2019 A great year for Shannon Class Deliveries

Both RNLI Lifeboat stations Clogherhead and Rhyl took delivery in 2019 of their long-anticipated Shannon Class lifeboats. Each fully equipped with the latest lifesaving technology and the highest quality equipment. The vessels have Class 50 DuroWipers fitted as clear vison at high speed is imperative for crew safety and reaching the casualty in minimum time.

"We originally secured the RNLI contract back in 2012 to equip 57 vessels and the competition for suppliers was ruthless,” said Noel Gould, owner, DuroWipers.

“The RNLI wanted a wiper which would perform underwater and be able to rotate 360 degrees and still work. This high profile ongoing contract is a testament to our wiper design and durability.”

Clogherhead RNLI’s Shannon class lifeboat is unique in the RNLI’s fleet as it has been funded by an Irish legacy, named after an Irish lifeboat volunteer, designed by an Irish engineer and is the first class to be called after an Irish river. The Michael O’Brien Shannon class lifeboat arrived to a sunny Clogherhead at exactly 13.31 hours, the operational number of the lifeboat. A significant proportion of the funding for the Clogherhead lifeboat has been provided through a generous legacy by Wexford farmer, Mr. Henry Tomkins, who was a lifelong supporter of the RNLI. Henry stipulated that a lifeboat be named for his long-time friend, the former Arklow RNLI Coxswain, Mr. Michael O’Brien.

Fundraising for the Rhyl Shannon class lifeboat was kick-started when Brendan O’Carroll, the star of hit BBC comedy Mrs Brown’s Boys, shocked Rhyl RNLI volunteers by announcing on stage in the Pavilion Theatre, Rhyl that he would donate £10,000 towards the Shannon-class lifeboat. In March 2018, Rhyl RNLI celebrated a massive £55,000 cash injection thanks to the Steve Morgan Foundation.