New Arranmore RNLI Coxswain among Donegal lifesavers on call this Christmas
The RNLI is launching its Christmas fundraising appeal, as its volunteer lifeboat crews including those at Arranmore, Bundoran and Lough Swilly RNLI selflessly prepare to spend their Christmas on call.
On average, RNLI lifeboats launch over 100 times during the Christmas period* every year, with 119 launches in 2024.
Whatever weather winter throws at them, RNLI crews are ready to leave their celebrations with friends and family to battle the elements and save lives at sea.
These rescues, and others all year round, are only made possible by the RNLI’s generous supporters, helping to fund the essential kit, training and equipment needed to keep crews prepared and protected.
Christmas is a time for family and friends, but the RNLI’s volunteer crews are ready to leave their own celebrations this festive season and answer the call for help.
Kieran O’ Donnell from Arranmore RNLI will be on call this Christmas for the first time as Coxswain. Kieran who lived away from home for a number of years, was looking for an opportunity to return home.
‘Having worked in England for 11 years,’ he explains, ‘I had been looking for a way to move back home to the island, so I thought there was no better way to do so than moving back and serving my island community and the broader coastal community of Donegal.’
Kieran knew from a young age that he wanted to join the lifeboat and follow the footsteps of his father, Sean O’ Donnell: ‘From a young age, I had been fishing for salmon, crab and lobster with my dad. Seeing him respond to lifeboat calls all my childhood and not being able to go with him made my mind up that it was something I was going to do. I am proud to serve alongside my dad, he has over 30 years’ experience with the RNLI, so I have learned a lot from him during my Coxswain training and continue to lean on his knowledge and experience as I start to build my own.’
The role of full-time Coxswain can be busy: ‘Being on pager comes with its difficulties, like any emergency service. Simple things like popping to Burtonport for petrol for your car can be difficult as the Coxswain position needs to be covered at all times.
Only a few weeks ago I had to leave a family function and respond to the pager but while it can be difficult to rush away, it is well worth it knowing you can help someone in need.’
As he prepares for his first Christmas on call as Coxswain, Kieran says: ‘This has been our station’s busiest year on record so it would be nice to get through the Christmas dinner without interruption but at the same time our dedicated volunteers will be there as always to answer the call.
‘There’s no feeling quite like bringing someone home safe to their families – especially at Christmas. But as volunteer lifeboat crew we couldn’t launch without kind donations from the public which fund the kit, training and equipment we need to save others and get home safely to our own families.’
To make a donation to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal, and enable the charity to continue its lifesaving work, visit: RNLI.org/WinterAppeal
Ends
*Christmas period refers to 24 December – 1 January inclusive and launch statistics cover the RNLI in Ireland and the UK.
2024: 119
2023: 120
2022: 102
2021: 107
2020: 108
RNLI media contacts
For more information, please contact Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Communications Manager on 087 648 3547 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Communications Lead on 087 1254 124 or [email protected]
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 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 146,700 lives.
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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.