Teen marine charter operator raises €5,070 for Irish Kidney Association

Seán Blunnie, a 17‑year‑old from Bealaha, raised €5,070 for the Irish Kidney Association in memory of his late grandfather.

Blunnie runs Doonbeg Adventures, a marine tour and fishing charter based at Doonbeg Pier. After completing his Leaving Certificate in June, he took over the business from his father Cathal, who had operated it for around 15 years.

To honour his grandfather Senan Blunnie, who died in December 2025 after 13 years of dialysis at the Limerick Dialysis Centre, Seán organised a fundraiser on 23 August 2025. The event offered fishing trips, cliff cruises and dolphin‑watching aboard the boat “Wild Atlantic Wave”, with five trips scheduled to maximise the tide.

All proceeds from the day’s trips were donated to the Irish Kidney Association. The amount raised will support other patients and families requiring dialysis treatment.

Seán, who deferred his place at the National Maritime College of Ireland to focus on the summer season, thanked the dialysis unit staff, the charity and the participants for their support.

Source: Clare Champion. Photo: Erik Mclean / Pexels.