[2] Ever since its founding in 1824, the Royal National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck (RNIPLS), later to become the RNLI in 1854, would award medals for deeds of gallantry at sea, even if no lifeboats were involved.

Robert Kirkpatrick Thompson, Chief Officer of H.M. Coastguard at Clogherhead, received the RNIPLS Gold Medal in 1839, for the rescue of the Master and three crew from the schooner Minerva, wrecked on the North Bar at Drogheda on 31 March 1839.

A carriage was supplied from Ransomes & Sons of Ipswich, and a boathouse was constructed at Baltray, near the mouth of the River Boyne, by the Drogheda Harbour Commissioners.

He had been washed away from the vessel, but had a lifebouy, and was rescued from the heavy surf by Miss Jane Campbell, assisted by a Mrs Fox.

Jane Campbell was awarded the RNLI Silver Medal, with Mrs Fox receiving 'The Thanks of the Institution inscribed on Vellum'.

[3] Following the loss of the Manly, it was decided to open a No.2 station at Drogheda in 1872, located on the south side of the River Boyne at Mornington, County Meath.

In 1899, it was decided to close one of the stations on the River Boyne, and place a lifeboat further up the coast at Clogherhead, a fishing port, with no shortage of crew.