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£1100 raised for Carrybridge RNLI in memory of late brother

Lifeboats News Release

We were delighted to receive this generous donation of £1100 from Jimmy Martin this evening, Thursday 7 November 2024. The money was raised at a recently held 70th birthday and retirement party by family and friends following the tragic drowning of his youngest brother Francis this summer.

£1100 raised for Carrybridge RNLI in memory of late brother

RNLI/Stephen Scott

£1100 raised for Carrybridge RNLI in memory of late brother

Francis was lost when kray fishing in Dungarvan, Co. Waterford in August and so the decision was made to change the party to a fundraising event for the RNLI who along with the Irish Navy and Irish Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter worked tirelessly to retrieve his body and bring comfort to the family. A further donation was made of €420 was made to Helvick Head RNLI.

Francis was the son of Henry and Kathleen Martin, Enniskillen, and having completed his education in St Joseph’s College and Enniskillen Technical College joined the Civil Service in February 1980. Initially he was based in Green Mount College and then attended The University of Jordanstown part time before moving to Belfast. His working life was mainly in the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) but for his last few years before retirement were with The Department of Infrastructure. Francis retired after 44 years in February of this year.

Renowned in the local Enniskillen fishing fraternity, as well as among his Civil Service friends, Francis was an enthusiastic and avid fisherman who loved Irelands’ lakes, rivers, wildlife and nature and travelled near and far pursuing his lifelong hobby.

Stephen Scott, Lifeboat Operations Manager, at Carrybridge RNLI commented “We sincerely sympathise with the Martin family on the loss of Francis. The funds raised in Francis memory are vital to the continuing work of the Carrybridge RNLI on Lough Erne. It was a pleasure to have Jimmy visit us at the station and meet some of our crew and get a look at the equipment and facilities that fundraising like this provides to our volunteers.”

Ends

Photo Details – Left to right front row – Emma Burton, Jimmy Martin, Archie Birrell and Stephen Scott. Left to right back row - Lee Morrison, Chris Cathcart and Matt Nelson.

Notes to Editors

· Click here to access the RNLI 200th anniversary media pack, which contains a selection of RNLI archive images from key points in the charity’s history, an RNLI history timeline, and a film of ‘200 years in 200 seconds’ – all of which can be downloaded.

· Click here for a selection of photos of lifeboats in action.

RNLI media contacts

For more information, please contact Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Communications Manager on 00353 87 648 3547 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Communications Lead on 00353 87 1254 124 or [email protected] or Tom McGuire, Regional Communications Manager on 00353 874764436 or email [email protected]

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For more information, please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around Ireland and the UK. The RNLI operates 10 lifeboat stations in Northern Ireland and has lifeguard beaches along the Causeway Coast and in county Down which it operates seasonally. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service.

RNLI at 200

In 2024, the RNLI celebrates 200 years of saving lives at sea – thanks to volunteers giving their time to save others, all funded by voluntary public donations. Throughout its 200th anniversary year, the charity is running events and activities to commemorate its history, celebrate the lifesaving service it provides today, and inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters. For more information visit RNLI.org/200.


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, Twitter 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.