SARDA Callouts

Incidents to Which SARDA has responded

On this page we will give you some information on some of the incidents to which SARDA dog teams have responded. Due to the sensitive nature of some callouts, please understand that we are limited in what we can include.

2019

1st January, Galtee Mountains, Co. Tipperary

Two of our handlers, Eadaoin O’Gorman (with search dog Murphy) and Louise Burgoyne (with search dog Lyla) were called out to the Galtee Mountains last night with South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association. Both dog teams were stood down when the missing hikers were located by a SEMRA search party. A great result for all involved.

2018

23rd November, Mourne Mountains, Co. Down

Three SARDA dog teams (Michael Grant with Ziggy, Louise Burgoyne with Lyla and Eadaoin O’Gorman with Murphy) were placed on standby yesterday by the Mourne Mountain Rescue Team for an incident involving a lost walker. The adult male had become disoriented on Slieve Binnian and found himself in difficult terrain. Happily, the missing hiker was located safe and well before the SARDA teams set off.

2nd September, Galtee Mountains, Co. Tipperary

The 2nd tasking came at 6.30pm after two hill walkers were reported overdue to return from the Galtees and could not be contacted. SARDA handlers Mick Grant (with search dog Ziggy) and Gerry Tobin (with search dog Dexter) were on the way to the location when the two walkers were reported safe down off the mountain by other members of SEMRA.

2nd September, Galtee Mountains, Co. Tipperary

It was a busy day for SARDA’s handlers with two callouts in the Galtee Mountains. The 1st callout kicked off in the early afternoon after a hill walker got disoriented in the heavy fog near the summit and required assistance. Two dog teams (Michael Grant with search dog Ziggy and Eadaoin O’Gorman with search dog Murphy) responded along with their home team, South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association. Happily, with assistance over the phone from the SEMRA callout officer the walker was able make his way down to meet the SEMRA hill party, and the dog teams were stood down.

22nd August, Glen of the Downs, Co. Wicklow

SARDA handlers were tasked by Dublin-Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team to search for a missing woman in the Glen of the Downs, Co. Wicklow. Michael Grant (with search dog Ziggy) and Gerry Tobin (with search dog Dexter) were en route to Wicklow when the news came in that the missing lady had been located safe and well.

11th August, Co. Clare

SARDA handler Mick Grant and search dog Ziggy were tasked by Valentia MRSC to assist Doolin Coast Guard unit, Clare Civil Defence and Gardaí in a search for a missing person after the Gardai found their car in a forest car park in north Co. Clare. At around 10pm, as the dog team was out searching, the missing person was spotted by a member of the Gardaí. SARDA Handler Louise Burgoyne and search dog Lyla were also on standby for this search.

8th August

SARDA handler Michael Grant and search dog Ziggy were called out to search for a missing person. Thankfully, with the help of social media and local people, the missing person was found safe and well. Search dogs Murphy (with handler Eadaoin O’Gorman) and Lyla (with Louise Burgoyne) were also on standby to assist if required.

2nd August, Gortnahoe, Co. Tipperary

SARDA dog teams were tasked by Tipperary Civil Defence to assist in a missing person search in Gortnahoe, Co. Tipperary on Friday. Four dog handlers (Gerry Tobin, Louise Burgoyne, Eadaoin O’Gorman and Michael Grant) were en route to the incident but were stood down when the missing person was located by the Gardaí. A good result for all involved.

29th June,Ferrycarrig, Co. Wexford

DOG FIND. SARDA handlers Louise Burgoyne (with search dog Lyla) and Eadaoin O’Gorman (with search dog Murphy) were tasked as part of a multi-agency search in Co. Wexford on Friday. Several search areas were covered until the missing person was located by search dog Lyla and handler Louise. Unfortunately, he had passed away. We would like to extend our sincerest condolences to the casualty’s family. RIP.

29th June, Dromod, Co. Leitrim

SARDA handler Michael Grant and search dog Ziggy were tasked to assist Sligo Leitrim Mountain Rescue Team today. The dog team was stood down en route when the missing person was located. A good result for all involved.

11th June, Carrigshouk, Co. Wicklow

Three SARDA dog teams were tasked this afternoon to assist Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue and Dublin-Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team with a search for a missing person in the Sally Gap area in Wicklow. Gerry Tobin (with search dog Dexter), Michael Grant (with Ziggy) and Eadaoin O’Gorman (with Murphy) were en route to the location when the missing male was located by the Mountain Rescue personnel. Dog teams stood down just before 6pm.

13th May, Waterford City

SARDA handlers Louise Burgoyne, Eadaoin O’Gorman, Michael Grant and Gerry Tobin were tasked by Waterford Gardaí to try and help locate a missing 70-year old man in Waterford. Extensive searches took place over the weekend involving several agencies, including Waterford Marine Search and Rescue, Waterford City River Rescue CRBI, Civil Defence and Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 117 as well as other CG personnel. The four SARDA dog teams were tasked to carry out searches along the bank of the river Suir. Sadly, the search was stood down with the recovery of the missing man’s body on Sunday night. RIP.

12th May, Kilarney, Co. Kerry

SARDA handlers Louise Burgoyne and Eadaoin O’Gorman were tasked to assist Kerry Mountain Rescue Team in a large-scale search for a missing 42-year old man in Killarney yesterday morning. The Shannon-based Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 115, Killarney Water Rescue – Search & Recovery Unit and the Civil Defence also took part in the search. The missing man’s body was found in the late afternoon by SARDA dog team (Louise Burgoyne and search dog Lyla) and a member of KMRT accompanying them. We wish to convey our deepest sympathy to the casualty’s family. RIP.

5th May, Rathdangan, Co. Wicklow

SARDA search dog handlers Eadaoin OGorman, Louise Burgoyne and Michael Grant assisted Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue and Dublin-Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team with a search for a missing mountain biker in Wicklow on Saturday. Unfortunately, the missing person was located deceased. RIP.

5th April, Waterglass Hill, Co. Cork

SARDA handler Gerry Tobin and search dog Dexter were tasked by the Gardaí this afternoon to assist with a search for a young boy in Co. Cork. The nine-year old had been out with his cousin in Watergrasshill but failed to return home. Happily, the youngster was found safe and well while the dog team was en route to the location.

25th March, Nephin Mountain, Co. Mayo

On Sunday, Mick and Ziggy travelled to Mayo to assist Mayo Mountain Rescue team with a search on Nephin Mountain. A local had reported that a paraglider was lying on the slope of the mountain, but was in fact a patch of snow.

18th, 19th & 24th March, Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary

SARDA dog teams assisted Tipperary Civil Defence and the Gardaí with an ongoing search in Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary. Michael Grant and search dog Ziggy did a small search late on Sunday evening, and on Monday Eadaoin O’Gorman with search dog Murphy and Gerry Tobin with search dog Dex joined Mick & Ziggy to search three woodland areas. On Saturday 24th March, Gerry Tobin (with Dex), Eadaoin O’Gorman (with Murphy) and Michael Grant (with Ziggy) continued the search by searching areas of woodland.

Late on Sunday 25th March, the news came in that the week-long search operation had been stood down after a body was recovered from the river Suir. We wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the casualty’s family and friends. May she rest in peace.

24th – 25th February, Banteer, Co. Cork

Three of our search dog teams (Louise Burgoyne with Lyla, Eadaoin O’Gorman with Murphy and Michael Grant with Ziggy) + navigator Dorothy Grimes were out on Saturday and Sunday assisting Mallow Search and Rescue and CORK NORTH CIVIL DEFENCE in a ongoing search for a missing male in north Co. Cork. The dog teams searched several areas along the River Blackwater near Banteer. The missing person’s body was recovered a few days later by Mallow Search and Rescue. RIP.

14th January, Galtee Mountains, Co. Tipperary

SARDA Handler Eadaoin O’Gorman and search dog Murphy were called out at 5pm on Sunday when SEMRA were alerted to a hill-walking group in difficulty on Galtymore Mountain. The dog team covered several areas in extremely difficult weather conditions before the missing hikers were located by one of the search parties; the group was then escorted safely down off the mountain. Éadaoin and Murphy form one of the two new SARDA teams who passed their assessments in November, and this was their first callout as a qualified search dog team. Well done to the pair of them!

2017

31st December, Coney Island, Co. Sligo

SARDA handlers Michael Grant (with search dog Ziggy) and Louise Burgoyne (with search dog Lyla) were called out by Sligo Leitrim Mountain Rescue Team to assist with a search for a missing male on Coney Island in Sligo Bay. The dog teams assisted the mountain rescue team and members of the local community for several hours yesterday morning. Unfortunately there has been no result so far, and the search is still ongoing.

30th October, Galtee Mountains, Co. Tipperary

DOG FIND – SARDA handler Michael Grant and search dog Ziggy were assisting South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association earlier tonight in a search for a lost hill-walker in the Galtees. The dog team successfully located the missing person high on the Galtymore mountain. The hiker was well equipped and in good form, and he was escorted down off the hill by SEMRA members. A great result for Mick & Ziggy. Well done!

20th October, Sligo Town

SARDA dog team Michael Grant and Ziggy assisted the Gardaí with an ongoing search for a missing female on the outskirts of Sligo town.

7th October, Arra Mountains, Co. Tipperary

SARDA handler Mick and search dog Ziggy were called out to a search in the Arra Mountains near Birdhill, Co. Tipperary where a man had become disoriented in the darkness while helping a farmer search for missing cattle. He was located by members of Killaloe Coast Guard Unit and Tipperary Civil Defence before the search dog team arrived at the scene.

7th October, Erris Peninsula, Co. Mayo

SARDA handler Michael Grant and search dog Ziggy traveled to Belmullet, Co. Mayo where they assisted Ballyglass Coast Guard Unit with the ongoing search of the coastline of the Erris Peninsula for the crew of Rescue 116.

19th, 20th September, Galtee Mountains, Co. Tipperary

SARDA handlers Gerry Tobin (with search dog Dexter) and Michael Grant (with search dog Ziggy) were called out to assist South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association (SEMRA) with a multi-agency search for a missing hill-walker in the Galtees. The search went on until 1.30 AM in challenging conditions and resumed again at 7 AM the next day. The walker was located safe and well by one of the search parties about three hours later. A great result. Thank you Gerry and Mick for responding!

23rd August, Mount Brandon, Co. Kerry

SARDA handler Michael Grant and search dog Ziggy were called out to assist in a search on Mount Brandon, Co. Kerry. A hillwalker, who was in his 60s and from the UK, had been missing since the previous evening and there was concern for his wellbeing. Dingle Coast Guard, Kerry Mountain Rescue Team and Rescue 115 were all involved in the search. The dog team was stood down en route when members of KMRT located the missing hiker’s body on the mountain in the late afternoon. RIP.

19th July, Allihies, Co. Cork

SARDA dog team Pauliina Kauppila & Koiru were called out last night to assist Castletownbere Coast Guard team with a missing person search near Allihies, Beara Peninsula. They were stood down while en route to the location when the missing lady turned up safe and well.

22nd May, Kilworth, Co. Cork

SARDA handler Michael Grant and search dog Ziggy were called out by the Gardaí in Fermoy just before midnight. They were requested to assist in a search for a walker who had got lost in a wooded area near Kilworth. The walker was found by an army search team from nearby Kilworth Camp just before the dog team arrived at scene. Well done Mick and Ziggy for responding.

5th May, Blacksod, Co. Mayo

SARDA handler Gerry Tobin and search dog Dexter spent the day at Blacksod, Co. Mayo where efforts are still continuing to try and locate the two missing crew members from Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 116. The dog team did two long shoreline searches, covering a distance of some 20k. Unfortunately there is still no result. We send our thanks to Michael Hurst and his crew from Ballyglass Coast Guard Unit, and our sympathies to all families affected by this tragedy.

5th May, Baltimore, Co. Cork

Valentia MRSC tasked SARDA dog team Pauliina Kauppila & Koiru at 1.30am last night to assist in a search at Lough Hyne, near Baltimore, Co. Cork. A 60-year old tourist had not returned to his vehicle, and there was concern that he may have got injured or fallen ill. The dog team was stood down en route at 2.40am when the Shannon-based Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 115 located the man safe and well. Toe Head/Glandore Coast Guard Unit had also been tasked to the incident earlier and had commenced a search. A happy outcome for all agencies involved.

3rd April, Rathdowney, Co. Laois

SARDA handler Gerry Tobin and search dog Dex were called out by a family member to search for an elderly man with dementia missing from home since lunchtime. The search was stood down en route as the man was found by a family member.

1st April, Ballylanders / Lough Gur, Co. Limerick

SARDA handlers Gerry Tobin (with search dog Dexter) and Michael Grant (with search dog Ziggy) spent most of the day yesterday assisting their home team South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association with a search. Unfortunately the missing person was located deceased. RIP.

16th March, Arklow, Co. Wicklow

SARDA handlers Gerry Tobin and Michael Grant were tasked by the Glen of Imaal MRT to assist in the search for an elderly female. The search was stood down en route as the woman had been located by the search teams.

8th March, Ben Bulben / King’s Mountain, Co. Sligo

SARDA handler Gerry Tobin and search dog Dexter were tasked by Gardaí to assist in a search for a man who had been missing for over three weeks in the Drumcliff area in Sligo. The dog team traveled up from Clonmel and spent 5 hours combing through several search areas. The man’s body was located by helicopter later the next day.RIP.

5th March, Lead Mines CP, Co. Wicklow

As SARDA members were finishing up after an assessment weekend in Wicklow, a female runner nearby tripped and fell, injuring herself. SARDA members assisted by assessing her and keeping her warm until the Mountain Rescue teams and ambulance arrived, then assisted with stretchering her out. As this rescue was coming to a conclusion another call for help came in from a member of the public concerning a woman who had collapsed nearby in the ruins. She was assessed by MRT and paramedics still on the scene and SARDA members assisted with stretchering her to a vehicle to await a second ambulance.

25th February, Ballyhoura Mountains, Co. Limerick

SARDA handler Gerry Tobin and search dog Dexter responded to a callout in the Ballyhoura Mountains with South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association late last night. The missing mountain biker was located by a search party just as the dog team arrived at location and was getting briefed. A good result.

22nd February, Ardgroom Beara Peninsula, Co. Cork

Valentia MRSC tasked Pauliina Kauppila and search dog Koiru to assist Castletownbere Coast Guard team in a search for a missing young male in Ardgroom, Beara Peninsula. The dog team spent 2.5h searching through farmland and wooded areas. Unfortunately the search concluded tragically when the missing person was located deceased. RIP.

20th February, Castletownbere, Co. Cork

SARDA handler Pauliina Kauppila and search dog Koiru assisted Castletownbere Coast Guard in a search for a missing 20-year old man. The dog team covered a good stretch of shoreline, fields and wooded areas outside Castletownbere, Co. Cork before being stood down for the night with the rest of the team at 2am. Just as the search was to resume again the next morning, the news came in that the young man had been located safe and well. A happy outcome.

3rd February, Hollywood, Co. Wicklow

SARDA handler Gerry Tobin and search dog Dexter were called out at 1.30 am to assist Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue & Dublin-Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team in a missing person search in Wicklow. The search was stood down as the dog team was en route when the missing young man was located safe and well. Thank you Gerry and Dex for responding.

8th January, Lead Mines CP, Co. Wicklow

Training in Wicklow ended with 3 of our handlers, who are also mountain rescue personnel, assisting the Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Team and Dublin Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team, to stretcher a casualty from steep ground in the Glendasan Valley, Glendalough.

2016

29th December, Co. Donegal

SARDA was put on standby for a search for a missing person, no other details. The dog team were stood down before leaving home.

18th November, Nire Valley, Co. Waterford

SARDA handler Gerry Tobin and search dog Dexter were called out to assist South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association with a search for two missing hikers in the Comeragh Mountains. The walkers were located by SEMRA members. Well done!

30th October, Ballingarry, Co. Tipperary

Search dog Dexter and handler Gerry Tobin were tasked for a search by Tipperary Civil Defence. The dog team was stood down when the missing person, an elderly man, was found safe and well by a Civil Defence search team.

30th September, Ballinascorney Woods, Co. Wicklow

SARDA handler Gerry Tobin and search dog Dex were tasked by the Glen of Imaal MRT to assist in the search for a missing male. The dog team was stood down as the missing male was found deceased. RIP.

29th September, Valleymount, Co. Wicklow

SARDA handler Gerry Tobin and search dog Dexter were put on standby by the Glen of Imaal MRT to assist in the search for a missing person near Valleymount GAA pitch. The person was located shortly before midnight, and was assessed, treated, and evacuated to a waiting ambulance. The incident was stood down at midnight.

5th September, Galtee Mountains, Co. Tipperary

SARDA handler Gerry Tobin and search dog Dexter were tasked by South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association to assist in the search for a missing walker who had been descending from Galtymore. The joint operation involved Gardai, SARDA search dogs and SEMRA search parties. Searching was made more difficult due to thick fog and strong wind. During the search of the mountain the walker was located high on the slopes of Galtymore shortly after midnight. The walker who was safe and well was guided off the mountain by one of the search parties.

31st August (also 1st, 7th and 21st September), Tralee, Co. Kerry

SARDA handler Gerry Tobin and search dog Dexter were tasked by the Gardaí to assist with the search for a Ballybunion man who has been missing since August 21st. A large-scale search involving Ballybunion Rescue, Ballybunion and Glenderry Coast Guard units, CG helicopter and numerous local volunteers has been ongoing for the last several days. The dog team, assisted by another SARDA member, Simon Kelly, searched a number of areas of interest near Tralee, including some roadside fields and derelict buildings. Unfortunately there has been no result so far. Another SARDA dog team, Pauliina Kauppila with search dog Koiru, took part in the search effort.

13th August, Lough Corrib, Co. Galway

SARDA handler Gerry Tobin and search dog Dexter were put on standby by Salthill Gardai in connection with a fishing boat that was found near Oughterard belonging to a lone fisherman. The dog team was stood down, as the body of the missing person was located in Lough Corrib. RIP.

2nd August, Bantry, Co. Cork

SARDA handler Pauliina Kauppila and search dog Koiru were tasked to assist Castletownbere Coast Guard team with a search in Bantry, Co. Cork. The missing man was located safe and well after a large multi-agency search which also involved Bantry Fire Brigade, CG helicopter Rescue 115, and Coast Guard Goleen.

1st August, Lugnaquilla, Co. WIcklow

SARDA handler Gerry Tobin and search dog Dexter were on standby to assist Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue and Dublin-Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team in Wicklow after two walkers had got lost on Lugnaquilla. The pair were successfully located by the mountain rescue teams.

27th July, Hungry Hill, Beara Peninsula, Co. Cork

SARDA handler Pauliina Kauppila and search dog Koiru assisted Castletownbere Coast Guard team with an incident involving two hikers who had got lost in the fog near Hungry Hill on the Beara Peninsula. The walkers had provided location coordinates, so the search team had a good idea of where they were on the mountain. Nevertheless, the visibility was very poor, so the dog team covered some areas on the hillside before the hikers were located. They were escorted back to safety by CG team members.

14th July, Bantry, Co. Cork

SARDA handler Pauliina Kauppila and search dog Koiru were called out along with their home team, Castletownbere Coast Guard, to assist in a search for a missing person in Bantry. They were stood down en route after the missing person was located safe and well.

3rd July, Castletownshend, Co. Cork

SARDA handler Pauliina Kauppila and search dog Koiru were put on standby for a search for a man in his 80s in Castletownshend, Co. Cork. Stood down when the missing person was located shortly after.

2nd July, Nire Valley, Co. Waterford

SARDA handler Gerry Tobin and search dog Dexter were tasked to assist South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association in a search for a missing young person in the Comeraghs on Saturday morning. She was found by a neighbour and returned home safely.

29th June, Skibbereen, Co. Cork

SARDA handler Pauliina Kauppila and search dog Koiru were tasked to assist in a search for a missing person in Skibbereen. Civil Defence, Toe Head Coast Guard land & boat crews, CG helicopter 115 and numerous local volunteers also took part in the search. All assets were stood down mid-afternoon after Gardaí located the missing man’s body. RIP.

18th June, Newtownmountkennedy, Co. Wicklow

SARDA handler Gerry Tobin and search dog Dexter were put on standby by Dublin & Wicklow MRT to assist in the search for a missing person in the region of Newtownmountkennedy. Teams were starting to mobilize when thankfully the missing person was located safe and well soon afterwards and the search was stood down.

12th June, Drimoleague, Co. Cork

Valentia Coast Guard MRSC requested SARDA dog Koiru and handler Pauliina Kauppila to assist with a search for two missing children in Drimoleague. Happily, the children were located safe and well soon after. Toe Head/Glandore Coast Guard Unit and Rescue 115 had also been tasked before all assets were stood down at 6.30pm.

8th May, Blessington, Co. Wicklow

SARDA handler Pauliina and search dog Koiru were tasked by the Glen of Imaal MRT to assist in the search for a man missing in Blessington. The dog team combed through shoreline and wooded areas by the lake until the search was stood down for the night at 11.30pm. This search concluded on Tuesday when the victim’s body was located by divers. RIP.

7th May, Glenmalure, Co. Wicklow

Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue and Dublin-Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team were called out to a search near Glenmalure; SARDA teams were placed on standby, but happily, the three missing lads were located soon after, and the search was stood down.

7th May, Luggala, Co. Wicklow

SARDA handlers Gerry Tobin (with Dexter) and Pauliina Kauppila (with Koiru) were requested to assist in an ongoing search for a missing Polish man. The two dog teams spent 4h checking relevant areas near Lough Dan.

13th March, Barley Lake, Glengarriff

SARDA handler Pauliina Kauppila and search dog Koiru were tasked by Castletownbere Coast Guard team to assist in a search for two missing hillwalkers near Barley Lake, Glengarriff. Waterford-based CG helicopter R117 was also at the scene. The walkers were located by the CG team and escorted to safety.

31st January, Connemara, Co. Galway

Gerry Tobin and search dog Dexter were called out last night to assist Galway Mountain Rescue Team in a search for a missing hillwalker in Connemara, Co. Galway. After an extensive search in very rough weather conditions, the missing man was located safe and well shortly after midnight.

2015

15th December, Beara Peninsula, Co. Kerry

SARDA handler Pauliina Kauppila & search dog Koiru were called out again this morning to assist Castletownbere Coast Guard in a search for a missing person on Beara Peninsula. The dog team, the Coast Guard crew and Shannon-based CG helicopter all carried out searches in the Kilcatherine area. Happily, the missing young man showed up safe and well some time later.

8th December, Bantry, Co. Cork

SARDA handler Pauliina Kauppila and search dog Koiru were tasked by Bantry Gardaí (via Valentia MRSC) to assist in a search for a missing male near Bantry last night. Goleen Coast Guard unit were also called out. The dog team spent some 4 hours searching through a number of areas covering hillside, bog, fields and tracks. There was no result last night, and the search was wrapped up around 2.30am. It was resumed again at first light this morning, with CG crews from Goleen, Castletownbere and Toe Head assisting. The missing person, who had evidently been moving around on foot during the night, was located by the Shannon-based CG helicopter R115 near his home around 9am this morning. He was taken to Bantry General Hospital for a check-up.

4th December Clonmel, Co. Tipperary

SARDA handler Gerry Dexter and search dog Dexter were assisting with a search for a missing person in Clonmel today. Many other resources, including Gardaí, Coast Guard, Civil Defence and Mountain Rescue were also involved. No result so far. The search will continue over the weekend.

17th October, Kanturk, Co. Cork

Gerry Tobin and search dog Dexter were tasked by Gardaí in the early hours of Friday to assist in a search for a missing elderly woman near Kanturk, Co. Cork. The dog team arrived at scene at 2am and searched through several woodland areas until 8am. The missing person was located by Gardaí shortly after first light.

20th September, Connemara, Co. Galway

Search team Gerry and Dexter were called out again today to assist Galway Mountain Rescue Team. Happily, the missing man was located safe and well just as the dog team arrived after a long drive from Co. Tipperary. Thanks for the effort put into this, Gerry & Dex.

18th September, Colligan Woods, Co. Waterford

Search team Gerry and Dexter were tasked with South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association at 3:30am last night to search for a missing male in Colligan Woods near Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. The team arrived at scene at 4:10am and was initiating the search when the missing person walked out. The casualty, who was confused and mildly hypothermic, was given initial first aid before being transferred to the local hospital.

25th August, Bray, Co.Wicklow

Gardaí contacted Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue and Dublin-Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team at 17:20 yesterday to arrange for a SARDA dog team to help them with a search for a missing woman on Bray Head, Co. Wicklow. Both MR teams were put on standby in case the situation escalated. SARDA handler Gerry Tobin and search dog Dexter were stood down en route to the incident after the missing lady was located at 18:15.

17th August, Aherlow, Co. Tipperary

SARDA dog Dexter and handler Gerry Tobin were tasked this morning to search for a missing male in Aherlow, Co. Tipperary. Several other agencies, including South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association, Civil Defence, Coast Guard helicopter and the Gardaí were also involved. The dog team covered a number of wooded areas near the campsite from where the person had gone missing. He was found safe and well several miles outside the search area this evening.

14th July, Bansha Wood, Co. Tipperary

Search dog Dexter and handler Gerry Tobin were called out early (2am) yesterday morning to assist SEMRA (South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association) in a search for a missing male in Bansha Wood, Co. Tipperary. The dog team and the MR team searched the area for 3 hours; the man was later located in another area in the Galtees once more information became available.

14th July, Crone Wood, Co. Wicklow

SARDA dog Dexter and handler Gerry Tobin were called out today to assist Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue team in a search for a missing male in Crone Woods, Wicklow. Stood down en route as the missing person was located by the mountain rescue team.

6th June, Kippure Mountain, Co. Wicklow

On Saturday the 6th of June at approximately 19.37hrs both the Glen of Imaal Red Cross Mountain Rescue Team and the Dublin Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team were tasked by An Garda Siochana to help search for a teenage girl who had become separated from her family while out walking near Kippure Mountain. The girl was sighted by Mountain Rescue personnel as they made their way to Kippure. Once she joined up with MR personnel she was transported to where her family were waiting to be reunited with her and the incident was stood down.Mountain Rescue would like to thank all agencies involved including: The Garda Air Support Unit Helicopter who assisted with the search and S.A.R.D.A (Search and Rescue Dog Association) who were placed on stand by to assist.

6th May, Cruagh Woods, Co. Dublin

SARDA handler Gerry Tobin and search dog Dexter were called out to assist Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue and Dublin-Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team in a search in Dublin Mountains. The missing person was located by Dex in what was a textbook find for the dog team. Had this not happened, it is extremely unlikely that the casualty would have survived until the next day. Due to circumstances beyond our control, we were unable to publicise this remarkable find earlier but are very happy and proud to do so now. Well done Gerry and Dexter!

23rd April, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary

SARDA handler Gerry Tobin and search dog Dexter were tasked last night with South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association to search for a woman missing on Keeper Hill near Nenagh, Co. Tipperary. When the dog team arrived at the location at 1.30am, the missing person had just been located safe and well so all teams were stood down. Other agencies, including Civil Defence, were also involved in the incident.

14th April, Muckalee, Co. Kilkenny

SARDA handler Gerry Tobin and search dog Dexter assisted Gardaí with a missing person search in Muckalee, Co. Kilkenny today. The dog team searched through an extensive area of shrub, woods and farmland, but no trace of the missing person has been found so far. Another SARDA handler, Mick Grant, assisted as a navigator.

16th March, Castleconnell, Limerick

Search Team Gerry and Dexter were put on standby to assist and Gardaí and Irish Coast Guard on March 17th. Team were stood down prior to deployment.

14th February, Knockmealdown Mountains

SARDA handler Gerry Tobin and search dog Dexter assisted South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association with a long search in the Knockmealdown Mountains last night. The missing group of five (2 adults and 3 children) was located around 4am this morning. Well done!

2014

27th October, Mangerton Mountain, Co. Kerry

Search team Catherine and Lily were asked to assist by Kerry Mountain Rescue Team in search for missing person on Mangerton Mountain at approx. 15:30. Dog team searched until midnight and were stood down after contact was made with missing person but due to weather conditions and visibility being down to 3-4 meters they were unable to get a physical location on the person. KMRT stayed in location of missing person for duration of night but kept in vocal contact. Person was removed from mountain at first light and when visibility improves and walked down mountain un-aided. Well done to all involved.

17th October, Clogh, Co. Kilkenny

SARDA dog Dexter and handler Gerry Tobin were called out with SEMRA last night to assist in a search for a missing 75-year old man in Clogh, Co. Kilkenny. The dog team searched through several fields and forested areas until 1 o’clock last night and resumed searching again at 6.30 AM this morning. The man was located just before 11 AM today and taken to hospital after being out in the elements for a long time. Well done to Gerry and Dexter who put in a lot of hours in very rough weather conditions!

16th October, Castletownbere, Co. Cork

Pauliina and search dog Koiru were called out for the 2nd time this week after a man was reported missing in Castletownbere today. The dog team assisted Castletownbere Coast Guard team with the shoreline search. All search parties were stood down when it emerged that the man had in fact left Castletownbere and had been seen in Kenmare this morning.

14th October, Bantry, Co. Cork

SARDA dog Koiru and handler Pauliina Kauppila got called out with Castletownbere Coast Guard team last night after an elderly man was reported missing near Bantry. The dog team was stood down en route when the man was located on a hilly area near Sheskin and assisted by Toe Head CG unit.

11th September, Co. Down

Search dog Dexter and handler Gerry Tobin were requested by Sarda NI & PSNI to assist with a search for a missing person in Co. Down today. The dog team was stood down en route after the missing person was located by the police.

10th August, Galtees, Co. Tipperary

Gerry and Dexter requested to assist SEMRA. Team called to Galtees to look for lost fell runners, two, dex and I were top of black road in mountains about to begin search when stood down. Two found on other side of mountain by race support crew.

25th June, Dunbeacon. Co. Cork

Search dog Koiru and handler Pauliina were out again yesterday to assist Goleen Coast Guard unit in a search for a missing 72-year-old near Durrus, West Cork. The dog team carried out several searches in fields, wooded areas, sea shore and along roads — nothing to report. All teams were stood down.

21st June, Castletownbere. Co. Cork

Pauliina and Koiru were requested to assist Castletownbere Coast Guard in the search for a missing male around Dunboy Castle. Search was stood down after find by Koiru.

20th May, Sally Gap, Wicklow

Glen of Imaal contacted dog teams Gerry and Dexter and Jarlath and Hugo on Tuesday night(20/05/14) to say that Dublin Wicklow/Glen of Imaal had located the car of a missing person in a forested area near the Sally Gap in Wicklow. The car was deeply stuck in mud and down a short ride in the woodland in a downhill facing direction. A hasty search around the vehicle had been completed in darkness by the combined teams and the GARDA dogs and they were requesting SARDA to supply a dog or dogs for the following morning at 7.30 am.

This person was elderly(75) and had been reported missing since the previous Sunday. Dex and Gerry attended at 7.30 followed by Jarlath and Hugo the following morning and were tasked to search an area of woodland adjoining the roadway running along the forest within the zone of high probability of location but away from the vehicle. We completed this task by 11.00 am with nothing found or out of the ordinary to report and returned to base to be retasked into an area above that roadway still within the same zone and also away from the vehicle. This task was completed by 1.30 pm with again nothing out of the ordinary found. Conditions were very difficult with dense woodland and high temperatures and strong sunshine making the dog`s task much harder.

Members of both mountain rescue teams were undertaking the searches (in dense woodland)in the vicinity of the missing person`s vehicle. Both teams returned home in the afternoon with a tired but still enthusiastic dogs and agreed to be available for further tasking the following day should it be required. Search was stood down later in day.

25th April, Galway City, Galway

Jarlath and Hugo we tasked by local Gardai Siochana, in Galway city, to assist in search for missing male who suffers from Alzheimers. Team were stood down after male was found safe and well.

17th April, Mt. Brandon, Kerry

Catherine and Lilly were requested to assist in Search on Mt. Brandon for an elderly male my Kerry Mountain Rescue Team. While team were en route they received a call to stand down as gentleman had been found safe and well.

6th February, Clonlara, Limerick

Gerry and Dexter were tasked by An Gardai Siochana to assis again to assit Limerick Land Search along a stretch of river near Clonlara for a missing male. After a long day out Gerry and Dexter were stood down.

26th February, Limerick

Gerry and Dexter were put on standby to assist Limerick Land Search in search for missing. On the Saturday prior to Gerry and Dexter heading out they were stood down.

15th February, Sheeps Head, Co. Cork

Pauliina and Koiru were tasked to assist the local Coast Guard unit in the search for a missing male. This was an on going search over many days. Other teams involved included Goleen and Toe Head CG units as well as Civil Defence teams, Gardaí, navy ship LÉ Eithne and the CG helicopter.

2013

8th December, Furbo, Co. Galway

At 12:20 am Search team Jarlath and Hugo received a call from Gardai in Salthill for a missing female in Furbo area. Coastguard and GMRT were also in attendance. At approx 04:40 the individual turned up and search was stood down. Well done to all involved.

2nd December, Glengarriff, Co. Kerry

At 23:00 on Monday 2nd December, search team Pauliina and Koiru were requested by Castletownbere Coast Guard to assist in the search for a 90 year old male in the Glengarriff area. At approx 01:30 Tuesday morning the search was stood down. The male was found cold but in good health. Well done to all involved.

31st Oct-2nd Nov, Mweelrea, Co. Mayo

On Thursday 31st of October SARDA were requested to assist in the search of a missing hill walker by Mayo MRT. Before first light on Friday Dog Team Gerry and Dexter left home a 3am to arrive at search area. After a long hard day on the hill they returned home safely. On Saturday Dog team Jarlath and Hugo took over searching. By mid afternoon all teams were stood down. Dog team Catherine and Lilly and Dog Team Pauliina and Koiru were on standby to continue search if required.

19th October, Dalkey, Co. Dublin

There was a search for a missing person in Dalkey on Sat night. Assistance was requested for Dublin/Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team, Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Team and SARDA from An Gardaí Siochana. Two of our dog teams attending the training weekend (Catherine & Lily; Gerry & Dexter) were also due to join the search at first light on Sunday. Search was stood down during night.

23th September, Moycullen, Co. Galway

SARDA Search Dog team, Jarlath and Hugo, assisted with search for missing elderly male in Moycullen, Galway today.

20th September, Cahir, Co. Tipperary

Search dog Dexter and handler Gerry (+ navigator Mick) assisted SEMRA yesterday in a search for a missing person in Co. Tipperary. Teams were searching from 4PM until 9.30PM last night and the search was to resume today. However, this morning the team received the news that the missing individual had been located and was with their family in Waterford

6th September, Dinish Island, Co. Cork

Search dog Koiru and handler Pauliina assisted Castletownbere Coast Guard last night after a man was reported missing at Dinish Island. Castletownbere Lifeboat and the Coast Guard helicopter also took part in the search. All teams were stood down after it emerged that the report of a missing person was false.

22nd July, Travara, Beara Peninsula, Co. Cork

Search dog Koiru and handler Pauliina assisted Castletownbere Coast Guard team in a search for a missing young man. The dog team carried out shoreline searches while an extensive water search was also underway. Castletownbere Lifeboat, Derrynane Inshore Rescue boat and Shannon-based CG rescue helicopter R115 all took part in the search. Sadly, the casualty was found drowned some distance from the shore.

7th July, Comeragh Mountains, Co. Waterford

At approx.. 19:43 We received a call from SEMRA requesting assistance in locating a lost walker in the area surrounding Kilclooney Woods/Coumsinaughn in the Comeragh Mountains. The search was for a 24 yr. old out with friends. They left him behind at top of Coumsinaughn and continued down to the car. They waited for him but no sign. SEMRA were called by An Garda Siochana and SEMRA subsequently called SARDA. The search was up northern side of Coumsinaughn by Gerry Tobin(Handler) and Dexter (dog) with Mick Grant as navigator for 1.30 hrs. Search was stood down when male was found other side of mountain entirely. The male in question went opposite direction to friends and turned up at Nire valley 8 hrs. after last sighting. Weather: Low wind and Very Hot.

23rd May, Hungry Hill Beara, Co. Kerry

Pauliina and Koiru were requested to assist Coast Guard Team on Hungry Hill, several reports of distress flares seen in the area at 20:00 hrs. Team were stood down at 22:00 hrs. Nothing found.

27th April, Molls Gap, Co. Kerry

Catherine and SAR dog Lily assisted Kerry Mountain Rescue Team yesterday with a search for a missing person near Moll’s Gap. Pauliina and Koiru were also preparing to travel over. The missing male was located soon after the search teams went out. Sadly, he was deceased. We send our thoughts and prayers to his family.

28th February, Lugnaquilla, Co. Wicklow

Mick and SAR dog Bono were requested to Wicklow at 2.30 AM for a search.The request came from Army night manoeuvres after they heard cries for help and saw a flare launched on south side of Lugnaquilla. The dog team searched two areas; nothing was found.

2012

24th & 27th October, Kilteel, Co. Kildare

SARDA dog teams were requested to assist trying to locate a missing 18-year old male from Kilteel. On Wed 24th, four dog teams searched several areas including woods, riverbanks and fields. Gardaí, Mountain Rescue personnel, Civil Defence and many local volunteers also took part in the search. A second big effort took place on Sat 27th; Mick and Bono assisted with the search on that day also. The missing teenager’s body was finally located in Rathcoole by walkers on 30th of October.

Dog teams: Mick Grant & Bono; Catherine Kelly & Lily; Pauliina Kauppila & Koiru; Jarlath Folan & Hugo.

14th October, Dunmanway, Co. Cork

Catherine (with Lily) and Pauliina (with Koiru) responded to a call-out in Dunmanway after a male had been reported missing. They were stood down en route when the man was located safe and well.

Dog teams: Catherine Kelly & Lily; Pauliina Kauppila & Koiru.

12th October, Blackhead, Co. Galway

Jarlath and Hugo responded to a call-out with the Doolin unit of the Irish Coast Guard. They were stood down en route when the missing person was located safe and well near Blackhead Mt.

Dog team: Jarlath Folan & Hugo.

29th September, Knockmealdown Mountains, Co. Tipperary

Search dogs Lily and Bono with handlers Catherine and Mick were called out with SEMRA (South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association) at 8pm to search for a hill-walker lost in the Knockmealdown Mountains. He was found by a member of SEMRA around 2am in the morning.

Dog teams: Mick Grant & Bono; Catherine Kelly & Lily.

13th August, Beara Peninsula, Co. Cork

Pauliina and SAR dog Koiru (with Castletownbere Coast Guard) took part in a shoreline search for a missing sailor near Allihies. The man had been on a sailing dinghy with his teenage son when their boat overturned. The son managed to swim ashore and raise alarm. After a major search involving CTB CG boat & shore teams, CTB Lifeboat, Derrynane Inshore Rescue and Shannon-based R115 rescue helicopter, the man’s body was located by the helicopter.

Dog team: Pauliina Kauppila & Koiru.

9th August, Wicklow

SARDA Ireland were called to assist Dublin/Wicklow and Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Teams in Wicklow to search for a missing hill-walker. Two dog teams were stood down en route when he was located. Two other dog teams had been on standby to respond if needed in the morning.

4th August, Mourne Mountains

Search dog Bono & handler Mick were put on standby for a search in the Mourne Mountains by SARDA Ireland North. The dog team was stood down when the missing person was located.

27th May, Dublin Mountains

Search dog Bono & Mick and Brendan along with Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Team and Dublin/Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team were called out to search for a missing male in the Hell Fire Club area of the Dublin Mountains on Sunday.

Dog Team: Mick Grant & Bono.

24th-25th & 27th May, Galway

Search dog Hugo & Jarlath were tasked by the Gardai to search in Dangan, Co. Galway for a missing male on Thursday and Friday. They were joined by search dog Sheba & Dave on Sunday’s search.

Dog Teams: Jarlath Folan & Hugo; Dave Geoghegan & Sheba.

14th-15th April, Tullamore, Co. Offaly

Mick (with Bono) and Jarlath (with Hugo) were assisting in the search for a missing woman in Tullamore yesterday and today. The dog teams carried out a number of searches by the canal and surrounding areas. The body of the victim was found in the canal early on Monday morning.

Dog Teams: Mick Grant & Bono; Jarlath Folan & Hugo.

12th February, The Galtees

Search dog Bono and Mick with SEMRA were called out to the Galty Mountains after a family group became lost in conditions of poor visibility. The dog team was stood down at the RV point after another walking group came across them.

Dog Team: Mick Grant & Bono.

23rd January, Union Hall, Co. Cork

Pauliina and Koiru (as part of Castletownbere Coast Guard unit) took part in the large-scale search for the two fishermen who were still missing after the trawler Tit Bonhomme sank at the mouth of Glandore Harbour on January 15th. The dog team worked for 4.5 hours, carrying out a detailed shoreline search.

Dog Team: Pauliina Kauppila & Koiru.