Lochlainn and Nicola grace Croke Park to promote water safety

Lochlainn and Nicola grace Croke Park to promote water safety

17 July 2024

TWO Newcastle RNLI members graced the hallowed Croke Park turf ahead of last Saturday’s All-Ireland senior football championship semi-final between Kerry and Armagh.

Lochlainn Lenaghan and Nicola McConkey were among a host of RNLI volunteers at the home of the GAA to promote the charity’s water safety partnership with the sport’s governing body.

The partnership’s water safety activation initiative delivered key messages to over 55,000 people on the day who were attending both Down’s win over Laois in the Tailteann Cup final and the All-Ireland semi.

Before the throw-in at the Armagh and Kerry decider, the RNLI and GAA’s activity consisted of a flag display on the pitch with one highlighting an image of an all-weather lifeboat at sea and the other, highlighting the message — Float to Live. 

The flag bearers consisting of RNLI people dressed in lifeboat gear and water safety tee-shirts, unfurled the flags as they crossed the touchline on the pitch and paraded towards the Hogan Stand before coming to a halt and allowing the flags to be displayed.  

Now in its seventh year, the RNLI and GAA water safety partnership serves to raise awareness of drowning prevention and to educate communities on how to stay safe in and around the water. 

The partnership is part of the GAA Healthy Clubs’ programme and has seen RNLI lifeboat crew visiting GAA clubs around Ireland to deliver water safety talks to all age groups.

Lochlainn said it was particularly special for the RNLI to be in Croke Park this year as the charity marks its 200th anniversary.

“And for us in Newcastle, we had the added bonus of Down winning the Tailteann Cup,” he said.

“For a charity to have survived 200 years based on the time and commitment of volunteers, and the sheer generosity of the public donating to fund it, is truly remarkable.”

Lochlainn said the partnership highlights the shared values between the RNLI and the GAA, notably volunteerism and the importance of communities. 

“It is always a privilege for volunteers like ours from Newcastle to be invited to Croke Park on such a big day in the GAA’s championship calendar and have the opportunity to promote a key drowning prevention message, Float To Live,” he said.

“If you find yourself in difficulty in the water this summer, tilt your head back with ears submerged. Relax and try to control your breathing.”

Lochlainn added: “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.”