Last Keepers leave Baily
Baily Lighthouse-the last watched lighthouse in Ireland-was
converted to automatic operation on 24th March 1997, when the last
Lightkeepers retired from the Irish Lights Service.
AT A CEREMONY attended by the then Minister for the Marine Mr
Sean Barrett, Commissioners, Officials, and guests, the last
Lightkeepers stationed at Baily Lighthouse lowered the
Commissioners' flag following the switchover of the Lighthouse to
automatic operation on 24 March 1997. The flag was then presented
by the Chairman of the Commissioners of Irish Lights, Mr Michael
O'Neill, to the last Principal Keeper on duty, Mr Eugene
O'Sullivan.
Mr O'Neill paid tribute to the dedicated service of generations of Lightkeepers and Lightshipmen to the safety of mariners. In reply to Mr O'Neill's speech, the text of which is reported on page 8, Mr O'Sullivan said-
'ON BEHALF of the Lightkeepers I am very honoured to accept the flag from the Chairman, Mr O'Neill. To me the flag is very special because many of my family for the last four generations served under the flag.
'It is a sad day for us but we know and accept that in this world of modern technology it was inevitable that the lighthouses would be automated. And I would like to take this opportunity to thank some of the good friends in the Service.
'Firstly I would like to thank the Commissioners, who down though the years proved excellent employers to serve under. I would like to thank the men that I worked with for their good humour, patience and understanding. I would like to thank the boat men, tender crews, and helicopter pilots who made our work that little bit easier.
'I would like to thank, last but not least, the Inspectors and their staff, who were the officials we had the most contact with. Any problem we had, we rang the Inspector and he always could solve the problem.
'I thank all the people who sent us cards, good wishes and prayers.'
Earlier on the morning of 24 March, the Inspector of Lights and Marine Superintendent Capt. J. J. Hickey, and Deputy Inspector Capt. Kieran O'Higgins carried out a full inspection of the station. The Keepers signed off with Dublin Port Radio and Dublin Coast Radio Station and the final entry was made in the Lighthouse Log. Working communication links with the Lighthouse Depot were verified and monitoring of the aids to navigation was handed over to the Irish Lights Remote Control and Monitoring Centre at Dun Laoghaire.
The HSS Stena Explorer out of Dun Laoghaire diverted from its usual course to pass by Baily Lighthouse and send a farewell message to the Lightkeepers. The Howth and Dun Laoghaire Lifeboats were also on hand to salue the Lightkeepers. Over the years the Keepers at Baily assisted in many rescues by the Lifeboat Institution by providing radio-link communications.
Following the lowering of the flag the Chairman also presented the two Principal Keepers, Anthony Burke and Eugene O'Sullivan, with plaques bearing the Commissioners' crest, and presented inscribed Cavan Crystal tankards to all the Keepers.
Among the guests are the ceremony were former Principal Keepers of Baily Lighthouse: Kevin Murphy- who was a father to generations of probationary Keepers, Tom Hyde, Jackie Stapleton, Hugh McLaughlin, Peter Duggan, and John Noel Crowley.
FINAL ENTRY IN THE LOG OF BAILY LIGHTHOUSE
To the last duty Keepers: Eugene O'Sullivan, Aidan Polly and Gerry McCurdy, While not forgetting the liberty Keepers: Anthony Burke, Denis O'Leary and Sean O'Donnell, The manner in which you all exercised your duties and responsibilities, and your dedication to service stands as a beacon of excellence of which you should be proud. On behalf of all mariners I would like to express our thanks and fond best wishes for the future. Nobody knows as much as we know the value of your watchful presence on our coasts and the difference you all made. Very best wishes for the future,
John Hickey
Inspector & Marine Superintendent.
Mr O'Neill paid tribute to the dedicated service of generations of Lightkeepers and Lightshipmen to the safety of mariners. In reply to Mr O'Neill's speech, the text of which is reported on page 8, Mr O'Sullivan said-
'ON BEHALF of the Lightkeepers I am very honoured to accept the flag from the Chairman, Mr O'Neill. To me the flag is very special because many of my family for the last four generations served under the flag.
'It is a sad day for us but we know and accept that in this world of modern technology it was inevitable that the lighthouses would be automated. And I would like to take this opportunity to thank some of the good friends in the Service.
'Firstly I would like to thank the Commissioners, who down though the years proved excellent employers to serve under. I would like to thank the men that I worked with for their good humour, patience and understanding. I would like to thank the boat men, tender crews, and helicopter pilots who made our work that little bit easier.
'I would like to thank, last but not least, the Inspectors and their staff, who were the officials we had the most contact with. Any problem we had, we rang the Inspector and he always could solve the problem.
'I thank all the people who sent us cards, good wishes and prayers.'
Earlier on the morning of 24 March, the Inspector of Lights and Marine Superintendent Capt. J. J. Hickey, and Deputy Inspector Capt. Kieran O'Higgins carried out a full inspection of the station. The Keepers signed off with Dublin Port Radio and Dublin Coast Radio Station and the final entry was made in the Lighthouse Log. Working communication links with the Lighthouse Depot were verified and monitoring of the aids to navigation was handed over to the Irish Lights Remote Control and Monitoring Centre at Dun Laoghaire.
The HSS Stena Explorer out of Dun Laoghaire diverted from its usual course to pass by Baily Lighthouse and send a farewell message to the Lightkeepers. The Howth and Dun Laoghaire Lifeboats were also on hand to salue the Lightkeepers. Over the years the Keepers at Baily assisted in many rescues by the Lifeboat Institution by providing radio-link communications.
Following the lowering of the flag the Chairman also presented the two Principal Keepers, Anthony Burke and Eugene O'Sullivan, with plaques bearing the Commissioners' crest, and presented inscribed Cavan Crystal tankards to all the Keepers.
Among the guests are the ceremony were former Principal Keepers of Baily Lighthouse: Kevin Murphy- who was a father to generations of probationary Keepers, Tom Hyde, Jackie Stapleton, Hugh McLaughlin, Peter Duggan, and John Noel Crowley.
FINAL ENTRY IN THE LOG OF BAILY LIGHTHOUSE
To the last duty Keepers: Eugene O'Sullivan, Aidan Polly and Gerry McCurdy, While not forgetting the liberty Keepers: Anthony Burke, Denis O'Leary and Sean O'Donnell, The manner in which you all exercised your duties and responsibilities, and your dedication to service stands as a beacon of excellence of which you should be proud. On behalf of all mariners I would like to express our thanks and fond best wishes for the future. Nobody knows as much as we know the value of your watchful presence on our coasts and the difference you all made. Very best wishes for the future,
John Hickey
Inspector & Marine Superintendent.