Kinsale RNLI Raft Race Bank Holiday Saturday
Volunteer crew from Kinsale RNLI will race against an estimated 15 other teams on Bank Holiday Saturday (30 July) in the annual Kinsale RNLI Raft Race.
The race starts at the Bulman Bar in Summercove at 1pm and finishes at the main slip by Kinsale pier. Reigning champions 'The Dock' will not compete this year, leaving the way clear for a new team to claim the Kinsale RNLI Raft Race trophy made by Dominic Dolan of Kinsale Silver.
RNLI supporter and celebrity chef Martin Shanahan is master of ceremonies at the prize giving and Party on the Pier following the race. Kinsale fishermen including Eamon O’Neill, Finbarr Desmond, Gearoid Fitzgerald, Mark Hurley, John O’Mahony and Johnny Walsh will supply ‘A Taste of the Sea’ to help raise funds for the RNLI.
Martin says: ‘Why not come to Kinsale this Bank Holiday Saturday for the best fun on the water as up to 20 teams compete in fancy dress in the Kinsale RNLI raft race followed by the famous Party on the Pier. Our hardworking fishermen will be doing fish and chips on the pier and all they ask is that you donate generously to the RNLI. The pier is the best place to view the race, with live commentary from DJ Mark. I will be on the water broadcasting live on Facebook so even if you are not in Kinsale, you can still join in the fun. It’s a great day out for all the family so join us on the pier from noon on Bank Holiday Saturday.’
Local businesses have generously sponsored prizes for fastest raft, best fancy dress and the team raising the greatest amount of sponsorship for the RNLI. Last year the Aquaholics team raised over €1,200 so the bar is set high for 2016. Race sponsors include Canvas Works, CH Marine, Eli Lilly, Graepel Kinsale, Granny’s Bottom Drawer, Herbalife, ITW Sports Branding, Kinsale Boat Hire, Kinsale Good Food Circle, Mamukko, Musgraves, 1601 Off Licence, Victoria’s Antiques Cork and Vista Wine Bar.
Register in The Dock pub – on Friday (29 August) between 6 and 8pm with a free pint of Guinness for all rafters who lodge their sponsorship money. This can also be done on Saturday outside the Bulman Bar from 10.30am.
The Kinsale RNLI lifeboat station will hold an Open Day on Sunday 31st July from 1.30pm. Visitors are invited to meet the crew, see the lifeboat and learn more about the work of the RNLI. All welcome.
For rules & regulations and sponsorship forms for the raft race email [email protected] or call Tricia 083 1529282
Ends
Notes for Editor:
Fishermen pix - Kinsale fishermen preparing for the party on the pier in aid of Kinsale RNLI.
Finbarr Desmond, Gearoid Fitzgerald and John O'Mahony with Kinsale RNLI volunteer helm Nick Searls
Last year's winner - The Dock bar team are the reigning champions of Kinsale RNLI Raft Race
Fancy dress - Vista Bistro and Bar won Best Fancy Dress last year
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Tricia Tyson Kinsale RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer email: [email protected] Tel: 083 1529282 or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Public Relations Manager Tel: 087 1254 124 / 01 8900 460 email [email protected] or Nuala McAloon RNLI Press Officer Tel: 087 6483547 email: [email protected]
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity 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 146,000 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.