Clonown community raises €11K for Lough Ree RNLI

Volunteers from Lough Ree RNLI were presented with a cheque for €11,020 by local community representatives at a presentation in Clonown Community Hall on Tuesday, November 3.

The generous donation was the proceeds of a coffee morning and raffle event last month which brought together families, friends, local businesses and supporters in a fantastic show of community support from Clonown and the surrounding areas.

Members of the local community said the event highlighted the generosity and spirit which exists in the riverside parish as it came together to support a charity which plays such an important role in saving lives.

Speaking on behalf of the fundraisers, Ann Dunning said they wished to issue a heartfelt thank you to every person, business and supporter who contributed to the event and helped make the impressive fundraising total.

Accepting the donation Lough Ree RNLI, volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager Dave McCourt said: “The wonderful support from the people of Clonown and the surrounding areas makes an invaluable contribution to the charity which depends on local support to provide its life saving service."

An annual event which is part of the RNLI fund-raising initiative takes place later this month on Saturday 22 November when the Lough Ree RNLI Christmas Shop opens in the Boathouse at Coosan Point.

The pop-up shop will be open from 1.30pm and the ever popular RNLI Christmas cards will be on sale alongside a great variety of festive gifts and stocking fillers for old and young alike.

Lough Ree RNLI Treasurer Michael Piggott said: 'This is a very important fund raising event for the charity and volunteers look forward to welcoming locals and visitors in great numbers.'