Buddy Valkenburg
Belmullet
Andrew F. Valkenburg, known only to one and all as “Buddy” has on this day, 06/02/21 passed on to his eternal reward. May he rest in peace and enjoy that reward, fully earned and merited in this valley of tears.
He was one of the most community orientated people that I ever had the pleasure of knowing and he worked tirelessly to achieve his aims. One of his first thoughts in the mornings was what can I do today that will be of the best benefit to our area? and his last thought before retiring at night was; maybe we can do something better tomorrow .It is only right and fitting that he should be remembered.
Early on in his life Buddy realised the value of the marine environment to an area such as Belmullet and Erris. It could be used as an enterprising potential and as a sporting asset in conjunction with one another. In those days, the early sixties, the sea around the North Mayo coast had fish in abundance. It could justly claim to have 37 different species of domestic fish in its inshore waters with big game fish close by in its deeper waters.
Buddy and a few of his friends, sadly, all who have gone to their eternal reward, recognised the potential and decided to establish a sea angling club. They approached the local inshore fishermen, who operated a fleet of worthy sea going boats that could be used for the project. The fishermen were more than willing to help. He and his co-workers also recognised the importance of safety in all sea related activities.
Thus the Belmullet Sea Angling club was born and the idea of inviting the Royal National Lifeboat Institute to establish one of their ‘life saving at sea stations in or near the Erris area was conceived. With Buddy and his friends at the helm, both enterprises thrieved.
The year was 1964. About ten years previous the sporting organisation “The Irish Federation of Sea Anglers” consisting of a central Council and four provential councils was established. Belmullet Sea Angling club joined and Buddy became one of its main motivaters and promoters. He became a very active member at all levels of the association with some excellent results. Sea Angling was actively promoted and attracted anglers to places like Erris from all over the country, the British Isles, the European continent and further afield. Competitions were hosted and run with considerable success by clubs such as Belmullet, Achill, Wesport, Ballina and Kilalla. A notable success was the world Boat Angling Championships held in Wesport in 1991.Buddy and his co workers were very conscious of the conservation of fish stocks and so they introduced the system of only bringing one of each variety of fish ashore for weigh-in. It was called “ the variety system” and it became very popular. Them were the” glory” days.
In 1972 Buddy and his sea-angling colleagues started a campaign to have a life saving at sea station of the R.N.L.I. established in the Erris area. They presented the fact that the area was being promoted as and had the potential to become a major marine activity centre that was worthy of and in need of a lifeboat service.
They set to work with enthusiasm. After a lot of hard work and research their efforts were rewarded. The Ballyglass area of Erris and Belmullet were chosen as the location for the lifeboat moorings and station.
On the 26th Day of August 1989 T he Royal National Life Boat, City of Bradford 1V, escorted by a Naval Corvette, the Irish Lights ship, the local fishing fleet, and a number of pleasure crafts proudly sailed into Ballyglass to a rousing welcome and reception, given by civic and religious leaders together with local dignitaries, and thousands of well wishers.
Buddy,s efforts on behalf of the life saving at sea institution since 1972 were recognised in recent years when he was conferred with the honorary title of Governor of the R.N.L.I.
Buddy was a man dedicated to the wellbeing of his home area. He was quick to recognise improvement projects and he gave of his best to implement them without looking for thanks or recognition. He promoted what he thought was best for his area with vigour and enthusiasm but when or if the committee in charge decided otherwise he respected their decision and honoured it completely.
Buddy Valkenburg was a man that I and many like me can consider ourselves privileged to have been able to call him our friend.
Ar dheis De go raibh a Anam uasal.
Pat Walsh
President IFSA
