Clifden History

1988 An inshore lifeboat (ILB) station was established on 15 March for one season’s evaluation. A C class lifeboat was sent to the station.

1989 In March the station became a fully operational summer season only lifeboat station.

1992 A new boathouse was built on the quayside. As well as providing an area for the ILB and launching vehicle, it included a workshop and crew facilities.

1997 The C class lifeboat was replaced with a B class Atlantic 21 lifeboat. This was placed on service on 22 May and kept afloat until the B class boathouse was built.

1998  A new D class lifeboat Holme Team IV was placed on service in May. She was funded by the landlord and regulars of The Fleece Inn at Holmfirth.

A new boathouse for the B class and launching tractor was completed in August.

1999  A new Atlantic 75 lifeboat, B-751 Benjamin Dowing Fairbridge, was placed on service on 12 January.

2000 A Framed Letter of Thanks was awarded to Helmsman Bernard Whelen, individual Letters of Appreciation were sent to the three other crew members and a collective Letter of Appreciation was sent to the station for the rescue of the two crew, a dog and the yacht Cicada. The service was carried out in very strong winds within 40m of Fahy Point, on a lee shore.

2007 A Framed Letter of Thanks signed by the Chairman was presented to Helmsman Bernard Whelan for his part in saving four lives and rescuing two more people after a currach capsized on 28 December 2006.

Station honours

At Clifden lifeboat station the following award has been made:

Framed Letter of Thanks 2