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Lay chaplain retires
AOS GB thanks Austin Dolan for his services to seafarers
After five years of ministering to seafarers in the port of Blyth, lay chaplain Austin Dolan is standing down. AOS colleagues in the north east of England came together on Saturday 2 February to show their appreciation of his hard work. They were joined by Eamonn Delaney, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of AOS GB, and Mgr Ronnie Brown, also a trustee.
The AOS team attended Saturday evening Mass at St Wilfrid's in Blyth at which Mgr Brown concelebrated with parish priest Fr Philip Quinn. After Mass, Eamonn Delaney presented Austin a certificate of achievement. Eamonn praised Austin for his five years of unstinting service, telling the congregation
"he has touched the lives of thousands of seafarers, providing pastoral and practical care, and assisting Catholic seafarers, of whom there are many, with access to Mass and the sacraments during their stay in the port".
Austin also received a framed copy of the Stella Maris icon and some personal gifts from colleagues. Flowers were presented to his wife Imelda in recognition her support.
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As a volunteer ship visitor, Austin has played a vital role in the port of Blyth. Ably assisted by his daughter Joyce, he providing the only representation of any seafarers' welfare society working in the port. His contribution was officially recognised in 2005 when he was commissioned as a lay chaplain by Bishop Kevin Dunn of Hexham and Newcastle Diocese, the first AOS volunteer to be honoured in this way.
Austin described his experience with AOS as "a very special five years of my life".
Tony McAvoy, AOS regional co-ordinator in north east England paid tribute to Austin, telling him
"the many thousands of contacts and connections you have made with seafarers and the difference you have made to their lives cannot be quantified, especially as no other ministry exists, or has ever existed, within the Port of Blyth. You have been an inspiration to us all".
Austin's departure leaves the port of Blyth without ship visitors. While plans are in place to provide cover, AOS GB wishes to recruit a volunteer ship visitor for the port. Full training and support are given.
click here to find out more about ship visiting with AOS