A Christmas tree built entirely from lobster pots by Kinsale fisherman Eamonn O’Neill to raise funds for a local charity, The Well Kinsale, has been introduced to a worldwide audience by writer and mental health advocate Alastair Campbell. Campbell selected Eamonn’s unique construction as his ‘Tree of the Day’, a daily post that reaches over one million people around the world.
Accompanied by a picture by local photographer Hetty Walsh, Alastair’s post stated: “Unusual Tree of the Day today. Kinsale, Co Cork. It’s made out of lobster pots by fisherman Eamonn O’Neill to help raise funds for The Well, base for three local charities related to mental health and well being across the generations.”
The Well Kinsale is an innovative, intergenerational project supported by the HSE to provide a permanent home for Kinsale Men’s Shed, KYSS (Kinsale Youth Support Services) and Kinsale Youth Community Centre. This partnership of HSE and community is the first of its kind in Ireland and recognises the important contribution made by all three charities to the wellbeing of the wider community.
Eamonn has already raised almost €3,000 through sponsorship from local families and businesses, and is currently running a quiz to guess the number of pots used to build the tree, with a prize of a €100 voucher from Kinsale Good Food Circle. Donations can be made by the tree on Kinsale pier.
