Kieran Cotter has been coxswain of Baltimore lifeboat since 1989, having first joined the crew in 1975.

He was awarded a Bronze Medal in 1991 in recognition of his determination, skill and fine seamanship when the lifeboat The Good Shepherd, on temporary duty at Baltimore, rescued 15 people and saved the Spanish fishing vessel Japonica. The casualty had suffered engine failure 20 miles west of the Fastnet Rock in Storm Force winds on the night of 30/31 October 1991 and was towed to Bantry Bay.

On the return passage the lifeboat put into Castletownbere to land an injured crew member and to change a blocked fuel filter. While waiting for a replacement the lifeboat received information that the yacht Atlantic Adventure was in difficulties south off the Fastnet Rock and later rendezvoused with the yacht and towed her back to Baltimore. The lifeboat was at sea for a period of 26 hours.

The Maud Smith Award for the bravest act of life-saving in 1991 was also made to Kieran Cotter for this service..