St. James Hospital, Dublin 10th July, 2002

Normally these awards are presented by the Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources at a formal annual presentation. However, in these exceptional circumstances it has been decided, following a request from family, that I as Superintendent of the Mercantile Marine Office, present the awards. 

Although over sixty years have now passed since the beginning of the Emergency Period, the debt of gratitude we owe to these brave men, over 150 of whom made the ultimate sacrifice in carrying out their duties, must never be forgotten.  Keeping the supply lines open during the 2nd World War greatly helped to minimise the sacrifice our people had to endure in those times, something we must never forget. 

Ireland's seafaring tradition is a long and proud one.  As an island nation our reliance on the sea as a means of trade is enormous. Consequently, our dependence on those who work at sea cannot be overstated.  At the best of times a seafarer's occupation can be hazardous, often exposed to treacherous conditions.  When this task is further complicated by the perils of war we can begin to realise the extent of the bravery of the people, like Mr Culleton, who served on board Irish vessels at that time. Despite the personal risks involved in their work they also recognised the importance of keeping the vital supply lines open, and they did so with admirable courage. 

Mr Culleton served as a Radio Officer on a number of Irish vessels, including the Irish Fir and Irish Cedar between January 1944 and March 1946 when the Emergency Period ended. His total qualifying sea service amounted to 26 months and 1 day. Mr Culleton is therefore entitled to  an award of a medal and certificate. It is now my great honour, on behalf of the Government and the Minister for the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to present a medal and certificate to Mr Brendan Culleton.

Present were : The immediate family, the Doctors and Nurses, Mr Gerard Wright, Superintendent, Mercantile Marine Office represented the Government and the Minister for the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and Mr Peter Mulvany B.C.L., HDip Arts Admin, represented the British Merchant Navy Association, Royal Naval Patrol Service Association and the Irish Seamen's Relatives Association (1939-46).    

Postscript : Shipmate Brendan Culleton died peacefully at St James Hospital, Dublin, on August 2nd 2002. May he rest in peace.

© Peter Mulvany 1986-2008