Cox'n Dan O'Dwyer retires after 39 years of lifeboat service.

On Friday 10th July the station marked the retirement of Coxswain Dan O'Dwyer with a presentation in the Lifeboat house followed by a BBQ in the Lifeboat Inn.

Dan, originally from Schull in Co Cork, joined the Courtmacsherry lifeboat crew in 1968 and his first call was in the lifeboat Sir Arthur Rose , to a missing person off Inchydoney. Following several services, he became DLA in 1977 following the death of his late father John O'Dwyer, who had been Hon. Sec. of the station since 1963.

He became deputy 2nd. coxswain in 1983, and was on board the lifeboat R. Hope Roberts in April 1984, when two crew were injured on board the lifeboat after it was hit by a freak wave. His first event as acting coxswain was to a M.O.B incident in October 1984. (see photos).

He became emergency mechanic in 1991, the same year as the Karma following engine failure, was brought to safety by the Lifeboat,. This marked the first of the large drugs hauls off the South West coast, and was valued at the time at over €7,000,000.

Having become 2nd Coxswain in 1992, Dan was awarded a Bronze medal by the RNLI for his part as acting Coxswain in the rescue of the crew of the Supertaff 22 nautical miles off the Old Head of Kinsale on the night of October 24th 1998.

The lifeboat crew received "Letters of Thanks" for the service on the night of the 24th October 1998. (see photos). Dan was appointed Coxswain in 2000 and since then has received a Chairman's Letter of Thanks in 2003 for the service to the yacht Bowden on the 1st December 2002, and an Operations Director Letter in 2007 for the service to the yacht DeZeelile.

Dan was also very involved in the fundraising efforts by the Courtmacsherry branch, especially with the Raft Challenge fundraising event. Known for his seamanship and calmness when both were needed, all at the station wish himself and his family all the best in his retirement.

Thanks to Neil and Mandy Chapman for their kind permission to use their photos, www.boatshed.com


Footnote! We regret to say that, having been offered so many "Good Luck"s and "Break a leg" from all the well-wishers on the night, Dan went and did just that - the day after the retirement while helping with a boat. We would like to add "Get Well Soon" to all the other good sentiments.