Kinsale teenager Joey Hurley has been hailed as a hero after making one of the largest ever donations received by his local RNLI station. Joey raised an incredible €24,800 through his Duathlon for Des, a gruelling challenge he dedicated to the memory of his godfather and best friend Des Hurley, the much loved fisherman who died at sea in a
tragic accident on 14th December 2023.  Appropriately, Joey made his presentation to the RNLI at the Kinsale memorial in honour of the brave souls who were lost at sea.
The entire town turned out to support Joey on Saturday 10th August as he kayaked from the Bulman Bar to James Fort, followed by a 10 km run from James Fort to Charles Fort and back, finishing with the 1km return crossing to the Bulman. Joey bravely pressed on with his plans despite the recent death of his beloved nana, well known Bandon woman Helen Gabriel, to whom he also dedicated his challenge. Joey attributes much of his determination to his friend and personal trainer Mikey Power of Bfit Bandon, who helped him channel his grief into such a positive cause.
According to RNLI sources, it costs €1,673 to train a lifeboat crew member so Joey’s magnificent effort will fund 15 additional crew members and make a significant contribution to saving lives at sea. John O’Mahony, a Hurley family friend and Kinsale RNLI volunteer, said: “Joey is an absolute hero and Des and Nana Helen would be so proud, as we all are.  The volunteer crew in Kinsale can never thank Joey enough for choosing the RNLI to benefit from his challenge, and we would also like to acknowledge all the local families and the fishing communities around the coast of Ireland who contributed generously to help Joey raise such an amazing sum of money.”