Clogher Head

HOLLYWOOD COMES TO CLOGHER HEAD

Volunteers at Clogher Head Lifeboat Station were overwhelmed by local support for a fundraising event in aid of the station’s Shannon class lifeboat appeal. Nine hundred people poured into the TLT
Concert Hall and Theatre in Drogheda for a Night at the Oskars – an innovative event where local people starred in seven short film remakes of cinema classics. Members of the audience joined a panel of
judges in voting for their favourites, with Best Actress going to Ailbhe Kennedy, Best Actor to Shane Conlon and Best Movie to the remake of The Shawshank Redemption.
Money was raised through the sale of tickets, votes, and advertising space in the event programme – with the final total coming in at a blockbusting €98,262.98! ‘Míle buíochas daoibh go léir!’ from the crew.

Kilmore Quay

SUB AQUA SUPPORT
In February, Wexford Sub Aqua Club presented Kilmore Quay Lifeboat Station with a cheque for €1,000, raised at their Christmas Swim. The club faces a bracing dip for charity annually, and this year’s was described as the coldest water temperatures swimmers have faced so far.
Swim organiser Ivan Donoghue says: ‘We braved the water for a few minutes, but RNLI volunteers face such conditions when they go on call. We thank everyone who took part, those who sponsored the swimmers and the Kilmore Quay RNLI for being there to protect the people who use the waters around the Saltee Islands.’

Arranmore
NEW RECRUITS AT ARRANMORE

The Arranmore RNLI team has been growing this year, with new recruits to both lifeboat and shore crew. Majella O'Donnell is welcomed onboard as honorary station president, keen to support fundraising, water safety and crew. Joining her are three new crew members: Sebastian Sebo from Krakow, Poland, who recently moved to the island, Sharon O’Donnell, an experienced sailor and round-the-world Clipper racer, and Erin McCafferty – a student and now the youngest member of the crew. Arranmore’s Coxswain Jimmy Early says: 'We are delighted to welcome our new president, Majella, and our three new lifeboat crew members.'

Ballyglass

BIG BUCKET CHALLENGE

In March, RNLI Ballyglass fundraiser Frank McHugh took on a unique challenge for the RNLI: pushing a wheelbarrow from Bangor Erris to Belmullet with an excavator bucket in it, raising money along
the way! There was much excitement – and a little bemusement from motorists – as friends and family joined Frank on his unusual 14-mile journey. A fantastic €5,800 was raised.

What's On

Summer is the season for lifeboat open days so be sure to check with your nearest station to find out when theirs is.
CORK WEEK LADIES' LUNCH AND
FASHION SHOW
18 July, 12.30pm
Royal Cork Yacht Club, Crosshaven, Co Cork Enjoy a day out during the prestigious Cork Week regatta.
Contact [email protected].
24TH ANNUAL HELVICK SWIM
29 July, 1–5pm
Helvick Pier, Co Waterford
Cheer on the sponsored swimmers as they make their way across Dungarvan Bay. Then enjoy a barbecue in aid of Helvick Head RNLI, with burgers, drinks, cakes and ice cream. There's also a dog show and brass band. Call 086 813 4597.
BALLYSHANNON FOLK FESTIVAL
2–5 August
Ballyshannon, Co Donegal
Ballyshannon’s streets, pubs and marquees will fill with music for the festival's 41st year. More information and tickets for special events available at ballyshannonfolkfestival.com.
WILD ATLANTIC MARATHON WALK
11 August, 9.30am
Courtmacsherry Community Centre
Sponsored walk to Inchydoney. Half-marathon,
5K and 10K options. Call 087 097 1758 for
more information.
RNLI LADIES‘ LUNCH
19 October, 12.30pm
Howth Yacht Club, Co Dublin
Prosecco reception, lunch, fashion show, auction and raffle. Ladies lunching and supporting Howth lifeboat.
Call Rose Michael on 087 255 2726.

Send details of your events for the autumn issue (mid-October onwards) to
[email protected].