Tory Islanders successfully raised an impressive €5,555.15 for the Arranmore RNLI through a series of community events at Magheroarty on Sunday.
It was a day of fun, music and refreshments, with a highlight being a currach race held in memory of the late Henry O’Donnell. Mr. O’Donnell, a renowned swimmer, was widely respected for his extensive work with both the RNLI and Water Safety Ireland.
The organisers were delighted to welcome Henry O’Donnell’s family to the event. His son, Christopher O’Donnell, had the honour of presenting the award to the victorious currach racers, Paul and Christopher McGarrigle (pictured above).
Currach race held in memory of the late Henry O’Donnell
Fr Donnachadh Ó Baoill kindly blessed the local fishing boats and ferries.
This was followed by a ‘ducking’ that took place on the pier. Funds were raised by throwing wet sponges and buckets of water on some volunteers including Pádraig Ó Domhnaill and Tony McKelvey who were runners up in the currach race, local representatives Denis McGee and John Shéamuis Ó Fearraigh, and Niamh Ní Dhubhgáin who organised the event.
Cllr Denis McGee taking a ducking!
The Arranmore lifeboat and its crew, though scheduled to be present, were significantly delayed after responding to two separate callouts.
“This further emphasizes the importance of this service which we depend so desperately on. As do all local island, fishing and coastal communities,” said Niamh.
Lifeboat operations manager and Arranmore man Jerry Early also made the journey from Arranmore to Magheroarty and it was one of the highlights of the day when he sang his song ‘I’ll Go’. The song recalls a well-known tale of a rescue mission carried out by the Arranmore lifeboat. The words echoed through the hall as fitting as ever.
“Against the storm, against the gale, against the mighty waves. Those men were rightly honored as the bravest of the brave. And let everyone salute them and thank God for men like these.. who would risk their lives for strangers in peril on the seas.”
