*Pictured (l-r): Daire Mulhern, John Kearney of RNLI Ennis fundraising branch, Clare Echo Editor Stuart Holly and Marie Phelan of Slainte an Chlair

The collection, a 2022 calendar produced by The Clare Echo, showcases the work of photographer Martin Connolly.

Killaloe native and Ennis resident Martin worked with the newspaper until his illness, a battle he would sadly lose on July 2, 2021. With the guidance of Martin’s wife Pauline, The Clare Echo produced the commemoration calendar with all proceeds raised, some €1,955, shared between Sláinte An Chláir and the RNLI.

Pauline’s son Daire presented the monies to the RNLI and Slainte this week alongside Clare Echo editor Stuart Holly.

Daire said, “They are two fantastic charities. Mam and Martin, along with my own father, may have benefitted from the work being done by Sláinte An Chláir in the past while Pauline and Martin would be great friends with Joe Queally and other members in the RNLI so there is a strong connection there”.

Marie Phelan, Treasurer of Sláinte An Chláir, thanked Pauline and Martin’s family, telling The Clare Echo that the funds raised will help with vital services including counselling, lymphedema services and the operation of the centre. “It’s an excellent support system for people who can meet people are in the same situation”.

John Kearney, Treasurer of RNLI Ennis fundraising branch, added, “Many thanks to Pauline and Martin Connolly’s family for their fundraising efforts. All funds raised will go towards vital equipment which is necessary to the running of RNLI in Clare, which exists to save lives of those at sea”.