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663 Ducks ready for RNLI Duck Race at FoodFest

Lifeboats News Release

The RNLI Duck Race scheduled for West Waterford Festival of Food is generating great excitement as the 663 ducks are congregating around Dungarvan Bay for this important event in Davitt’s Quay on Saturday April 22 with the starting time of the race at 3.30pm when they will be set afloat.

RNLI ducks heading towards Dungarvan from Helvick

RNLI/Rose Ann Foley

RNLI Ducks heading towards Dungarvan from Helvick.

Each duck costs €3 or two for €5. And there is talk of marriage in the air.

Helvick Lifeboat Station will be conducting a free lifejacket clinic at the RNLI stall near Dungarvan Harbour Sailing Club (DHSC) on Davitt’s Quay from 1 -4pm.

'Bring your jacket along to the lifejacket clinic where Austin Flynn RNLI Sea Safety Officer will advise on the importance of choice, fit and maintenance. A lifejacket will buy you vital time in the water and could save your life, but only if you’re wearing it' said Helvick RNLI Fundraising Chairman Kevin O’Morchoe.

'There are prizes for big and small ducks,' said RNLI Fundraising Branch Member and race organiser Rose Ann Foley. 'Ducks can be bought at local businesses and from the RNLI stall near DHSC at the FoodFest. And we appreciate your support. Míle buíochas do gach aoinne as an dtacaíocht ar fad!'

DHSC will host a Local Historic Photographic Exhibition from the Tomás and Kathleen Walsh collection in association with the Helvick Lifeboat Station on Saturday and Sunday during the Food Festival. Admission is free. 'We are grateful to Sam McCauley Chemists who are sponsoring a luxury hamper for the raffle' said Tomás.

The RNLI Dungarvan & Helvick Fundraising Branch work hard to supplement the latest training and safety equipment required by the volunteer RNLI Helvick Lifeboat Crew who are always ready to save life at sea in all types of weather.

Ends

Notes for Editor:
Photos
RNLI Ducks heading towards Dungarvan from Helvick. (RoseAnn Foley)
RNLI Ducks resting on the Blackrock in Dungarvan Bay with Helvick Head in the background. (Martin T Landers)

RNLI Media Contact
For information contact Joan Clancy Fundraising PRO for RNLI Dungarvan & Helvick Fundraising Branch
Tel: (058) 46205086 813 4597 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.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

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