Tributes flow as Séamus and Eddie Joe retire from Bunbeg Coast Guard Service

By Tommy Curran

A FUNCTION to mark the retirement of Séamus Corbett and Eddie Joe McGee, long serving members of the Bunbeg Coast Guard Service, was held in Caisleáin Óir Hotel, Annagry on Saturday night.

They were joined by colleagues who paid tribute to Séamus and Eddie for their decades of service to the local community.

Glowing tributes were paid to them for their dedication, service and support to the public.

The Bunbeg Coastguard unit covers a huge expanse of area which stretches from Rosbeg to Hornhead.

Both men have been with the service since it was set up in December 1996.

Séamus who lives in Coshclady, Bunbeg but who is originally from Co. Galway is a former member of An Garda Síochána while Eddie Joe of Cotteen, Derrybeg is originally from Gola Island.

Séamus said: “We saw the need for such a service in the area due to a lot of sea tragedies at the time, and over 100 fishing boats who were operating out of Bunbeg Harbour.

“We had our first meeting at the end of 1996 and my garage at the back of our home was used as the headquarters.”

A committee was formed and Séamus was elected chairman, and the other officers were: secretary, Mícheál Mhici, treasurer, Hughie McCole, assistant treasurer, Owenie McBride and press officer, Éamonn Hughie.

“We started a fundraising drive to assist with the purchase of a boat and equipment,” Séamus continued.

“We organised various events including mock weddings, bridge toll, sea food nights, and sale of works and we got great support from the three parishes.”

A Tornedo boat was purchased at a cost of £38,000 along with special equipment and the volunteers were trained before the service was put in motion.

In the following years, the committee decided to upgrade the service and move out of Séamus’ shed. They purchased a site at Bunbeg Harbour and state of the art headquarters were built. A new boat was also purchased.

The team now boasts 23 volunteers and is considered one of the most unique Coast Guard Services in Ireland because they have four female volunteers as well as the hugely popular local parish priest Fr. Brian Ó Fearraigh.

On Saturday night, a number of presentations were made to both Séamus and Eddie Joe.

Timmie Boyle, area officer wished both men all the best for the future.

“We will miss Séamus and Eddie Joe hugely, but their dedication and skills have been passed to the current generation of coast guards who will follow in their footsteps,” he said.

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