Ready to call it a day after 40 years a-sailing with the Irish Naval Service

AFTER a career spanning 40 years which included involvement in the seizure of the gun-running ship Claudia, one of the naval service’s most experienced sailors has made his last voyage.

Chief Petty Officer Joe Hickey, a native of Lusk, Co Dublin, made his first voyage on the navy’s then most modern ship, LÉ Deirdre, in 1972.

His last trip, yesterday, was again on the service’s newest vessel LÉ Niamh as she docked in Haulbowline following a four-week patrol.