From beard snipping to a ducking contest - a lot of fun for a serious cause

Island hoppers from Tory Island and the bigger island of Ireland came together on Arranmore Island to donate to the Arranmore RNLI.

Following a very successful fundraising event on Tory and Magheraroarty a group from Tory made the journey to Arranmore on Saturday to hand over the proceeds in person to the crew of the lifeboat. 

A total of €5486.90 was raised between Tory and Magheraroarty. And according to fundraising organisers, Niamh Ní Dhubhgáin and Lauren Ní Bhaoill, a fun time was had by all. 

Tory fundraisers with the Arranmore RNLI crew

Niamh and Lauren said: “One man grew his hair and beard and there was a charge of €10 for every little snip of hair and beard. 

“We also had a water ducking contest and took great pleasure in soaking a lot of people but at the end we had to run off very quickly to avoid getting a ducking ourselves. 

“We are as islanders, really aware and appreciate the role of the lifeboat, 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.”

On behalf of the Arranmore RNLI, coxswain Jimmy Early thanked 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,” he said.

“We are a voluntary service depending on the generosity of people to help us save lives.”

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. 

Ziggy Mooney preparing for his swim

A regular visitor to the island for over seven years Ziggy raises money for charity every year in memory of his mother who passed away in 2017. 

Ziggy said: “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. 

“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 fundraising page https://gofund.me/5c4b95e8 will stay open until the end of June.