In a ceremony to mark the life and work of Dr John de Courcy Ireland a binocular scope was unveiled in his memory at Coliemore Harbour, Dalkey, Co. Dublin, by Moneen de Courcy Ireland, a daughter of Dr Ireland, on the evening of 6 October 2008.

Dr John de Courcy Ireland, who died on 4 April 2006 aged 94, was a renowned maritime historian whose extensive authority on maritime matters was widely recognised both at home and internationally. He was an Honorary Life Governor of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

Fresh winds and swells sweeping down Dalkey Sound, with the scenic setting of Dalkey Island, formed an apt maritime back-drop to the ceremony. In tribute to Dr Ireland's many years as Honorary Secretary of Dun Laoghaire lifeboat, RNLB Anna Livia stood close offshore.

The binocular-scope was generously donated by Dalkey Tidy Towns Association, whose chairman John Hickey, thanked those involved and acknowledged the attendance of the Argentine Ambassador, Ana Pisano de Ashton, and her husband Chris; and First Secretary and Deputy Head of Mission of the Portuguese Embassy, Marta Garcia Ribeiro Cowling.

Leas Cathaoirleach of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Lettie McCarthy, gave a short address followed by the Labour Party Leader, Eamon Gilmore TD, a life-long friend, spoke of Dr Ireland's passion for the sea, his knowledge which would be so dearly missed, his teaching career, his involvement in labour politics, and his founder membership of the Irish CND peace movement.