Name Dunleary

DUNLEARY was the first motor lifeboat provided by the civil service fund and has an excellent wartime rescue history. She was built in 1919 and was named by the Countess of Fingall in honour of her launching place. She remained stationed in Dun Laoghaire, Ireland with the ON658, until 1939 and made a total of 81 launches, saving 85 lives. Her war service was at Lytham and in those years alone she made 34 launches, rescuing 28 people. She was sold out of service at Sunderland and converted to a motor sailer by Lambies Boatbuilders.

DUNLEARY was bought by her present owners in 1970, much in need of a thorough overhaul of her cabin superstructure. The hull was in good condition, but a new trawler-style wheelhouse has since been built and fitted.

As of 2018, the vessel has been brought back to her former station of Dun Laoghaire on the East Coast of Ireland, and there's a project underway to restore her to her former glory.

Update, May 2023: The Dunleary Lifeboat Project has been selected as a a recipient of the Heritage Council Ireland's Community Grant Scheme 2023. This means they can start Phase 1 of the restoration project. Their focus for this year is to carry out cosmetic work on the vessel to allow them to showcase it in its authentic glory. Once ready for display, the lifeboat will be moved to a public display area. Phase 1 will involve not only the lifeboat itself but also the restoration of the old bogeys. These will eventually be used to display the slipway so it's essential they are in top condition. A new steel supporting frame will be constructed to ensure safe public exhibition.