A Limerick-based inventor has created what could soon become the 'Swiss Army Knife' for surfing enthusiasts the world over, The Irish Times reports.

The SurfBuckle, developed by Nick Ryan of new surfwear company LirChild, is a multi-purpose tool that allows surfers to adjust fins on their board as well as to remove and comb board wax, and can be worn as a belt buckle.

Ryan says he got the idea for the SurfBuckle from a friend who was stuck for a tool to remove fins from his surfboard at an airport.

The marketing and entrepreneurship student is currently using Fundit.ie to raise the €30,000 needed to start production of the tool, which will be built from steel and 'bioplastic'.

The Irish Times has more on the story HERE.

Well-wishers broke out the champagne to welcome home Elaine 'Shooter' Alexander as she completed her solo circumnavigation of Ireland by kayak yesterday.

The first woman from Northern Ireland to complete such a feat, Shooter landed at County Antrim Yacht Club 71 days after setting off from the same spot on her 1,000-mile challenge to raise funds for local charity SHARE.

Shooter's skills were regularly tested to the limit. On one occasion she suffered severe sea sickness after getting caught in a large swell during a 12-mile crossing near Brandon Bay.

“I was fully committed with a cliff face on one side and a long paddle to America on the other, so I had to continue despite being severely ill,” she said. 

But the challenge wasn't all doom and gloom. One highlight was when Shooter was joined by a pod of six dolphins for over an hour near Easkey on the Sligo coast. And above all, the people she met along the way have left a lasting impression. 

“The support from the kayaking community and local fisherman has been great," she said. "Kayakers have paddled stretches with me, met me with tea and biscuits, gave me warm beds and hot showers, shared invaluable local knowledge – I can’t thank them enough."

Elaine 'Shooter' Alexander is set for hero’s welcome this week as she becomes the first woman from Northern Ireland to circumnavigate the island of Ireland by kayak.

The solo paddler is expected to reach the finish line at County Antrim Yacht Club on Wednesday after her 70-plus-day test of endurance.

Shooter began her epic 1,000-mile voyage on 3 May, facing a tough challenge navigating a coastline of cliffs and headlands, strong tides and brutal weather. She has been storm-bound for a total of 21 days, often only with a small tent for shelter. 

When asked what home comfort she was most looking forward to, she simply replied: "A proper toilet and some clean clothes." 

Shooter embarked on the challenge to raise funds for SHARE, a charity providing outdoor activity programmes that promote the inclusion of disabled and non-disabled people. 

“I expected and had trained for the physical challenge but I don’t think you can ever prepare mentally," she commented. 

"It has been a real struggle coping with the repetition of paddling, getting changed into wet clothes and packing up a wet tent every day. Especially on the windy days it has been hard just to push on that extra few miles each day.” 

But connecting with fans and supporters through social media made a big difference. 

“The Facebook page has really been a lifeline," she said. "There is nothing more motivating than coming off the water after a tough day to read so many supportive and funny comments from well wishers."

See below for a map showing Shooter's live position as she edges closer to the finish line.

Charlie McGibney (pictured below) presented a cheque recently to David Buttimer, chairman of the Fenit RNLI lifeboat fund-raising committee, for donations received at the funeral of his loving wife Ita McGibney.

It was Ita's request that donations made during her funeral be presented by her husband Charlie to Fenit RNLI Lifeboat Station, based at Fenit Harbour in Co Kerry. 

The RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) is a registered charity and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service.

The death of Ita McGibney (neé Clonan) of Tieraclea Park, Tarbert and formerly of Dumcondra, Dublin, occurred on 20 February 20 2011. Ita is survived by her husband Charlie; sons Tom, George, Gerard, John, Raymond, Damien, Rory and Simon; daughter Dr Carol (Pierce); brother Pat; sisters Mary and Ann; as well as in-laws, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces and friends.

Photograph by Digimac Photography, Fenit

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