It’s the only boat of its kind in Ireland.

However, Fermoy’s MK111 wheelchair-accessible boat ‘An Spiorad Saor John Mahon’ is in danger of being sunk by Covid-19, after the pandemic saw their annual flag day fundraiser scrapped.

Now the boat’s skipper Christopher ‘Kipper’ O’Donovan is appealing to the public to help save the vessel, which is specially modified to allow disabled anglers to enjoy fishing trips and families with wheelchairs to spend fun days out on the water.

O’Donovan has set up a Go Fund Me account where supporters can donate to help keep the boat in operation for summer 2021 and beyond.

“We are a local nonprofit organisation.” he said.

“We are raising funds to keep our wheelchair-friendly boat afloat and for use by the public. We are unable to fund its public activity as we had no flag day this year and little activity last year. Our annual running costs are around €1400 euros.”

You can help Christopher to reach his €3,000 fundraising goal by donating via Go Fund Me.