There was great anticipation at the Clogherhead Lifeboat house on Saturday Morning as the actors who had taken part in the recent Oskars competition waited to hear how much they had raised for their efforts.

The announcement came just before the 10.00 am training launch of theLifeboat on Saturday 14 April and there was spontaneous applause when it was announced that the amazing sum of €98, 262. 98 was raised through Oskar related activities.

In a statement issued today a Clogherhead RNLI spokesperson said it is humbled and extremely grateful to the actors, their families, businesses, companies, Coast Guard, Gardaí, the media and sponsors for all the help received over the course of the three month Oskars period.

"We were overwhelmed and delighted at the amount we raised in the Oskars project."

RNLI Coxswain, Tomás Whelehan, thanked the public for their generous support and said that money raised will be put to very good use.

He pointed out that the New Shannon lifeboat will be delivered to Clogherhead in around 12 Months’ time: when the Shannon is fully operational the response time in reaching a casualty will be almost 50% faster.

Operations Manager Declan Levins, said that the new Shannnon Lifeboat will provide a better service across our primary service area stretching from Skerries to Kilkeel and further if required.

Declan expressed his gratitude for the support that Clogherhead Lifeboat has received, and he emphasised the broad base of support from both near and far to Clogherhead.

Míle buíochas daoibh go léir!