By Róise Collins

THIS WEEKEND, a special fundraiser for the Arranmore RNLI will take place in Magheraroarty, also serving as a tribute to the late Henry O’Donnell. Henry was a lifelong supporter of the RNLI and a passionate advocate for water safety.

The event is being organised by Tory Islander Niamh Ní Dhubhgáin, from the Tory Island RNLI fundraising branch. Every year, the branch hosts a fundraiser in support of the Arranmore-based lifeboat, which remains a vital lifeline for their community.

Speaking to the Donegal News, Niamh emphasised the importance of honouring Henry, a Carrickfinn native, who she described as a huge part of Tory Island.

“We claim him as our own,” she said affectionately.

A plaque in Henry’s honour can be found on the island’s main pier.

A former Army Ranger, lifeguard, diver, and swim instructor, Henry had deep connections with many of Donegal’s island communities, including both Tory and Arranmore.

RNLI Press Officer Nora Flanagan recalled his longstanding support for the Arranmore Lifeboat.

“We really appreciated Henry and all the work he did throughout the years. He was always raising awareness of water safety and the emergency services, particularly the RNLI lifeboat.”

Henry O’Donnell pictured with crew from the Arranmore RNLI following one of his many fundraising exhibitions.

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Henry was also appointed an ambassador for Water Safety Ireland, a testament to his tireless dedication.

Nora highlighted his many feats throughout the years, including a world-record swim in August 1997, when he swam approximately 24 miles from Tory Island to Arranmore in ten and a half hours.

Henry embarked on numerous challenging expeditions at home and abroad, including many of the renowned Seven Summits.

In 2020, Henry undertook what would be his final expedition, becoming the first person to circumnavigate a country by finswimming. His journey around Ireland covered 1,569 kilometres (847 nautical miles), with support from the Tory ferry.

Niamh shared how her uncle Willie Duggan, skipper of the Tory ferry and a few other islanders accompanied the first leg of the expedition. They travelled all the way to Wicklow before the journey was postponed due to safety concerns amid the pandemic.

After Covid-19 forced a pause in his record attempt, Henry completed his fin swim around Ireland in May 2022, raising over €50,000 for two national charities.

Since 2018, the Tory Island RNLI fundraising branch has hosted an annual coffee morning. This year, they will also hold a currach race in Henry’s honour. The race had originally been planned for last year as part of the RNLI’s 200-year celebrations but was postponed due to weather.

The coffee morning will take place on Sunday afternoon from 2–4pm, with the currach race scheduled to begin at 3pm, weather permitting. The Arranmore RNLI lifeboat will be in attendance, and local fishermen have volunteered for a “soak a fisherman” fundraiser. Eveyone is welcome to attend.