17/10/2026
It is with great sadness that Ballycotton RNLI acknowledges the passing of Diarmuid Cashman, a man who gave so generously of his time, commitment and energy to our lifeboat station and the wider Ballycotton community.
Diarmuid had a distinguished career as a teacher and was held in high regard during his years at the Christian Brothers College in Cork. His dedication to others extended far beyond the classroom. Indeed, it was often said that Diarmuid was responsible for getting half the children in Ballycotton through their Leaving Cert maths paper! Whether that was down to his teaching or the fear of disappointing him, we will leave that for others to decide!
His enormous contribution to Ballycotton RNLI spanned many years. In 1992, Diarmuid succeeded Donie O’Sullivan as Honorary Secretary of Ballycotton Lifeboat Station, a position he held until 2002. Prior to this, he served as a Deputy Launch Authority, working alongside Coxswains Tom McLeod and Ian Sheridan during his time with the station.
Diarmuid was also a committed member of the Ballycotton Lifeboat Fundraising Committee, working for many years alongside his late wife Nuala, John and Betty Murray, and Noreen O’Sullivan. The committee expanded in 1998 with the arrival of our new lifeboat, The Austin Lidbury, and Diarmuid played a particularly important role in ensuring the success of its fundraising efforts.
He was instrumental in organising the highly successful annual golf fundraiser, which ran for many years, and diligently collected donations from fundraising boxes in pubs and shops throughout the area. His quiet dedication and tireless efforts helped support the vital work of the lifeboat station and the volunteers who serve our community.
And then there was Diarmuid’s love of a good pub quiz! He was never happier than when putting his knowledge to the test, and he set many a challenging round of questions for the annual Ballycotton RNLI quiz. You were always delighted when Diarmuid was setting the questions, because God help you if you were competing against him! A master of the quiz, he had an uncanny knack of knowing the answers to just about everything. He certainly kept the rest of us on our toes, and those memories will bring a smile to many faces for years to come.
And Diarmuid’s commitment did not end there. He also generously gave his time to the Ballycotton Development Committee, helping to ensure that our beautiful village was kept clean, tidy and welcoming for residents and visitors alike.
It is especially poignant that we say farewell to Diarmuid following the passing of his beloved wife, Nuala, last year. Nuala was herself a devoted supporter and a founding member of the Ballycotton RNLI Fundraising Committee. Together, they leave behind a wonderful legacy of service, generosity and community spirit.
On behalf of everyone at Ballycotton RNLI, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Diarmuid’s children, Paula, Sharon and Donal, and to his wider family and friends at this very sad time.
Diarmuid, thank you for everything you gave to Ballycotton RNLI and our community. Your dedication, friendship and legendary quiz knowledge will never be forgotten.
Fair winds and following seas 💙
