Cill Dara Lifeboat appeal exceeded target

A D-class lifeboat.

The Cill Dara Lifeboat appeal has exceeded its target, raising €143,768.75 against a goal of €117,000, writes Brian Byrne. The appeal, led by support from people across Kildare and beyond, was launched to help purchase a D-class lifeboat for Wexford Lifeboat Station. 

Organisers thanked everyone who supported fundraising events across the county, including the Wexford Fleadh in conjunction with the Wexford RNLI crew. The extra funds will help support the upkeep of RNLI lifeboat stations around Ireland. The new lifeboat, named Cill Dara, is expected to be on the water later this summer.

The North Kildare RNLI committee started the project to mark the bicentenary of the sea rescue organisation. Fundraising events included street collections, notably at the All-Ireland Fleadh in Wexford last summer, a cooking demonstration, an abseil challenge, and a concert by the Dublin Welsh Male Voice Choir. 

Fundraising efforts also took place in Newbridge, Athy, and Monasterevin, with local businesses in Kilcullen also making donations. Kilcullen's Pat Stafford is a member of the fundraising group.

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