RNLI 200th anniversary event at Portaferry

RNLI 200th anniversary event at Portaferry

29 May 2024

PORTAFERRY marked the 200th anniversary of the RNLI on Sunday.

A cross-community service of thanksgiving was held in Portaferry Community Centre.

The service was greatly supported by both the local community and those who had travelled from further afield.

It included contributions from religious representatives from the town and the surrounding area.

The audience was entertained by local sea shanty group, The Selkies, and a solo by Father Martin O’Hagan who was accompanied by Zara Quinn.

Those in attendance included Mrs Gawn Rowan-Hamilton, Lord Lieutenant of Co Down, Mrs Jennifer Gilmour, Mayor of Ards and North Down, Strangford MP Mr Jim Shannon, Portaferry RNLI operations president Mr John Murray, Mrs Eveleigh Brownlow, president of Portaferry RNLI fundraising branch, and Ards Peninsula council members.

A spokesperson for Portaferry RNLI said: “We wish to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to, or joined us to mark such an important milestone in our charity’s history.”