Arranmore's Séan Sailor Boyle celebrates his 18th having raised €2,000 for charity

The community of Arranmore has wished a happy birthday to one of its most popular residents.

Séan Sailor Boyle turned 18 and there were a number of celebrations to mark this very special occasion - and did his bit in return.

"Happy birthday to Séan Sailor Boyle," Denis O'Donnell said in the Arranmore local notes. "There were a number of celebrations to mark this very special occasion. The first of which was a party on Friday in Arranmore Day Centre.

"Sean wanted to celebrate with his friends at the centre who wouldn't be able to make it to his party on Saturday. There was a Mass on Saturday night for those with special needs. Afterwards, Sean's birthday party took place in Early's Bar. Also well done to Sean who raised €2000 through sales of his book in aid of Donegal Down Syndrome."

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The book - Séan’s Guide to First Aid - was launched at a special event by Donegal’s beloved country singer, Daniel O’Donnell, last year. Sean was inspired to write his book after completing his work experience on both the Red and Blue Arranmore ferries.

Last year, Séan made national headlines when he passed his three-day Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) Basic Safety Training course which allows him to work on a boat or ferry.

He got his love of the sea from his fisherman father, John. A fifth year student at Gairmscoil Mhic Diarmada on Árainn Mhór, Seán had to undergo three days of training at the BIM National Fisheries College in Greencastle to receive his safety card. The training involved tasks such as jumping into a pool with safety gear, going on a life raft on his own and doing elementary first aid. Seán excelled in everything that came his way.