THE RNLI  Lifeboat fundraising schedule, like that of every other charity, has taken a big hit  over the past six months with little or no income coming in to keep the fleet afloat.

Clare has been at the helm in fundraising down the years, and in coming up with new fundraising ideas to involve people in walks, rambles, cruises, concerts and many more events. Over the past six months, the lifeboats have been as busy as ever and have answered every call to save lives and bring people back to their homes and loved ones.

The Burren Ramble, which takes place at this time every year, has to be called off as has the Cruise to Galway Bay from Doolin pier. The risk is too high in Clare to put anyone at risk.

There are, however, some fundraisers still in the pipeline at present. West Clare man Tony Henchy from Derryard in Doonbeg is doing a 100-day consecutive swim in the beaches around his own place in the White Strand, Doonbeg, White Strand, Spanish Point, Lahinch, Kilkee, Quilty and Doolin. Tony has sponsorship cards out and he can be contacted on tonyhenchy@gmail.com or on the mobile 087-2835796.

Forward planning is now centred around the ‘Autumn 10km Stroll Down the Old Bog Road’ in Shragh, Doonbeg on Bank Holiday Monday, October 26. Patsy O’Grady’s house in Kilmaley will host a soirée of dancing, singing, music, tea and Christmas cake in the run up to the festive season. Nationally, events all depend on the way the coronavirus behaves in the coming months. People who want to donate directly to the RNLI Lifeboats can go into the website and hit the donate button.

The recent rescue of Ellen Glynn and Sarah Feeney off the Clare coast at Doolin by the fishermen has seen their parents set up a fund to help raise funds for the RNLI. That website will be up and running shortly, so people can log onto that if they can make a donation. The lifeboats are run on the goodwill of the people and take great pride on the volunteer aspect of the whole operation. The service is by the people, for the people. The value in bringing someone to safety and sparing the family of the terrible grief and pain of loss is beyond words.

Whatever contribution you can give in whatever way is valued and appreciated by our lifeboat crews. To the people of Clare and beyond thank you for your support.