It was on the first Friday in July in 1999 that Rescue 111 crashed in dense fog in the sand dunes of Tramore Beach. That year the first Friday was July 2 but this year it’s today.
The four crew who lost their young lives that night live on in our memories here in Tramore and we continue to live in awe of their bravery.
Tonight, I really want to salute the four men who perished that terrible night and send fondest wishes to their families, friends and colleagues.
Sgt. Patrick Mooney, aged 34
Capt. David O’Flaherty, aged 30
Capt. Michael Baker, aged 28
Cpl. Niall Byrne, aged 24
Sadly, 2017, which marks the 18th anniversary of the loss of the crew of Rescue 111 is also a year which has seen the deaths (March 14) of all four crew members of Rescue 116 in Co. Mayo. This tragedy is still very, very raw and has underlined, yet again, the extent to which those who work in Search and Rescue and risk their lives for the rest of us deserve to be recognised as true heroes and thanked by us all from the very bottom of our hearts.
Life is full of sad memories, but it is important to remember those who have passed. Let them not be forgotten, rather honoured.
Beautifully said, Cris. Thanks so much.
May they rest in peace..So many senseless tragedies around the world…
Hi Joni, it’s certainly very hard to understand but they did their utmost saving lives during their careers.
God bless both rescue crews. May they rest in peace.
Hi Susie, thanks for your lovely sentiments.
Yes God bless both rescue crews, lost but not forgotten and their families.
A beautifully written tribute Jean 💜
Lovely to see you back. 🤗😉
Thanks Willow.
They all certainly deserve to rest in perfect peace.
Yes they do, are you back with us (WordPress) I have missed you.🤗💙
I’m not sure. I hope so. xx
I shall email you ASAP 💜
So young and tragic. God rest their souls.
Absolutely, George.
It is lovely to remember those people Jean, a lovely post!
It’s so sad that their lives were lost but they certainly live on in our collective memories.
Absolutely Jean they do.
So important to never forget. Thanks for sharing their story here. xo
I fully agree about the importance of remembrance, Pam, and these guys were out saving lives, risking their own. We owe them so, so much.
Thanks so much. Hi Susie, thanks for your lovely sentiments.