Donate now

Arranmore RNLI benefits from Walk for Paul

Lifeboats News Release

Arranmore RNLI and Sheephaven Subaqua Club gratefully accepted a generous donation on Saturday (18 January), from CLG Baile Na nGalloglach (Milford GAA club) in memory of Paul Buchanan who went missing when kayaking off the coast of Gweedore in October 2024.

Representatives pictured in the handing over funds raised.
Presentation of the funds raised

Arranmore RNLI, Bunbeg Coast Guard and divers from Sheephaven Sub Aqua Club were all involved in the search for Paul but unfortunately his body was never recovered.

Milford GAA club organised an enjoyable ‘Walk for Paul’ on St Stephen’s Day which had a great turnout. Aodh Mc Cormack, Chairperson of CLG Baile Na nGalloglach, said: ‘Paul was our minor board secretary and we did the walk in his honour and in appreciation of all the emergency services involved in the search for Paul. We are pleased to donate the sum of €1,500 to Arranmore RNLI and a similar sum to Sheephaven Subaqua club.’

John McCafferty, Arranmore RNLI Launch Authority and relief mechanic said: ‘On behalf of all at Arranmore lifeboat station, we are extremely thankful to Milford GAA for their very generous contribution. Also, to Paul’s wife Bernadette and sons Mark and Martin, we would like to thank you for thinking about us in what is a very difficult time for all the family and for coming to meet the crew in Burtonport today.’

Damien Kelly, on behalf of Sheephaven SAC expressed his thanks for the very generous contribution of €1,500 in respect of Paul’s family.

Timmy Boyle, on behalf of Bunbeg Coast Guard said: ‘We are very grateful to all the emergency services and thank them for their support during the search, we work very closely with these services and appreciate all they do.’

Ends

RNLI Media Contacts

For more information, contact Nora Flanagan, Arranmore RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer at [email protected] or on 0878047032.

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.