years of saving lives at sea
Eugene Kehoe pictured with Frank O'Brien (Wexford Town RNLI) on the occasion of his Retirement from the Kilmore Quay RNLI at a function in the Stella Maris Centre, Kilmore Quay on Saturday evening. Pic: Jim Campbell
While the RNLI lifeboat Killarney is a familiar sight in the waters off Kilmore Quay, as it returned to shore on Saturday it was a momentous occasion. After 48 years volunteering, it would mark the last involvement of retiring coxswain Eugene Kehoe.
Over the years, Eugene has played a part in countless rescues and saved numerous lives in heavy seas off the Wexford coast. His first call-out was on a winter's night in 1977. A fresh-faced 18-year-old, he responded to the call aboard the Lady Murphy. There was a proud tradition of service in his family and he signed up to volunteer alongside his grandfather, father and uncles.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
9 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
I made my own built-in outdoor pool using old palettes and a cheap paddling pool, everyone says it looks like a pro job
A DAD has shared how he built an outdoor pool using cheap buys. Pete Elliot took to social media to show off his 2 Pete Elliot revealed how he made his own pool in the garden Credit: Facebook /Pete Elliott 2 People were left seriously impressed by his DIY skills Credit: Facebook /Pete Elliott The dad said he made the pool for his son but was also reaping the benefits after slaving away on the build. He said: "Finally done. Not bad for around £315. Pretty much all the money went on the framework with £64 on varnish and a few quid on screws. "So glad I had a pallet load of timber from years ago that cost me £45, as that's the wood you see. "I didn't even scratch the surface with that wood either so the main bit you see cost under a fiver. READ MORE ON HOMES "It is now my new favorite part of my garden." The pool looked lavish with its wooden frame and steps leading up to the decking and people were stunned by his crafting skills. He first varnished the wood before putting up the paddling pool and building the frame around it. Once it was done, he gave the wood a final varnish to ensure it didn't get spoilt by the water. Most read in Fabulous Pete continued: "Hopefully many summers will be enjoyed sitting on it with my feet dangling in the pool with a beer in my hand." He later revealed that the pool was kept warm with a heated topper that also keeps it clean. Parents are scrambling to The Range to nab new kids' toys - there's inflatables, swimming pools and up to 40% off To keep the pool clean, he used a net to fish out any debris as well as chlorine tables and pool algae cleaner. The chuffed dad also said he would only keep the paddling pool up for summer and put it away when it gets cold again. The post was shared on the Facebook group, One person wrote: "Absolutely awesome, and the fact you built it probably gives you a sense of achievement, congrats." Swimming safety advice Experts have revealed some of their top advice for both adults and kids heading to the water this summer : How to stay safe at the beach Gareth Morrison, Head of Water Safety at the RNLI said: "If you find yourself being swept out to sea in a rip, try to relax and float until you are free from the rip and you can then swim to safety. "If you see someone else in danger, alert a lifeguard or call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard." How to stay safe at the swimming pool "It only takes 20 seconds to drown, little tips like this could save a life". An Auqabliss spokesperson added: 'Swimming toys such as noodles, dive rings, floaties and beach balls can be dangerous if left in the pool. 'Children may try to grab these from the pool's edge and fall in." How to stay safe at a waterpark Ali Beckman, "And wave pools should be avoided until your child is really confident with water going over their faces and you know they are able to regain their feet independently. ' Another commented: 'Great work." "Brilliant, looks amazing," penned a third. Meanwhile a fourth said: "Stunning." "I love this,' claimed a fifth. Someone else added: 'Looks great I could do with one of those in my garden."
Sunday World
7 days ago
- Sunday World
Family of crash victim Hannah Leonard in mourning as brother Dylan (17) dies suddenly
Concerns were raised on social media by Dylan's family when he went out on Saturday, May 31 and failed to return home by midnight The family of Bray woman Hannah Leonard, who was left with severe brain injuries after being hit by a car in Italy last year, have been left devastated by the death of Hannah's 17-year-old brother Dylan. Concerns were raised on social media by Dylan's family when he went out on Saturday, May 31 and failed to return home by midnight, which was completely out of character. The appeal was shared on social media channels by members of the community and the local gardaí were alerted with searches immediately conducted. The family's worst fears were confirmed when Dylan's body was found. It's another devastating blow for the Leonard family, who continue to support Hannah, currently in her fifth month of rehabilitation at Beaumont Hospital, after she was hit by a car in October while out running in order to train for the Dublin Marathon in Sicily, Italy. She was left in a coma with brain injuries and her parents and siblings, including Dylan, immediately rushed over to Sicily in order to be by her bedside. Hannah returned by air ambulance to Dublin in February and remains a patient at Beaumont Hospital, which specialises in brain injuries. Hannah Leonard Funeral details for Dylan have yet to be confirmed but his family have asked for donations to be made in his memory to the RNLI or Pieta House. The sailing and the water were a big part of Dylan's life, with his large circle of friends from Royal St George's Yacht Club and the Royal Irish Yacht Club among those in mourning today, along with his friends at Presentation College Bray. The late Dylan Leonard One of his teachers from Pres Bray described Dylan as 'a joy to have in class'. 'A beautiful soul with a cheeky grin who will be missed greatly by his Pres friends and all his classmates. I am heartbroken at his passing,' they added. While the Royal Irish Yacht Club said that 'Dylan will be remembered with love by his fellow sailors and the wider RIYC community, we extend our deepest sympathy to his family at this sad time'. He is survived by parents Kevin and Vanessa, his sisters Hannah and Lex (Lily), grandparents Henry, Jim and Claudia, godfather Johnathan Harty, aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family. Hannah and Dylan Leonard News in 90 Seconds - 3rd June 2025
Sunday World
7 days ago
- Sunday World
Woman's body recovered from water near Wicklow beach
The Greystones Coast Guard Unit and Wicklow RNLI were both alerted after the 999 call was received The body of a woman aged in her mid-50s was recovered from Silver Strand in County Wicklow on Saturday after a member of the public reported what they thought was a body in the water. The Greystones Coast Guard Unit and Wicklow RNLI were both alerted after the 999 call was received and immediately launched in order to make their way to the scene south of Wicklow town. A body was located floating in the water at around 2.30pm and was brought back to Wicklow RNLI Lifeboat Station. Wicklow gardaí and the National Ambulance Service were waiting at the lifeboat station for the arrival of the body and the gardaí are currently liaising with the woman's family as they continue their investigation into the tragic incident. The woman has not yet been named and the cause of her death has not been made public. A file pic of the Wicklow RNLI all-weather lifeboat RNLB Bridie O'Shea. News in 90 Seconds - 3rd June 2025
