Main pic: Arranmore RNLI Coxswain Jimmy Early and his dog keeping Ziggy safe during his fundraising swim.
Island hoppers from Tory, and the bigger island of Ireland, came together on Arranmore at the weeknd to donate to the local RNLI station.
Following a very successful fundraising event on Tory and Magheraroarty, which raised a massive €5,486.90, a group from Tory made the journey to Arranmore to hand over the proceeds in person to the lifeboat crew.
According to fundraising organisers, Niamh Ní Dhubhgáin and Lauren Ní Bhaoill, a fun time was had by all.
One man grew his hair and beard and there was a charge of €10 for every little snip of hair and beard, they explained.
They also had a water ducking contest and took great pleasure in soaking a lot of people. “We are, as islanders, really aware and appreciate the role of the lifeboat,” they said.
“It is very often our first port of call when in trouble and we are delighted to be able to do our bit to help this important lifesaving service.”
The Tory fundraisers with the Arranmore RNLI crew.
On behalf of the Arranmore RNLI, coxswain Jimmy Early said he wanted to thank the people of Tory and Magheraroarty for this very generous donation.
“It’s an incredible amount raised by a small community and we are really grateful to them for their yearly donation, we are a voluntary service depending on the generosity of people to help us save lives,” he said.
Ziggy Mooney from Dublin also joined in the island hopping venture, swimming from Burtonport to Arranmore to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society and the Arranmore Lifeboat. A regular visitor to the island for over seven years, Ziggy raises money for charity annually in memory of his mother who passed away in 2017.
“I spoke to my mother every inch of the swim and I could hear the words she often spoke telling me whatever you receive you get back,” Ziggy said.
“I have always supported the lifeboat service because of my involvement in sea swimming. You know they are always there to help in times of trouble. I hope I never have to call them, but it gives me confidence to know that if needed they will answer the call, they are also building a new boathouse for the crew and it’s good to know that any donations will help with the cost.”
Ziggy’s go fund me page will stay open until the end of June, please follow the link if you would like to donate: https://gofund.me/5c4b95e8
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