Tell us about your career progression to your role today:
When I was a teenager growing up in Castletownbere, I started volunteering as a crew member with my local lifeboat for a couple of years during the end of my secondary school days. This led me on to training as a deck officer in 2016. I studied nautical science in the National Maritime College of Ireland. I underwent cadetship training with Carnival UK onboard P&O Cruise Ships and Cunard Line.
My training brought me all around the world, to the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and Europe. I qualified as an officer of the watch in 2020 and began working with P&O Cruises full time. I also worked on occasion with Castletownbere Marine conducting tug work as well as working briefly with INFOMAR on survey expeditions around the south and west coasts. From my nautical studies, I obtained the necessary qualifications to join the Irish Coast Guard. I am now stationed full-time at the Marine Rescue Coordination Centre located on Valentia Island, county Kerry.
What is the most enjoyable aspect of what you do?
The most enjoyable aspect of my job is when we are busy in the middle of responding to emergencies and can assist those in need. We respond to various types of emergencies on both sea and land by coordinating search and rescue missions with assets such as the Coast Guard Sikorsky Rescue Helicopters, our Coast Guard Volunteer Units, RNLI Lifeboats, and Coastal Inshore Rescue boats across Ireland.
We also work closely with other national and international agencies and principal emergency services. This engagement with many different people from different backgrounds makes the job very diverse and enjoyable.
Our community, and many other communities rely on the Irish Coast Guard to respond to any emergencies they may encounter whilst working at sea or enjoying leisure time around our beautiful coastline. Being a search and rescue mission coordinator affords me the opportunity to have a direct impact on their lives should the need arise. The Marine Rescue Coordination Centre where I work covers my community, and many other communities between Ballycotton, Co. Cork, and Slyne Head, Co. Galway, and far out to sea.
What motivates you?
Search and rescue means a lot to me as my family have a long history in lifesaving over the years. My father and grandfather were both coxswains in Castletownbere and Baltimore lifeboats respectively, and many of my family have worked with the RNLI including my siblings as crew members, my grandmother as secretary fundraiser, my father now as area lifesaving manager and many more besides. This family history motivates me massively and drives me on to do my current role with the Irish Coast Guard.
What advice would you give your 15 year old self?
Don’t take school too seriously and enjoy the journey a bit more. Once you leave school, the responsibilities start to build.
If you weren’t in the job you have, what would you be doing?
I’d probably have become a teacher or a guard if I didn’t choose my current career.
Who has had the biggest influence on you in your life?
My parents have had the biggest influence on my life so far.
Their support and encouragement has got me to where I am today.
What is the life dream now?
The dream is to buy a house as soon as possible and hopefully pursue further education in the area of emergency management.
What is your favorite Cork memory?
Hard to pick, so I’ll go with the most recent which was seeing the Two Johnnies in Musgrave Park.
What is your favorite place in Cork?
My favorite place in Cork is my hometown of Castletownbere. It is a large fishing port on the southwest coast with beautiful scenery and a great community.
Do you have a favorite quote or motto?
“You can’t control the wind, but you can adjust the sails.”
When are you at your happiest?
I am at my happiest when I’m surrounded by family and friends and enjoying a good night out on the town.
What is your hidden talent?
I can play the button accordion, but it’s been a few years, so I could sound fairly dodgy now.