ALARM bells ringing in the middle of the night/ No time to think, no time for fright,/ Dashing to the station every second will count,/ Light in the darkness a search to mount/ Pulses racing before the boat reached and ready/ Waiting for the shout./
Roaring engines into the night/ Search light blazing waiting for a sight,/ They're all heroes they all go/ Braving the waters where e'er they flow/ Lifeboat men they know no fear/ Saving lives 150 years.
These words opened the RTÉ1 Seascapesprogramme that was broadcast last Monday from the headquarters of the Irish division of the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) in Swords, Co Dublin. The words appear on a calendar from Arklow, one of the many stations around the coast, and written by Seán Holohan.
The evening was special, as the maritime programme celebrated its 1,000th edition, covering a period of 20 years and presented by RTÉ marine correspondent Tom MacSweeney.
Terry Johnson, deputy chairman of the RNLI in Ireland, said: "At Christmas time, it is business as usual for the RNLI. The lifeboats are seven days a week, 24 hours a day and 365 days a year". He said it is an incredible achievement that volunteers will put to sea from any of the 43 stations around our coastline at any time to save lives.
When asked what motivates people to leave their fireside or bed in the middle of the night, he said: "When I was in Kilmore Quay recently, a crew member said, 'We go to sea not to be praised, but to save lives'".
Dermot Desmond, area manager, said one of the fundraising highlights that would stay with him in retirement was the annual flag-day appeal each May in Dublin.
"There is a band of people, led by Bob Donaldson, who stand on O'Connell Bridge for three days from 8am to 6pm in rain, hail or shine and raise a considerable amount of money for the RNLI," he said.
Donaldson, who will be 91 on January 1st, said this tradition goes back a long way with him - 85 years to be precise. "While most people are generous in their donation, there are a few who prefer to stand in front of the collection lifeboat for a chat. I have to move them on," he said with a smile.
The RTÉ programme was a resounding success under the direction of producer Marcus Connaughton, with stories of heroic endeavours by volunteer lifeboat crews, the never-ceasing efforts in fundraising and a sprinkling of shanty songs.
A special word of thanks was extended to Niamh Stephenson, RNLI media relations manager, who put the evening together at short notice. And the mince pies topped with fresh cream and mulled wine were splendid.
• The Dargle Anglers' Fishing Club held its annual Christmas outing to Annamoe Trout Fisheries in Co Wicklow last Saturday week. This was their first get-together since returning from a recent fishing trip to Vancouver, Canada.
By all accounts a great day was had by all, with 50 rainbows landed and returned safely. Tommy Butler took top honours with six fish, one of which weighed 2.7kg. Most fish succumbed to orange, red and green lures on floating lines with sink tip leaders.
• The Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Seán Power, has given notice of his proposal to revise the regulations of the Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme for 2009.
The Minister proposes to revoke the existing scheme and make revised regulations to provide for revised commercial and angling total catch allowances for each river.
A number of bylaws in advance of the 2009 angling season will provide for ongoing conservation and management of the wild salmon fishery. Further details are available at www.dcenr.gov.ie/natural