Two successful fundraisers by Tory Islanders have raised €5,486.90 for the RNLI Arranmore lifeboat.
The annual fundraiser is held to support the life-saving services of the RNLI and to strengthen the links between Donegal’s main offshore islands.
A coffee evening took place in Magheroarty in May which consisted of local musicians playing in Ionad Phobail Machaire Rabhartaigh, a lovely spread of refreshments all donated by local businesses.
Fr Brian Ó Fearraigh also said a few words on the pier and blessed the lifeboat in Magheroarty.
The Arranmore lifeboat and crew paid a special visit that day and allowed people onboard to view the boat.
The highlight for all was the water ‘ducking’ that took place on the pier where the local fishermen got soaked with sponges and buckets of water.
They gladly took a ducking- all for a good cause!
The Tory fundraiser included a night of sean nós singing and a céilí in Tory on a separate occasion. Islander, Pádraig Róise, volunteered to have his head and beard shaved, charging a tenner per snip.
Money from both events was combined and donated to Arranmore RNLI on Saturday last.
Niamh Ní Dhubhgáin organised the Magheroarty fundraiser and assisted with the island fundraiser alongside Lauren Ní Bhaoill, Deirdre Nic Suibhne, Angela McElroy, Anne Marie Rodgers and Sinead Doohan.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Niamh said: “We had a lovely day in Arranmore and were delighted with the welcome we received as well as a tour around the island followed by a sing song in Early’s bar!
“We hold this fundraiser every year (excluding COVID times) and are looking forward to making it a bigger and better event next year – and strengthening the connections between our Donegal islands. The RNLI means a lot to us from an island perspective as it’s our first port of call when there’s trouble. We are so grateful to them and for the service they provide to our islands as well as our coastal and fishing communities.”
