A coastal community which witnessed one of the worst trawler tragedies in recent years has launched a bid to secure an inshore lifeboat.

A priest and a retired fisherman have accepted a major award on behalf of an entire community which played a vital role in recovering the bodies of five fishermen who drowned off the West Cork coast.

The victims of the Tit Bonhomme trawler tragedy will be remembered during a special Mass next week to mark the first anniversary of the vessel’s sinking.

The family of Kevin Kershaw, who died on his first ever fishing trip when the Tit Bonhomme trawler went down off the Cork coast in January, has settled a High Court action for damages for €40,000.

The people of Union Hall and the rescue services have been presented with a Cork Person of the Month award in recognition of their heroic and inspirational efforts in the wake of the Tit Bonhomme trawler tragedy.

A village that held fast to the spirit of its seafaring traditions welcomed President Michael D Higgins yesterday to commemorate the crew of the Tit Bonhomme.

A memorial garden dedicated to people lost at sea has been unveiled in Union Hall as the West Cork fishing village prepares to welcome President Michael D Higgins for a commemoration service on Sunday.