“The people along the sand, All turn and look one way, They turn their back on the land, they look at the sea all day….” Robert Frost wrote those words in his poem ‘Neither Out Far Nor In Deep’ wherein he also wrote: “The landmay vary more, but wherever the truth may b e, the water comes ashore and the people look at the sea…”
Those words came to my mind in the 157-year-old Holy Trinity Church at Templebreedy in Crosshaven, the well-known maritime, fishing and sailing village onthe edge of Cork Harbour when I gave the address for the Sea Sunday celebration and remembrance ceremony. The church was opened in 1868, designed by William Burges, the man who also designed St.Finbarre’s Cathedral in Cork City. It is a beautiful Church of Ireland of the United Dioceses of Cork, Cloyne and Ross. Local history has happened within its walls.
Giving the Sea Sunday address on Trinity Sunday, I noted the quiet, calmness of the event, in such contrast to a phrase I often hear uttered these days – “the world has gone mad…” As I noted the many maritime organisations present, I noted also the huge commitment they give to to saving life at sea and on the coastline, which is such a vital part of the island nation which Ireland is and how it contrasts with today where there is increasing disregard for the individual, which is becoming so noticeable these days
.It was impressive to see the Naval Service, the RNLI, Coast Guard, Cork City Missing Persons Search and Recovery, Mallow Search and Rescue, the Lost at Sea organisation, Gardai, Fire and Ambulance Services, O.N.E., Kinsale RNLI, medical, voluntary and management, staff, amongst the congregation, all committed to what is the greatest gift one human being can give to another – to save life.
Flag bearers formed a Guard-of-Honour and bore flags of marine organisations to the altar for the ceremony which was followed by a parade through the village to the Hugh Coveney Pier. Rector James Power blessed the boats gathered there for the 30th anniversary of the Crosshaven Traditional Boats festival.. This was followed by wreaths taken out into the harbour to be laid on the waters , in memory of those lost at sea.
The afternoon’s ceremonies displayed the commitment of so many people and the voluntary involvement, to safety at sea.
Jon Mathers of Crosshaven RNLI Station, primary organiser of the occasion said: “The safety message is particularly important at this time of year when the sea is such an attraction.”
Indeed, it is. The sea surrounds us. We are connected to the sea. People ashore look out to sea. The land may vary more, but people look to the sea.
