‘He’s an absolute gentleman’ – Dermot O’Leary adds to excitement at RNLI events in Wexford village

Dermot O’Leary posed for a photo with members of Kilmore Quay RNLI at their new memorial bench.

Although completely unplanned, Kilmore Quay RNLI had a high-profile name to perform something of an unofficial launch of their new bench in memory of past members in the picturesque seaside village.

Given his strong Wexford roots through his parents Maria and Seán, it’s not altogether unusual to spot TV presenter Dermot O’Leary around the model county, him being a frequent visitor.

When local RNLI volunteers encountered him in the shop in the seaside village, having just completed their May Day mile fundraiser, they seized the opportunity and asked for a photo at their newly unveiled bench.

“He just happened to be in the area,” Elaine Walsh of Kilmore Quay RNLI explained. “A couple of our guys spotted him in the shop and asked if he’d step in for a photo and he kindly agreed.

“Dermot is an absolute gentleman and he’s an ambassador for the RNLI as well, a role he does really well. It’s always lovely to see him here in the village.”

The presence of the This Morning presenter certainly added to the buzz around the village, with up to 60 people taking part in the May Day walk.

“It was a lovely family event,” Elaine said. “There was a great buzz around the place and everyone enjoyed it.”

The new bench was paid for through the major fundraising efforts undertaken by family and friends of former crew member Michael Roche, who passed way last year.

“They’ve done a phenomenal amount of fundraising in his memory,” Ms Walsh said. “We are so grateful to them and alll who support the work the RNLI does locally.”