On Saturday the 10th May Ten Irish Coast Guard and two HM Coastguard teams took part in Joint Service and Rescue Games at Howth harbour, Co. Dublin. The slogan for the Games was "Coast Guards Now and Then". Beside the harbour a number of tents displayed old lifesaving equipment used by Coastguards many, many years ago. Declan McQuillan, Area Officer, themed some of the games to reflect that era. One item was a small Victorian boat containing Admiralty Coastguards who had been assaulted and beaten by smugglers and required medical help. Based on a true story from the early days of smuggling in England, the Officer and some of his men came upon a large number of smugglers transferring contraband from a ship and away from the beach as soon as possible.

As this work hurriedly proceeded a number of "Batmen" viciously assaulted the Coastguards and forced them to retreat. The purpose of these "Batman" armed with wooden staves was to prevent interference with the landing of the contraband.

On its arrival at the pier the boat was boarded by the Coastguard team who rendered first aid on the spot and then brought the "victims" on shore to a room which in keeping with the theme was fitted out as a replica Coastguard cottage. Here further assistance was given. Meanwhile the judges assessed the work of the crews.

Spectators on the pier were delighted with the novel re-enactment of the scene both in the boat and in the cottage and impressed with the skill and professionalism of the partaking teams.