'What do dreams know of boundaries'

Inspirational Geraldine Mullan presented proceeds from her Amelia’s Flight of Hope Festival to the volunteers of Lough Swilly RNLI.

Thousands attended the October festival remembering little Amelia Mullan on what would have been her 10th Birthday. Amelia died alongside her brother Tomás and her father John in a tragic accident in August 2020, where Geraldine was the sole survivor.

Amelia’s Flight of Hope Festival was a hugely successful event celebrating the achievements of Amelia Earhart and raising vital funds for the RNLI. Last weekend, Geraldine presented a cheque for €6,550 to the local RNLI. 

Photo: Lough Swilly RNLI

“We were delighted to welcome Geraldine Mullan to the station today. Geraldine and her team are an inspiration to us all,” a Lough Swilly RNLI spokesperson said.

“When you see the dedication and enthusiasm with which they (Hope Centre) work to benefit our whole community, who in turn staunchly support her efforts. We are honoured to benefit from their ingenuity and hard work. Many thanks from all at Lough Swilly RNLI.”

The festival took place at The Mullan HOPE Centre in Moville, founded by Geraldine as a non profit voluntary organisation to support the local community that has rallied around her since their accident in August 2020.

Over 450 children from different schools in Inishowen and Derry visited on Thursday and Friday for the Stem Flight challenge in conjunction with the Nerve Centre and the Fab Lab, Spraoi agus Spórt.
The event was officially launched by the Mayor of Derry and Strabane District Council, Patricia Logue, Inishowen’s Mayor Terry Crossan and local councillor Martin Farren.

The four day event included green screen flying, 1920s costumed selfies, a restored plane, workshops on the science of flight, inspirational talks and reflections.

There was a programme of live music including swing, jazz and choral performances with the debut performance of a beautiful choral piece penned in memory of little Amelia Mullan and sung by the Inishowen Gateway Singers.

A highlight of the event on the final day Sunday (Amelia’s actual birthday) was a flyby organised by Eglington Flying Club, joined by Sligo Acrobatic Flying club who wrote the letter and numbers A10 in the sky enthralling visitors below.

The event presented lots of opportunities to learn more about the life and achievements of Amelia Earhart through exhibitions by the Amelia Earhart Legacy Association.
Her original luggage was even on display.

Young and old enjoyed arts and crafts activities, film screenings, refreshments and fabulous home baking.

The event was designed to raise much needed funds for the `RNLI and included a raffle supported by local attractions, restaurants, producers and businesses.

The top prize was 2 return flights with Loganair from City of Derry Airport with complimentary access to Amelia Earhart Lounge and complimentary parking at City of Derry Airport.

Winner of the top prize was John Bonner from Glengad, who said “It is such a surprise and a great honour to win your top prize”.

Steve Frazer, Managing Director at City of Derry Airport, stated: “It’s an honour for us to support the Mullan Hope Centre and the Amelia Flight of Hope Festival, which has brought so much hope to many and shared the story of Amelia Earhart.

The success of the event is a testament to the tireless work from Geraldine Mullan in keeping her family’s memory alive and raising vital funds for the RNLI not to mention the amazing supportive community we have here in the Northwest. Well done to Geraldine and everyone involved.
The aim of Amelia’s flight of HOPE was to inspire visitors to Dare to Dream, to believe that anything is possible if you put your mind to it & to give and spread hope, the four days hopefully did all of that and so much more as in Amelia Earhart’s own words “What do dreams know of boundaries”.