New Arranmore RNLI Coxswain among lifesavers answering the call this Christmas

The RNLI is launching its Christmas fundraising appeal, as its volunteer lifeboat crews including those at Arranmore, Bundoran and Lough Swilly RNLI selflessly prepare to spend their Christmas on call.

On average, RNLI lifeboats launch over 100 times during the Christmas period every year, with 119 launches in 2024. 

Whatever weather winter throws at them, RNLI crews are ready to leave their celebrations with friends and family to battle the elements and save lives at sea.  

These rescues, and others all year round, are only made possible by the RNLI’s generous supporters, helping to fund the essential kit, training and equipment needed to keep crews prepared and protected.

Christmas is a time for family and friends, but the RNLI’s volunteer crews are ready to leave their own celebrations this festive season and answer the call for help.  

Kieran O’Donnell from Arranmore RNLI will be on call this Christmas for the first time as Coxswain. Kieran, who lived away from home for a number of years, was looking for an opportunity to return home.

“Having worked in England for 11 years, I had been looking for a way to move back home to the island,” he explains. “So I thought there was no better way to do so than moving back and serving my island community and the broader coastal community of Donegal.”

Kieran knew from a young age that he wanted to join the lifeboat and follow the footsteps of his father, Sean O’ Donnell: “From a young age, I had been fishing for salmon, crab and lobster with my dad. Seeing him respond to lifeboat calls all my childhood and not being able to go with him made my mind up that it was something I was going to do. I am proud to serve alongside my dad, he has over 30 years’ experience with the RNLI, so I have learned a lot from him during my Coxswain training and continue to lean on his knowledge and experience as I start to build my own.”

The role of full-time Coxswain can be busy: “Being on pager comes with its difficulties, like any emergency service. Simple things like popping to Burtonport for petrol for your car can be difficult as the Coxswain position needs to be covered at all times.

“Only a few weeks ago I had to leave a family function and respond to the pager but while it can be difficult to rush away, it is well worth it knowing you can help someone in need.”

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As he prepares for his first Christmas on call as Coxswain, Kieran says: “This has been our station’s busiest year on record so it would be nice to get through the Christmas dinner without interruption but at the same time our dedicated volunteers will be there as always to answer the call.

“There’s no feeling quite like bringing someone home safe to their families - especially at Christmas. But as volunteer lifeboat crew we couldn’t launch without kind donations from the public which fund the kit, training and equipment we need to save others and get home safely to our own families.”

To make a donation to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal, and enable the charity to continue its lifesaving work, visit: RNLI.org/WinterAppeal

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