Maryborough Lifeboat Lunch returns to raise funds for Cork RNLI stations

The fundraising event is a popular one for the lifeboat charity as friends and supporters of the RNLI come together to raise funds for three of Cork’s lifeboat stations and experience fine dining, great entertainment and the chance to bid on some wonderful auction items.

This year marked the 40th anniversary of the Fastnet tragedy when 19 people drowned and 132 sailors were rescued by the RNLI, the Irish Naval Service, Royal Navy and RAF helicopters. Four Irish RNLI stations spent 74 hours at sea.

Baltimore lifeboat station also celebrates its centenary this year, giving 100 years of volunteer service to saving lives at sea. Crosshaven, Kinsale and Baltimore RNLI have all had a busy year with volunteer lifeboat crew making the news for a variety of call outs to people in trouble on the water, and in some extraordinary cases, animals too. Kinsale RNLI have passed out their youngest ever lifeboat helm at 21 years of age and Crosshaven volunteers responded to a call out involving a blue shark who had badly bitten an angler.

Last year the Baltimore, Crosshaven and Kinsale RNLI lifeboat stations launched 69 times and brought 93 people to safety. Not every cal lout will make headlines but to the people involved, the lifeboats are their lifeline in times of trouble on the water.

The lunch and auction will get underway at 12pm on Friday 1 November, where guests will be welcomed in the Orangery. This will be followed by a three-course lunch in the Sherrard Suite at 1.30pm.

This year the event will be hosted by comedian Barry Murphy who will provide the entertainment and hold the post-lunch auction and draw. After last year’s show-stopping interview with Baltimore RNLI Coxswain Kieran Cotter, the organisers have promised more surprises on the day.

RNLI fundraising committee member Avril O’Brien is looking forward to what promises to be an event to remember. Commenting on the plans, Avril said: ‘We are delighted to be back hosting the Cork RNLI Lifeboat Lunch. After last year’s success we couldn’t wait to get planning again. The RNLI is a very important charity to Cork people. The lifeboats are very visible along our coastline and we know that when we need them the volunteer lifeboat crew will drop everything to come to our aid.

‘Raising funds for the RNLI ensures they can continue to go to sea and save lives. This event, as well as being great fun and an opportunity to meet new people and old friends, highlights the work of the lifeboat crews on our coasts and shows people were the money they raise goes.’

Tickets priced at €65 are now on sale and will be sold in tables of 10. For more information about the event or to purchase tickets please log on to Eventbrite.co.uk or contact Mary Creedon Community Fundraising Manager at [email protected]

Ends

Photo Details

Photo 1: Pictured from left are, Claire Morgan, Crosshaven RNLI shore crew and Maryborough Lunch Fundraising Committee, Avril O’Brien, Maryborough Lunch Fundraising Committee, Molly Murphy, Crosshaven RNLI crew member, Ruth McSweeney, Maryborough Lunch Fundraising Committee, Mary Creedon RNLI Community Fundraising Manager and James Fegan, Crosshaven RNLI crew member. Photo courtesy of Jon Mathers

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.