Fundraiser launched in memory of RNLI volunteer Michael (27) who passed away following brave battle with illness
Rarely had the local parish seen such an outpouring of grief as when Michael was laid to rest. And now, one month on, locals are hoping to do some good in his name for a cause that was very close to his heart.
Having followed in his father's footsteps, Michael was a volunteer with Kilmore Quay RNLI since 2016, something he was truly passionate about. He was described as 'a dedicated crew member, always ready to answer the call or take part in fundraising events'.
In the month of May, the RNLI are holding a national fundraiser called 'the Mayday Mile' where they ask people to walk a mile a day and contribute whatever they can to the cause. Michael's family and friends are now hoping that people will undertake their own walks in his memory over the coming weeks.
'After speaking with Mick's family, we felt that participating in this fundraiser would be a perfect way to honour him, his love and his dedication to such a special organisation,' the fundraiser states.
"So for the month of May we would love for you to grab your walking shoes, your friends and your family and join us in our very own #MaydayMileforMicheal in aid of Kilmore Quay's RNLI. Some of Mick's family members, friends and myself are aiming for the one mile per day but we would love for everyone to get involved when and where they can and share your walks using the #MaydayMileforMicheal.
'The RNLI is a very special organisation, which has helped thousands of families and is close to many peoples' hearts. So please, if you can and are able, help us give back and support something that means so much to Michael and his family.'
In the first couple of days, the fundraiser brought in nearly €1,000 and all donations, big or small, are welcome. You can donate by searching for Mayday Mile for Michael on GoFundMe.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Independent
12 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Wexford lifeboat volunteers to stay afloat for 24 hours to raise funds for a new lifeboat
Crew members, Conor Burke and Tom O Connor will spend 24 hours immersed in the water at Cahore Harbour from Friday, August 22 into Saturday August 23, to raise funds to buy a needed lifeboat. Conor Burke has been a member of the lifeboat service for the last 10 years and spoke about their need for a new lifeboat. 'I've been with the Inshore lifeboats for the last 10 years. Our boat is coming to end of life. 'The normal life for a boat is 10 years. So, we're well over the lifespan of it,' Conor said. The rescue service are raising funds to purchase a reconditioned lifeboat as Conor said the price of a new lifeboat is out of the volunteer groups reach. 'The price for a new boat is well over €100,000. So, we've opted to buy a reconditioned boat. A reconditioned boat is almost €30,000. 'Ideally, we would love a new one, but I just don't think we would be able to get that sort of money. We're aiming for something that's realistic,' he added. Conor said the Cahore Inshore Rescue is a crucial service for the area and they have already had three call outs in the last month. 'It's not a luxury, it's a vital service.' Cahore Inshore Rescue Service is a fully volunteer led lifeboat and lifeguard organisation, saving lives along the Southeast coastline of Ireland. 'We're a voluntary organisation, so all equipment needed has to be gotten through fundraising,' he added. Tom and Conor will both enter the at Cahore Harbour and we'll be immersed in the water for 24 hours until noon on the Saturday. He will also be joined by helm Tom O Connor who is an experienced sailor Conor said he has never done something like this before but has professional diving experience to back him up. 'I'm used to being in the waters for long hours anyways.' Conor said they hope to broadcast a live stream on the day, where locals can view the 24 hour event and watch the progress of Conor and Tom as they stay afloat in the waters of Wexford. 'We're hoping to do a live stream of it to make sure we're not sneaking off to the pub,' Conor said. The Gofundme posted has recently surpassed €5,000 in donations, which Conor said the service is thankful for. 'We're on our way, were really trying to reach out to businesses for contributions. 'We just want to reach as many people as we can. Everything is greatly accepted,' Conor said. Cahore Inshore Rescue Service was founded in 1995 following the tragic drowning of a local woman. Since then, the 13 to 14 volunteers have worked to protect both locals and visitors who swim in the area.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- The Irish Sun
RNLI ‘challenging' rescue ops as yacht crew member suffered back injury & yacht got ‘in difficulty' near Irish coast
They found the yacht close to shore upon arrival CAST AWAY RNLI 'challenging' rescue ops as yacht crew member suffered back injury & yacht got 'in difficulty' near Irish coast A MAJOR operation was launched by the RNLI yesterday after a yacht raised the alarm near Skerries harbour in Co Dublin. The Skerries crew set off after receiving a call from a yacht anchored near Skerries harbour, requesting assistance with an injured crew member. 2 Another vessel was making their way to Boatstrand Pier before it got into a struggle Credit: RNLI/Helvick Head The volunteers in Skerries launched their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat and proceeded directly to the visiting yacht, which was in sight as soon as the lifeboat left the trailer. Advertisement Once alongside, one of the volunteer crew, who also happens to be a local GP, made their way on to the yacht to assess the casualty's condition. A woman on board had fallen and suffered a back injury. And it was evident that transferring the casualty to the lifeboat was not going to be straightforward. It was decided to assist the yacht in moving alongside the pier, where more volunteers from the station would be waiting with a rigid basket stretcher. Advertisement The stretcher was lowered to the yacht and casualty was placed into it and made as comfortable as possible. With the tide quite low, there would have been a considerable risk to the casualty in hauling the stretcher up the harbour wall, so it was decided to transfer the stretcher to the lifeboat instead. The lifeboat then made its way back around the pier and was recovered back to the station. The casualty was then handed over to the care of the National Ambulance Service who transferred her to hospital for further assessment. Advertisement Conditions at the time were force one to two southerly winds with a smooth sea and moderate visibility caused by sea fog. Speaking about the call out, volunteer lifeboat press officer for Skerries RNLI, Gerry Canning, said;: "First of all we'd like to wish the lady a full and speedy recovery. "When the pagers sound, our volunteers never really know what they might be facing. "But you can always count on their calmness and composure. "There was some great teamwork and some excellent decision making on display in this shout to ensure the casualty got the best care possible." Advertisement CALL TO ACTION It comes after the Bunmahon Coast Guard in Co Waterford was called out at 12:20pm to go the aid of a yacht which had gotten into difficulties off the Boatstrand Pier. The vessel was making their way to Boatstrand Pier before it got into a struggle. The lifeboat was requested to launch by the Irish Coast Guard at 12.20pm after a report that a yacht was in difficulty in rough seas. There was an easterly wind, Force 4–5 at the time which was creating challenging onshore conditions. The volunteer lifeboat crew including Helm Alan Kelly, Joe Foley, Shane Walsh, and Rian Kelly, quickly made their way to the scene in the inshore lifeboat. Advertisement They found the yacht close to shore upon arrival. The lifeboat crew assessed the situation and decided the safest course of action was to establish a tow and safely bring the vessel which couldn't make any onboard progress to Boatstrand Pier where they were assisted by Bunmahon Coast Guard. Speaking following the call out, Liam Harty, Helvick Head RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: "We would like to commend the sailors for wearing life jackets and having access to phone communication for raising the alarm. 'GOOD OUTCOME' "This resulted in a good outcome today and we wish both of them well. "The wind direction and sea state were challenging today so the quick actions of the yacht's crew in calling for help, combined with their use of life jackets, played a major role in their safe recovery." Advertisement Mr Harty has also issued a warning to all water users to always wear a suitable life jacket or personal flotation device while engaging in water activities. He added: "As the summer continues, we encourage all water users to always wear a suitable life jacket or personal flotation device for their activity, carry a means of calling for help, and check the weather conditions before setting out. " Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard."
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Family's heartbreaking plea after ‘amazing' Irish mum-of-nine with ‘heart of gold' dies suddenly as tributes pour
The mum-of-nine passed away 'peacefully but unexpectedly' in her Dublin home 'AWFUL LOSS' Family's heartbreaking plea after 'amazing' Irish mum-of-nine with 'heart of gold' dies suddenly as tributes pour A FAMILY of a "beloved" mum-of-nine who died "peacefully but unexpectedly" in her Dublin home have issued an urgent plea. Nicole McNeill died suddenly on July 14, leaving behind her "adored children", her partner, father, family and friends. The Lucan woman, who was laid to rest at Palmerstown Cemetery, was remembered for her 'heart of gold'. Her family has now issued a "heartfelt request" to the local community following her sudden passing. Advertisement A fundraiser has been set up on GoFundMe to help Nicole's family face unexpected costs, especially as the back to school time approaches. They said: 'Her passing has left her family in shock and facing unexpected expenses. 'With the new school year approaching in September, there are added costs for clothing and getting the little ones ready for this big transition – all of which have come as a sudden and stressful burden. 'One of her children is just four months old, making this an especially challenging time for the family.' Advertisement So far, the GoFundMe page has raised €1,500 out of its €5,000 goal. Her family added: 'Any contribution to our fundraising efforts would be deeply appreciated and would help alleviate some of the financial strain, allowing the family to focus on healing and supporting these young children during this incredibly difficult time. 'Your kindness and generosity would mean the world to us and to Aunt Nicole's family. "Thank you so much for any help you can provide.' Advertisement Tributes have been poured in for tragic Nicole since her passing last month, with mourners telling how she was an "amazing mother". 'ALWAYS A SMILE' One mourner said: 'Thoughts are with all of Nicky's family friends and her kids. She had a heart of gold and helped out when she could. 'I hope she gives the kids all her strength to get through this. I hope she gets the best bed in heaven now.' Another said: 'I was really saddened to hear of the passing of Nicole. "She was an amazing mother and the kids were a credit to her.' Advertisement While another pal shared: 'Nicole, so many fond memories from school, you were one of the good ones. 'Always a smile and a kind word. Sending so much love to your partner, children, grandchildren and family on this awful loss.' To make a donation and support the family, please visit here.
