Innovative ‘Teac Tom’ initiative raises vital funds for Mayo branch of RNLI

The formation of an organisation far from Achill some years ago is having a remarkable effect on the mental health of so many people in the midlands. Called ‘Teac Tom’, it provides on call services and support on a voluntary basis. The organisation was spearheaded by Pat Comerford and greatly assisted by Achill native, Pat Sweeney from Polranny. Earlier this year they identified a symbiosis between the ‘Teac Tom’ entity and the Achill Island RNLI Lifeboat in the launching of a massive fundraising venture, which included the building of a traditional ‘Achill’ curragh in oak. Built to an impressive and exceptional standard, it was paraded in several venues around the country over the past summer, including on the river Barrow in Kilkenny and on the Achill Sound between Achill and the mainland.

At a presentation event at the Óstán Oilean Acla, a massive cheque of €31,000 was handed over to the Achill Island Lifeboat Fundraising Branch by Pat Comerford and Pat Sweeney on behalf of their group. This represented half of the money they raised for charities over the past year. In handing over the cheque, Pat Comerford spoke eloquently on the ‘Teac Tom’ initiative and the excellent work it does and in his speech he likened it to the work of the RNLI and the Achill Lifeboat. Thanking both men, the Chairman of the Fundraising Branch, Anthony McNamara commended them on their excellent initiative and for linking both of the organisations in their massively successful fundraising campaign. A Certificate of Appreciation was handed to Pat Sweeney by Anthony and a bouquet of flowers was presented to Louise Sweeney, Pat’s wife, by crew member Karen Arnold on behalf of the Achill Lifeboat Station.

The RNLI depends entirely on initiatives such as this for their crews to help them in their efforts in #SavingLivesAtSea. Everyone wished Pat Comerford and Pat Sweeney continued success in their work with the excellent ‘Teach Tom’ initiative. Further information can be obtained at: www.thethomashayestrust.com

Pictured above at the cheque presentation, front, from left: Karen Arnold (crew); Dave Curtis, (Coxwain); Pat Comerford (Teac Tom); Pat Sweeney (Teac Tom) and Ciarán Needham (Lifeboat Operations Manager). Back, from left: Anthony McNamara (Fundraising Branch); Andrew Arnold (crew); Michael Edward Lavelle (Fundraising Branch); Francis Blake Dillon (crew and Fundraising Branch) and Orlagh Blake Dillon (crew).