Lough Ree RNLI volunteers take to the pitch at Croke Park to promote water safety

Lough Ree RNLI volunteers Amy O’Connor and John Naughton were among those who took to the pitch ahead of Saturday’s (July 5) All-Ireland senior hurling championship semi-final at Croke Park, to promote the charity’s water safety partnership with the GAA. The partnership aims to reduce the number of people who lose their lives through drowning each year.

While most of this work is carried out at club level through educational talks and presentations, the charity has been offered the opportunity for the last eight years to deliver a pitch activation in Croke Park on a key date in the GAA’s calendar. Together on Saturday, both organisations delivered key water safety messages to over 80,000 people who were attending the sellout match between Cork and Dublin and the earlier camogie championship quarter-final between Waterford and Clare.

Naoive Coggin, mother of Cian Nugent, a young student who drowned after getting into difficulty in a rip current while swimming off Ardmore in Waterford in 2023, delivered a powerful pitch side interview in front of the packed stadium. She told her story to raise awareness of the importance of sharing water safety advice.

Also read: Memorable day as Longford's Leah lines out at Croke Park on All-Ireland semi-final day

The joint activity consisted of a flag display on the pitch just before throw-in at the Cork and Dublin decider. One flag displayed an image of two lifeboats at sea while the other, highlighted the partnership, with the banner ‘Saving Lives Together’. RNLI volunteers in full kit crossed the touchline and paraded towards the Hogan Stand before coming to a halt and allowing the flags to be displayed until the National Anthem was played.

Earlier in the afternoon, as fans entered the turnstiles they were greeted by an Atlantic 85 class lifeboat which was on display while a team from the RNLI were on hand to interact, share water safety advice and demonstrate how to use essential lifesaving equipment such as a throw bag.

Also read: Longford Triathlon Club crowned champions at Midland Aquathon Series final

Speaking about Saturday’s event in Croke Park, Amy O’Connor, Lough RNLI crew member and RNLI Area Operations Manager said: "This partnership highlights the shared values between ourselves in the RNLI and the GAA, notably volunteerism and the importance of communities. It is always a privilege for volunteers like ours at Lough Ree, to be invited to Croke Park on such a big day in the GAA’s championship calendar and to have the opportunity to promote water safety.

"We are now in peak summer season and one of the key messages we want people to know is that if you get into difficulty in the water this summer, Float to Live. Tilt your head back with ears submerged. Relax and try to control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat. It's ok if your legs sink, we all float differently. Once you are through this initial shock, call for help or swim to safety if you can. Should you see someone else in difficulty, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard."

PICTURES: The Longford Agricultural Show had a huge turn out