Union Hall gets state-of-the-art lifeboat thanks to  generosity of West Cork couple

Dr Raymond Fielding and his wife Christine funded the lifeboat and, while they did not live to see it put into service, Dr Fielding asked that the life-saving vessel bear both their names

Chris Collins, one of the helms for the Christine and Raymond Fielding lifeboat, pours Champagne over the bow of the boat at the naming ceremony and service of dedication. Picture: Andrew Harris

A West Cork community steeped in marine heritage, tragedy, and triumph has officially handed over a world-class lifeboat, which has been named after a revered local couple, to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

A special ceremony was held at the weekend by Union Hall RNLI members for their Atlantic 85 lifeboat, which is named the Christine and Raymond Fielding.