Arranmore, August 30, 1986: This station, off the north west coast of Ireland, can accurately be described as one of the outposts of the RNLI. The picturesque island is now linked to the mainland by a regular ferry service and so it was decided that unlike previous occasions, the island itself should be the setting for the official naming ceremony of its new 47ft Tyne class lifeboat. Thus on the day of the ceremony the ferry to the island was kept busy with a flow of RNLI supporters, guests and dignitaries from all over Ireland arriving in glorious sunshine. Mr Philip Boyle, the deputy launching authority acting as chairman for the ceremony, welcomed the guests including RNLI committee of management members and local government representatives. In particular, he welcomed crew members and officials from eight other lifeboat stations.

Mr Wilson Ervin, a member of the RNLI committee of management, had travelled from Belfast to hand the lifeboat to the care of Arranmore station. The honorary secretary, Mr Tony Gallagher, in accepting the lifeboat, assured Mr Ervin and the committee of management of the delight and gratitude of the Arranmore station crew with their new vessel. Rear Admiral W. J. Graham, director of the Institution, then spoke of the future of the RNLI and with regard to Arranmore said that: 'The station history of Arranmore is a long and proud one and I am confident that the present crew will continue the splendid work of their forefathers.' The new lifeboat was blessed and dedicated to saving life at sea by the Venerable Archdeacon Scott Harte and Reverend Father Joseph Bradley. Mrs Marion Quinn then proposed the vote of thanks to all those taking part in the formalities and to the RNLI for their support of the island community. Mrs Penelope Kavanagh, chairman of RNLI Dublin then came forward to name the new lifeboat. Mrs Kavanagh told those present that a large proportion of the cost of the lifeboat had been provided from a legacy of Mrs Rose Mary Luckin, who was born in Ireland and who married an Englishman whose name the lifeboat would bear. Mrs Kavanagh then uttered the time honoured words: 7 name this lifeboat William Luckin. May God bless her and all who sail in her.' The platform party were then invited on board William Luckin by Coxswain Francis Bonner who took them on a short demonstration run. Returning to the quay the guests joined the large crowd for refreshments on the waterfront.—j.o'c..