Clifden RNLI To Benefit From New Irish Children’s Book
A unique new children’s book focusing on the local history and mythology of the North West Connemara region has been launched this week in Co. Galway, with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the Clifden RNLI lifeboats.
Local author and youth worker Marie Feeney has produced ‘From Our Ancient Land to Bountiful Sea’, an informative and often humorous collection of local history and folklore tales with illustrations by Gary Kendellen.
These tales include accounts of the famous engineer Alexander Nimmo who designed many piers and bridges in the Connemara area and an educational yet entertaining blend of local history and myths that will appeal to locals and visitors alike.
Marie’s first book The Cleggan Disaster comprehensively and poignantly detailed the tragic drowning of 45 men from the fishing communities of Cleggan, Claddaghduff and Inishbofin and the Inishkeas and also benefitted the local RNLI lifeboats.
On the launch of her new book, Marie said “The coastline of Connemara, while exceptionally beautiful is also treacherous and mostly utilised by people who use it either for pleasure or their livelihood. Thankfully in our community, we have a dedicated RNLI volunteer team who provide an invaluable service by saving lives each year, sometimes in the most challenging environments.
The philosophy of the RNLI is astounding, the purpose to save lives; their vision to save everyone; their volunteer ethos, their charitable and community base. Every life matters and of course their maritime expertise is crucial.”
‘From Our Ancient Land to Bountiful Sea’ is now on sale locally in Connemara at The Clifden Bookshop, the Letterfrack Country Shop, Gala Cleggan, and Sweeney’s Claddaghduff. The book is also available online at the inConnemara Bookshop at bookshop.inconnemara.ie.
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.