Launch of Strangeboat

Strange Boat, the song, and Strange Boat, the website were launched simultaneously (4th April, 08) and are integral to each other with both dedicated to the memory of Éamonn Goggin and all organ donors. The initial project was sponsored by Hibernian Aviva with the support and backing of the National Organ Procurement Service at Beaumont Hospital and the Irish Kidney Association. Read the press release about the launch.

Press release

A new and very imaginative project for the benefit of all involved in the organ donation movement was launched on the LATE LATE SHOW on Friday, 4h April. Entitled “Strange Boat”, this project will raise awareness of the need for organ donation, will help meet the humanitarian and personal needs of donor families and recipients as well as remembering and celebrating the lives of all organ donors.

The project is being initiated by Denis and Martina Goggin whose son, Éamonn died tragically in a road traffic accident in the Summer ’06. As were Éamonn’s wishes his organs were donated, making the greatest possible act of generosity by giving a gift of life to others.

The title chosen for this project “Strange Boat” is borrowed from the title of The Waterboys’ song recorded over twenty years ago and which has now been recorded on CD single specially for the purpose of organ donation awareness. It features Eleanor Shanley, Mike Scott of the Waterboys, Sharon Shannon, Alec Finn, Eddi Reader and Paul O’Driscoll, all of who are extraordinarily supportive of the project and gave unselfishly of their time and talent to the recording. The CD single also includes a tune called “Sound Man Éamonn”, composed by Charlie Lennon and named in memory of Éamonn who had worked as sound engineer with Charlie in his recording studio in Spiddal.

The recording and release of this CD single have become the inspiration and catalyst for the setting up of www.strangeboat.org website, which will help promote organ donation through focusing on people and their stories - donor families, recipients and those people awaiting organs. It is also hoped that considerable benefits will be derived from such a dedicated website, providing a forum which will further the aims and aspirations of all involved in the organ donation movement.

Strange Boat, the song, and Strange Boat the website were launched simultaneously 4h April, 08. The initial project was sponsored by Hibernian Aviva with the support and backing of the National Organ Procurement Service at Beaumont Hospital and the Irish Kidney Association.