Carlow water safety stalwart honoured after more than 40 years of service

A long-serving volunteer who has dedicated more than four decades of her life to water safety in Carlow has been honoured by her local branch.

Mary Foster, chairperson of Water Safety Ireland Carlow, was recently presented with a bouquet of flowers in recognition of her extraordinary commitment to Bagenalstown Pool and to water safety across the county.

In a tribute shared on social media, Water Safety Ireland Carlow paid heartfelt thanks to Mary for her decades of service, describing her contribution as rare and deeply valued.

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“On behalf of Water Safety Carlow we would like to say a special thanks to our chairperson Mary Foster who has volunteered her time and energy for over 40 years in Bagenalstown Pool and to Water Safety Ireland,” the post read.

“For more than 40 years, Mary has given up her time, her energy and her heart to the pool and to Water Safety. That kind of commitment is rare, it speaks not only to her dedication but to her character.”

The organisation said Mary’s influence and leadership have helped shape Water Safety Carlow into what it is today.

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“Water Safety Carlow would not be what it is today if it wasn’t for Mary and all of her hard work. Thank you,” the post concluded.

The presentation marked a special moment of recognition for a volunteer whose work has largely taken place behind the scenes, supporting swimmers, trainees and fellow volunteers over generations.