Coxswain Samuel Cunningham, who died at his home at the age of 54 on 3rd June, 1964, had a dual role which was unique in Ulster. He was former coxswain of the Portrush life-boat and was also town clerk of Portrush.

He was coxswain from 1946 until the end of last year when he retired because of ill health. Previously he had served as second coxswain from 1937 until his appointment as coxswain. He became town clerk of Portrush in 1953, succeeding his father who had held the position for over 40 years.

He was awarded the Institution's silver medal for a service by the Portrush life-boat on 22nd October, 1960, when 14 members of the crew were rescued from the Greek motor vessel Argo Delos..