Mags GarganA special ecumenical service will be held at Knock Shrine, Co. Mayo next weekend to mark the 190th anniversary of the RNLI.
The service, which will take place in the Basilica at 12noon on Saturday, August 9 will celebrate the charity’s work in saving lives at sea while commemorating those who gave their lives in the service of others.
The celebration will be led by Dr Patrick Rooke, CofI Bishop of Tuam, Killala and Achonry, assisted by Fr Richard Gibbons PP, Rector of Knock Shrine.
Last year, RNLI lifeboats in Ireland launched 1,087 times with its volunteer crews rescuing 1,278 people and saving 45 lives.
Those figures show an average of 21 launches and 25 people being rescued a week in 2013. There are currently 44 lifeboat stations in Ireland and 57 operational lifeboats at Irish stations.