Irish life-savers create O’Flaherty award history
IT was described by Hugh O’Flaherty Memorial Society Chairman Jerry O’Grady as the most unusual nomination ever submitted for the O’Flaherty International Humanitarian Award – but a trio of Ireland’s rescue services were nonetheless judged to be worthy winners of this year’s prize in the face of competition from six other nominees.
The award was inaugurated in 2009 as a mark of recognition to Killarney’s renowned Monsignor who, with colleagues in the Rome Escape Line, saved more than 6,500 people in Nazi-occupied Rome during the Second World War.
In this 11th year of the prize, and the 75th anniversary of the Rome Escape Line, the award has been given to not one but three Humanitarian Organisations – the Irish Coast Guard (including community and local rescue services); the RNLI; and Kerry Mountain Rescue Team (KMRT) – a first for the society.
“This was unquestionably the most unusual nomination we have received over the last 10 years; it brought into focus the incredibly selfless humanitarian work done by the members of these organisations, the great majority of whom are unpaid volunteers,” Mr O’Grady said.
“Be it windswept high mountains, dangerous shorelines or stormy seas, when called upon, at a moment’s notice and without regard for the race or creed of those in need, they put their lives on the line to help others.
“Over the years, members of these rescue organisations have lost their lives while attempting to save others,” he added.
The recipients, honoured under the heading of ‘Ireland’s Rescue Services’, follow in a long line of well-renowned winners such as the late Donal Walsh (2013); Fr Michael Sinott (2010); and Sr Orla Treacy, who was honoured last year for her work in schooling young girls in wartorn Sudan.
And the significance of what this year’s winner achieved was not lost on members from each group.
“To receive the Hugh O’Flaherty Humanitarian Award in recognition of the work the RNLI does on the island of Ireland is hugely humbling, but to receive it alongside our colleagues in the Irish Coast Guard, Community Rescue Boats of Ireland, and Kerry Mountain Rescue makes it particularly poignant,” RNLI Lifesaving Manager Sean Dillon said. “The men and women who volunteer and work in the RNLI could not do so without the support and acknowledgement of the public and are very grateful for it. RNLI volunteers go out in conditions that have others returning to shore, but they do so in the knowledge that they are bringing loved ones home or peace of mind when it is needed.”
“We are delighted on behalf of the Coast Guard to be included in the Hugh O’Flaherty Humanitarian Award along with our sister volunteer rescue services,” Coast Guard Director Chris Reynolds added. “Service to protect and saving life was Hugh O’Flaherty’s guiding principle and is carried on through the rescue services.”
Kerry Mountain Rescue PRO Colm Burke was similarly honoured at the accolade and also expressed his respect for his fellow life savers.
“We are delighted to be receiving the 2018 Humanitarian Award along with our other colleagues from the Rescue Services,” he said. “We would like to sincerely thank the Hugh O’ Flaherty Memorial Society for this great honour.”
The winners will receive their prizes in Killarney on Saturday, November 3, coinciding with the annual Hugh O’Flaherty Memorial Weekend.
No venue has been selected for the ceremony yet, but will be announced in due course, and Killarney Municipal District Cathaoirleach John Sheahan will make the presentations.
The weekend itself will feature a photo and memorabilia exhibition in the town’s library, open from November 2 to 10, as well as other celebrations of ‘The Scarlet Pimpernel’ himself. To keep up to speed with developments, one can visit www. hughoflaherty.com/, a treasure trove of information on O’Flaherty’s magnificent deeds.