Posted online: Sep 6th, 2011

The families of two Glengad fishermen tragically killed in a fishing accident last year are raising funds to “give something back” to those involved in the sea search.
Eddie Doherty (Liza) and Robert McLaughlin (Jackie) died on November 1 after their boat, the “Jennifer” capsized just off the Inishowen coast, while they were fishing for crab pots.
An extensive search immediately got underway and involved a number of diving groups from right across the country, lifeboats both North and South, as well as the Coast Guard services.
Mr Doherty’s body was recovered a short time after the incident, as was the boat.
However, the voluntary groups and rescue services continued searching for a further 24 days until Mr McLaughlin’s body was found at Malin Head on November 24.
Now, as a way of expressing their gratitude for the role the groups paid in bringing the men back home, the Doherty and McLaughlin families have organised a “Monster Draw,” the proceeds of which will be divided between all those involved.
In the next few weeks, the tickets will be sold door-to-door at homes around the peninsula, priced at 20 euro each, followed by a dance in the Malin Hotel on Saturday, November 12. The event will be free entry.
The first prize winner of the draw will receive 3,000 euro and the second prize is 1,000 euro. There will also be two third prizes of 500 euro and two fourth prizes of 250 euro.
Speaking to the Inish Times on behalf of the families, Mr Doherty’s son-in-law Martin McDermott said the families wanted to acknowledge the groups’ contribution and dedication to the search last year.
He said: “The biggest reason for doing this is basically, to give something back to all those groups and people who spent a month in Glengad.
“There was the lifeboat, the coastguard and six or seven diving groups from across the country who spent their own time on the search –all of them voluntary. They do fantastic work and all rely on fundraising, which is why we are doing the draw.
“We want to thank them for all they did.”
In January last, cheques for 1,000 each were presented to Greencastle Coast Guard and True North Diving Club by the Glengad community. The money was raised via donations made at the funeral of Mr McLaughlin and a monetary donation from parents association at Glengad’s St Cholmcille National School.