On the evening of 10 July 2002 ILV Granuaile docked at Fenit Pier to prepare to land oil at Little Samphire Island Lighthouse, Tralee Bay, the next morning. This was an opportunity to mark the retirement of Michael J. Crowley, the former Attendant of the lighthouse.

Michael was invited on board and on behalf of the Commissioners the Master, Capt. Dermot Gray, presented him with a plaque bearing the emblem of the Commissioners of Irish Lights in recognition of his service.

In reply Michael thanked the Commissioners and the Inspector of Lights & Marine Superintendent for the presentation. He recalled bringing provisions and stores from the mainland in a curragh (or canoe as it was called locally) in all weathers, when he was the boat contractor before the station was automated in 1956.

Scheduled boat trips with supplies and provisions were carried out on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and on Sundays to bring the Keeper and his family to church. If the boat was required in an emergency at any other time the Keeper would hoist a flag to attract attention. The original boat contract was awarded to a member of the Crowley family soon after the lighthouse was built in 1851.

Michael retired on 31 July 2001. His son Thomas was appointed Attendant to succeed him, keeping responsibility for the care of Little Samphire Lighthouse in the family for another generation.