Aran Islands RNLI launch during cheque presentation

The crew had been visiting the neighbouring island of Inis Oírr to meet with Aoibhe, Síle, and Éadaoin who had raised €5,253.00 for the Aran Islands RNLI.

Earlier in the year, the three young women made the brave decision to chop off their long hair in aid of two special charities.

The first was the Rapunzel Foundation, a charity which helps provide wigs to people living with long-term hair loss. On the last day of the school year, the three had cut 14 inches off their long hair and donated it to the charity.

The three chose to donate the money they raised to the Aran Islands RNLI. Living on an island they know first-hand how vital the RNLI lifeboats are for an island community.

The crew were welcomed by the families and friends of Aoibhe, Síle and Éadaoin, including Éadaoin’s family who had made the long journey from Wexford for the occasion.

However, the joyous occasion was cut short when the Coast Guard tasked the lifeboat for a medical evacuation from Inis Oírr.

The crew received a handover from the island doctor before assisting the patient onboard the lifeboat where they were safely transferred to Ros a Mhíl and into the care of an awaiting ambulance.

Speaking to Lena O’Connell, Fundraising volunteer, she said: ‘We would like to say a big thank you to these three inspiring women, giving not only to one but two charities. Fundraising is always challenging with so many amazing causes out there. We were honoured and delighted when the ladies chose the Aran Islands RNLI.

We would also like to thank the local doctor in Inis Oírr for their co-operation and wish the patient a speedy recovery.’

Ends

RNLI media contacts

For information, please contact or Treasa Ní Bhraonáin RNLI Communications Placement Tel: 085 1500 564 email: [email protected] or Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Communications Manager Tel: 087 648 3547 email: [email protected] Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Communications Lead Tel: 087 1254 124 email: [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.