The RNLI is launching its Christmas fundraising appeal, as its volunteer lifeboat crews including those on the Aran Islands, Clifden and Galway RNLI selflessly prepare to spend their Christmas on call.
On average, RNLI lifeboats launch over 100 times during the Christmas period* every year, with 119 launches in 2024.
Whatever weather winter throws at them, RNLI crews including those on the Aran Islands are ready to leave their celebrations with friends and family to battle the elements and save lives at sea.
These rescues, and others all year round, are only made possible by the RNLI’s generous supporters, helping to fund the essential kit, training and equipment needed to keep crews prepared and protected.
Christmas is a time for family and friends, but the RNLI’s volunteer crews are ready to leave their own celebrations this festive season and answer the call for help.
Among those preparing for a Christmas on call is Volunteer Coxswain, Noel Seoighe, whose own connection to the lifeboat began before he was even born.
Over 30 years ago, on Christmas Eve, Noel’s mother, who was pregnant with Noel at the time, had to be medically evacuated from the island. ‘My mothers due date was not until mid-January, so I’m sure plans changed very quickly for everyone that day. It was around 9pm when the call was made.’
‘The nurse accompanied my mom on the passage to Ros a Mhíl aboard the old Arun class Lifeboat. I do know my old woodwork teacher Michael Gill and former crew member, Máirtín Fitzpatrick were onboard that night. I’m sure for them having a nurse onboard was a relief because I don’t think there was any check cards on how to deliver a baby on board back then. I’m sure that this also had some influence on me joining the crew in later years. It’s nice that I could volunteer at sea with Máirtín a good few times before he retired.’
Noel has been a volunteer crew member with the Aran Islands Lifeboat for over 15 years now and this year became coxswain. As well as volunteering, Noel works as a metalwork teacher at the secondary school on the island and is currently busy building a house alongside his wife, Tessa.
Despite juggling work, home life and construction plans, Noel is always ready to respond the moment his pager sounds
‘Being able to play a part in such a vital service is very rewarding. Anytime you can volunteer your time and skills to help others in your community, it’s an honour. Every time I go to sea, I learn something new. I think that is the best part about being part of the RNLI, there is always opportunities to learn new skills.’
‘But as volunteer lifeboat crew we couldn’t launch without kind donations from the public which fund the kit, training and equipment we need to save others and get home safely to our own families.’
To make a donation to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal, and enable the charity to continue its lifesaving work, visit: RNLI.org/WinterAppeal
