Templemore's Ken joins the RNLI
Perhaps Ken’s interest came from his late mother Ann who herself was a staunch member of Templemore Swimming Club while also being a member of the Civil Defence
There’s a fair chance that if you delve into the archives of the RNLI you won’t find too many members from Templemore.
Our inland location provides the obvious explanation but last week, former Oakdale resident Ken O’Toole bucked that trend when he received his pager from Arklow RNLI.
Ken and his wife Corrina have been living in the Wicklow town for the last twenty years and have developed a keen interest in life on the water during that time.
Perhaps Ken’s interest came from his late mother Ann who herself was a staunch member of Templemore Swimming Club while also being a member of the Civil Defence.
His uncle Stephen was also a lifeguard and trained many locals in the skills of saving lives.
Ken and Corrina purchased a boat and joined Arklow sailing club in 2008.
Ken served as Vice Commodore at the club for five years.
He took an interest in the RNLI and their work and two years ago commenced his training with the Arklow branch.
Last week Ken and three of his colleagues completed their training and are now looking forward to their first Christmas on call.
During the festive period many lifeboat men and women will leave their loved ones behind to answer the call in the hope of reuniting someone with their family.
We wish Ken all the best in his new role while everyone back home in Templemore will pray that you too will return safely home from the sea.