Courtmac RNLI marks 200 years of service to Cork public

A celebration of 200 years of the Courtmacsherry RNLI lifeboat took place recently at the West Cork seaside village.

A gala banquet, held under a marquee on the lawns of the Courtmacsherry Hotel, was among the main highlights of a year-long programme of bicentenary events.

The event honoured the generations of volunteer crews, who have launched in all weathers to protect lives at sea since 1825.

As the RNLI’s oldest station in Ireland, Courtmacsherry lifeboat has launched on nearly 1,000 callouts since its foundation.

Billy Adams, proprietor of The Courtmacsherry Hotel, said it was a massive honour for the hotel to play a central role in the historic commemorations.

“The lifeboat is at the heart of our community and its crews have shown incredible bravery and selflessness over two centuries.

“To be able to support and celebrate their legacy in such a memorable way is something we are truly proud of.”