#rnli – Dónal Gallagher, brother of the late blues guitarist Rory Gallagher has presented Ballycotton RNLI with a generous donation of €11,000 to help them continue their work of saving lives at sea.
This phenomenal donation was raised through the sale of items from the well- known and much loved guitarist, Rory Gallagher, at the Rock Memorabilia auction held recently at Whytes Auction House, which raised €7,500 for Ballycotton lifeboat station. A further donation of €3,500 was given from an anonymous unsuccessful bidder who wished to support the work of the life-saving charity.
'Rory was very fond of Ballycotton, he loved walking the cliffs and found inspiration for his song writing there - songs such as 'A Million Miles Away' and 'Lost at Sea', said the musician's brother, Donal Gallagher.
The Gallagher Estate gifted the Rory instruments to the RNLI at the Ballycotton RNLI's annual fundraising Gala dinner at Ballymaloe House, last January and auctioneer Ian Whyte offered his services (commission free), to fundraise for this great cause.
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea and operates all over Ireland and the UK. Volunteer lifeboat crews provide lifesaving cover around the coast 365 days a year. On average it takes €1,502 to train a crew member annually and €1,343 for their lifesaving kit.
Ballycotton RNLI will be holding their annual Family Fun day during this Bank Holiday weekend on Sunday 3 August. This is one of their main fundraising activities for the year but also a great day out for everyone. Like their Facebook page 'Ballycotton Lifeboat Fundraising Events' for more details and watch the 'Lost at Sea'