Tributes paid to long-time West Cork RNLI volunteer Brian

The RNLI flag was at half-mast on Thursday to mark the passing of volunteer Brian Crowley.

The Skibbereen local acted as the chairperson of the Union Hall RNLI and dedicated 70 years to the organisation.

In 2020, he received an Excellence in Volunteering Award for his hard work, dedication, and promotion of the services of the institution.

“His dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to saving lives at sea, and inland waterways have left an indelible mark on our community,” said Union Hall RNLI in a statement on social media.

“His volunteering with Union Hall RNLI began when he was asked to join by Mrs Bridges in Glandore, and he said yes straight away.

“As a young man growing up in Union Hall, he was aware of the dangers of the sea, and he wanted to raise awareness and help raise vital funds for the service.

“Brian was well known throughout West Cork at the time as he used to co-own the ever popular Crowley’s Hall in Union Hall, where many a West Cork couple met, and his first undertaking was a dance which was a tremendous success, and this was then the start for Brian.

Ambassador

“He became Secretary of Leap, Glandore and Union Hall branch in 1976 as well as filling in a lot of other roles, until the current branch set up in 1997. Words like dependable, trustworthy, selfless and courageous are the ethos of the RNLI and Brian had proved to be a great ambassador having these qualities in abundance,” it said.

Mr Crowley had received a silver badge for fundraising in 1985 and a gold badge in 2003.

“Brian’s legacy of service and kindness will always be remembered and cherished by all who knew him.

“From all at Union Hall RNLI, we extend our sympathies to his wife Anna, daughters Helen, Claire and Veronica, to his son Colm and all the Crowley family.”

Requiem Mass for Mr Crowley will take place in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Skibbereen, today at 12pm with funeral afterwards to St Patrick’s Cemetery, Coronea, Skibbereen.