Arklow 

LAP OF THE MAP

2018 marks Mary Hickey’s 50th year in athletics and she continues to go from strength to strength. On New Year’s Day she set off from Arklow, Co Wicklow, heading north on the roads closest to the coast, with the aim of raising money for the RNLI by lapping the map in an anti-clockwise direction. The journey will take many months. As Lifeboat went to print, Mary had fought through some horrendous weather conditions and made it to the Burren, with a fundraising total of more than €15,000. Joined by runners and cheering supporters along the way, this superhero has, so far, needed just 3 rest days. Mary says: ‘I'm inspired by the work of the RNLI and wanted to support them by raising money. The more people that know about the RNLI, the greater impact the charity can have, so please also spread the word.’ You can follow her progress on Twitter @RNLILapOfTheMap, or sponsor her at give.everydayhero.com/ie/rnli-lap-of-the-map. Run, Mary, run!

Skerries

WHAT’S SUP?
Four adventurers were the first to attempt an unusual crossing of the Irish Sea – by stand-up paddleboard (SUP). Organiser Peter Carroll’s uncle, Liam MacMahon, became the first person to complete the route windsurfing, in 1983. Last year, Peter was inspired to follow in his footsteps, albeit by a different mode of transport! After 11 months of SUP training in all conditions, the four-strong team set off on a 63-mile route from Skerries to Holyhead that would test both sea legs and endurance to the max. In the end, two of the four made history by successfully reaching Holyhead 20 hours after setting off – and more than €13,600 was raised to help save lives at sea. An incredible effort! 

Dublin

STORMY JOINS DUBLIN PARADE

Each year, taxi drivers from across Dublin decorate their vehicles for a parade through O’Connell Street. This colourful cab fayre honours the many children and adults in Dublin who live with disabilities – hundreds of whom join the cabbies for a unique tour of the capital, and a party at Leopardstown Racecourse. Stormy Stan and local volunteers were invited to join the most recent parade. The children were delighted to see the RNLI mascot aboard the launching tractor and D class lifeboat – and were wowed by his dance moves at the after party!
RNLI flags, colouring books and goodies were handed out, and the taxi drivers were equipped with specially designed Respect the Water receipt cards to give to their passengers. The drivers have also stepped up to deliver the Float to Live message to
 future clients. RNLI volunteers report feeling proud and humbled to be a part of such a wonderful day.

Union Hall QUESTION, PERSUADE, REFER

Union Hall Lifeboat Press Officer Pamela Deasy began a new initiative last year when she noticed a course on suicide awareness being advertised by charity Lisheens House. Every year our crews
go to the rescue of 965 people in distress on our coasts. And research shows that 90% of people who are approached by another in their time of need do not go on to make a second attempt. The Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) course by Lisheens House teaches three steps that anyone can take to help prevent suicide. Pamela explains: ‘We have call outs to people who seem about to jump, or who have jumped. What better way for our crew to deal with these situations than to know what to ask or – as the situation deems – not to ask the individual.’ Crew Member Matthew Limrick says: ‘After taking the course, I feel I’m able to ask: “Are you feeling OK?” and help people in the right direction.’ More volunteers are planning to attend the course later this year. 

What's On

Details might have changed since going to print, so please check in advance to avoid disappointment. To find out what else is on near you, see RNLI.org/events.
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
Saturday 14 April, 8.30pm
Titanic Belfast
Relive the story of RMS Titanic on the anniversary of her sinking. The evening will close with a candle-lit ceremony on the slipways, marking the exact moment the Titanic struck the iceberg. Tickets £6 from titanicbelfast.com.
CORK HARBOUR FESTIVAL
Saturday 2–Sunday 10 June
A 9-day celebration of Cork’s maritime culture with 60 events in Cork City, and local harbour towns and villages. Come for a kayak, explore Cork’s many heritage sites, brave a guided ghostly trail, sail in the harbour and experience the spectacular fleet of boats taking part in
Ocean to City (An Rás Mór).
WILD ATLANTIC SHANTY FESTIVAL
Friday 15–Sunday 17 June
Rosses Point, Co Sligo
Local and international shanty groups take to the stage in this beautiful setting. Come prepared to join one of the many boat, swimming, rowing, running or duck races, and don’t miss Dress Like a Pirate Day on the Sunday, when crew will also be holding an open day. Visit wildatlanticshanty.ie.
SEAFEST
Friday 29 June–Sunday 1 July
Galway Docks, Co Galway
A weekend of family-friendly maritime festivities. Discover our oceans and the creatures in it. Learn about ocean exploration and the boats that transport us. Take part in activities, watch demonstrations and hear astonishing tales from the deep. Visit seafest.ie for bookings and full details. Send details of your events for the summer issue (mid-July onwards) to [email protected].