West of Ireland RNLI station seeks relatives whose legacy helped fund lifeboat

Wednesday 26 November 2025

Volunteers based at Achill Island RNLI, situated on the west coast of Ireland in county Mayo, are in search of the relatives for Sam and Ada Moody, who left a legacy of £600,000 which partly funded the construction of the station’s Trent class lifeboat, which has served Achill Island since 1999.

Achill Island Trent Class Lifeboat. Photo Credit: RNLI/Achill Island

Sam and Ada Moody married in September 1935 and in 1941 Sam, and a partner, purchased a foundry in Hounslow, Middlesex where Ada became the company secretary and they worked together, during wartime years, until eventually buying the business in 1948. Through their joint efforts they created a successful life, both in business and in property.

Once retired, the couple purchased a flat in Hove, Sussex where they began their interest and association with the RNLI. After the couple passed, they left a legacy to the charity, which partly funded the construction of the Trent class lifeboat, which has been serving Achill Island and the surrounding waters for many years.

Achill Island RNLI is preparing to celebrate its 30 year anniversary in 2026 and the volunteers based there are looking to honour the memory of Sam and Ada Moody by reconnecting with any living relatives. The RNLI lifeboat crew and fundraisers would like to acknowledge the couple’s generosity and invite the relatives to join the upcoming anniversary on Achill Island.

If you have any information, please contact Jess Curtis, RNLI Regional Communications manager Jessica_curtis@rnli.org.uk 07483488243.