The RNLI has declined to accept proceeds from a foxhunting event which was due to take place today (Dec 31) in Dungarvan, Co Waterford.
As first reported by The Waterford News and Star and then The Daily Telegraph, the event hosted by Dungarvan Foxhounds is due to take place in An Rinn.
The Association of Hunt Saboteurs (AHS) claimed that Helvick and Dungarvan RNLI was to receive donations from the event.
However, the RNLI told the newspaper that it was “aware of an independent third-party local fundraising event planned for News Year’s Eve that would see the proceeds of a foxhound’s hunt meet go to the RNLI”.
“This is not an RNLI event. As such no donation for this event has been received by the charity and members of the fundraising branch will not be holding a bucket collection at the event,”it said.
“The RNLI reserves the right to decline donations that are not in keeping with the purpose and the values of the institution. We will not be accepting any donations from this activity or related activities, now or in the future,”it said.
“We are grateful for the continued support we receive from the communities that surround and depend on our lifeboat service. The RNLI’s purpose is to save lives at sea and on inland waters,” the RNLI statement said.
The newspaper also contacted the Dungarvan Foxhounds, which declined to comment.
Read The Waterford News and Star here