On Friday 6th January 2006 RNLB ANNIE BLAKER launched on a crew excercise in Wicklow bay , at the helm for his final trip was Coxswain Sean Byrne , who was retiring after over 20 years service with the RNLI Station.

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A large crowd of family and friends gathered on the East pier to bid him bon voyage and happy retirement , the crew also played their part and gave him a loud cheer . For the past 7 year's Sean has been Coxswain and was involved in many rescues , including one of the most recent and intricate 'shouts' when two youths were rescued after falling down cliff's at Wicklow Golf Club , one had sustained a broken leg , Coxswain Byrne co-ordinated both lifeboats , the 2 youths were taken from the rocks and transferred to the lifeboat and safely removed to a waiting ambulance at Wicklow harbour . 'Sean was a natural leader and where he went , others dared to follow,' declared Lifeboats operations manager, Des Davitt.

Coxswain Sean Byrne , Tom 'Jake' Jacob (former crew member) and Coxswain Nick Keogh

Coxswain Sean Byrne and Family at Wicklow lifeboat Station

The party adjourned to the Bridge Tavern where another surprise awaited Sean . He thought he was going for a few quiet pints but found his family and the entire crew waiting for him to toast his last night. Sean has joined a long list of remarkable people who have served as Coxswain of Wicklow RNLI Lifeboats helping those whose lives were in danger at sea.

06/01/06

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13/02/2006