News Updates
Call-out #5 of 2020
SARDA Ireland were tasked by An Garda Síochána Kinsale to a missing persons incident. Between Thursday 23rd and Saturday 25th January, Eadaoin with Search Dog Murphy and Mick with Search Dog Ziggy covered around 13km of woodland, parkland and coastal terrain. Louise and Search Dog Lyla remained on stand by for today.
The search was stood down on Saturday afternoon when a person was located in the water by Old Head/Seven Heads Coast Guard and recovered by Mallow Search and Rescue. SARDA Ireland extends our sincere condolences to the missing persons family and friends.
Agencies involved:
An Garda Síochána
Cork City Missing Persons Search and Recovery
Old Head/Seven Heads Coast Guard
Kinsale RNLI
Mallow Search and Rescue
Irish Search Dogs
That is very sad but you guys are something. You have our utmost respect.
😢 nonetheless well done to all agencies involved who allowed the persons close to know the body was found.
Having a busy time ,
SARDA Ireland were tasked today by AGS Kinsale to assist in the search for missing person Martin Faherty, 42 years, who was last seen in the Kinsale area on 3rd January 2020 at approximately 12.10am. When he was last seen, Martin was wearing a green woolly hat, a shirt, jeans and boots.
Gardaí and Martin's family are concerned for his welfare. Anyone who may have seen Martin or has information on his whereabouts is asked to contact Kinsale Garda Station on 021 477 9250, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
The search was stood down for the day and will resume tomorrow.
SARDA are assisting with the search since 0800. Mick with Ziggy are onsite and are assisted by Dorothy.
Earlier yesterday SARDA were tasked by An Garda Síochána Carlow to a missing person incident. Dog teams were stood down en route when searchers in the area recovered a person from the river. Our condolences to the missing person's family and friends.
SARDA held a local training session in Wicklow today. Our ever-loyal dogsbodies spent the best part of the day in their bivvy bags on the hillside, ready for any eventualities – the most probable one of them obviously being found by a very excited (and perhaps a little muddy) search dog. 😅 Thanks for this excellent shot, Edelle Doherty.
CALLOUT. Two of our dog teams, Michael Grant with search dog Ziggy and Louise Burgoyne with search dog Lyla, assisted South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association with this search for a missing person in Co. Tipperary on Friday. Sadly, the missing gentleman was located deceased. RIP.Just after midnight Friday 17th Jan, SEMRA received a request from AGS for assistance in the search for an elderly gentleman who was missing in the Toureen area. A full team call out was made and working from a base at the Silver Sands/Keating’s 4 search parties including, Search and Rescue Dog Association (Ireland)dog Ziggy and handler Mick, searched the farmland, farm buildings and forest tracks until 5am. The search was stood down temporarily to allow the search teams to re-group and for more team members to join the next phase. The search base re-located to the car park at the Lady Gregory pub and at 8am 4 SEMRA search teams went out again. They were joined by 2 SARDA search dogs - Ziggy with handler Mick and Lyla with handler Louise. Tipperary Civil Defence joined the search with a K-9 unit, a drone unit along with more of their team members. The An Garda Síochána from Cahir were on scene throughout the day to provide support and called in the An Garda Síochána Air Support Unit helicopter to search during the night and again in daylight. Members of the Galtee Walking Club and local people all joined the search. Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail assisted also by sending a crew to check along the railway line. The Defence Force & Cork City Missing Persons Search and Recovery were on standby to join the search. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of so many people, the deceased gentleman was found shortly before 1pm. SEMRA would like to thank everyone who assisted in the search and to thank the kind people who provided tea & sandwiches to the searchers. Our sincere sympathy to the family and friends of the deceased.
Great effort by all. condolences to his family
Just a few snaps of our team collecting around Cork today. Rubs available all day. No appointment needed.
We need to respond to a message from a concerned volunteer (with a bushy beard). THE RUBS ARE FOR DOGS ONLY. We may, in future hold a beard rubbing event if we can get the permit.
We met Penelope and tracker today on Patrick street. Stunning dogs. ❤.
Well done guys and dogs
We are doing our annual fund-raising collection in Cork tomorrow (Sat 11th). You will find our collectors and SARDA dogs in the city centre and all the main shopping centres (Bishopstown, Douglas Court, Blackpool and Wilton) all day tomorrow. Come and meet the dogs and chat with the handlers if you're around!
Good Luck guys! Hope you raise loads of money 😉
Many of our SARDA friends supported this amazing event and we were one of the main beneficiaries. We would ask that you vote and share to show your appreciation. The run is called "Waterford Dara Fitzpatrick Memorial Run" and is in the Short Distance Race Category. Thanks for supporting this great event.
Please nominate the Dara Fitzpatrick Memorial Run for the Short Distance Race of the year and Medal of the year. To help us get shortlisted please nominate i...
***Call out***
Last night SARDA Ireland were tasked by An Garda Síochána to a missing person incident in the South Cork area. SARDA dog handlers Eadaoin O'Gorman with Murphy and Michael Grant with Ziggy responded. The dog teams were en route when the missing person was located safe and well. Well done to all the agencies involved.
This morning SARDA Ireland were tasked by An Garda Síochána in Clonakilty to assist in the search for a missing person in the area. As the dog teams were preparing to travel the missing person was located deceased. Our condolences to the missing persons family and friends.
Earlier tonight SARDA were tasked by the Gardaí in Tulla, Co. Clare to assist in the search for a missing boy in East Clare. Jarlath Folan with search dog Syd and Michael Grant with search dog Ziggy responded while Louise Burgoyne with Lyla were to join the search later. Niall Devery was also involved as a member of Killaloe Coast Guard Unit
Our dog teams were stood down en-route at approximately 9:30PM when the missing boy was located safe and well by a Garda patrol.
Another great outcome, well done to all involved.
Agencies involved included:
An Garda Síochána
Killaloe Coast Guard Unit
Doolin Coast Guard
Rescue 115
Limerick Land Search Team
Tipperary Search And Rescue Group
So glad the boy was found. Well done to all
Great outcome well done
That’s great news
Great result everyone❤
Well done lads
Thank You.
SARDA dog team Michael Grant and Ziggy were on their way home from training in Wicklow yesterday when they were called out to this incident in the Comeragh mountains, along with South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association. The missing pair were located safe and well by the rescue team. Well done to all involved!SEMRA received a request from AGS Waterford at 16:20 this afternoon to assist a father & daughter who had got into difficult terrain with fog closing in above Mahon Falls. A full team call out was initiated, Search and Rescue Dog Association (Ireland) search dog Ziggy & handler Mick Grant also responded. The first SEMRA members on scene went up to locate the walkers. A second and third group followed, bringing the 2 team land rovers up the shoulder as far as possible. They then proceeded on foot to meet up with the first group. The father & daughter were able to walk off the hill escorted by SEMRA & arrived back at the car park at approx 19:00, a bit cold and tired but safe and well.
***Call Out***
Late last night SARDA Ireland were tasked by Fermoy Gardai to assist with a search for a missing person in Mitchelstown. Eadaoin O'Gorman with Search Dog Murphy and Michael Grant with Search Dog Ziggy responded.
The dog teams were stood down en route when the missing person was located shortly after midnight.
Another great outcome, well done to all involved.
Agencies involved included:
An Garda Siochana
Cork City Missing Persons Search and Recovery
R115
The National Ambulance Service
Cork County Fire and Rescue
Well done to everyone involved and of course Murphy and Ziggy.
So proud of Murphy.. and Ziggy too. Love successful outcomes.. thanks SARDA!!
Well done to all involved we are very grateful
Well done x
Well done all involved none of us ever know when we mite need this service. Credit to all the services
Well done to everyone involved and of course Murphy and Ziggy.
SARDA handler Michael Grant and search dog Ziggy, along with their home team South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association responded to a search for a missing person in Ballinahinch, Co. Tipperary yesterday afternoon. Two other SARDA dog teams (Louise Burgoyne & Lyla and Eadaoin O'Gorman & Murphy) were also on standby. Unfortunately, the missing person was located deceased last night. RIP.
Other agencies involved were Killaloe Coast Guard Unit; Tipperary Civil Defence; Rescue 115; Tipp S & R GROUP Nenagh Ormond Search Unit; AGS Bruff & Nenagh.
Search for Limerick man called off following discovery of body
limerickleader.ie
THE SEARCH for missing elderly County Limerick man Paddy Rainsford has been called off. A body was recovered on a rural road in Grange, Ballina, at around 8pm on Thursday night. Mr Rainsford, who has ...Well done to the team for all their work searching for him. RIP 💔
Sad to hear this😥 well done to all the team
Tragic
💞🙏
RIP
Dog team Eadaoin O'Gorman & Murphy were busy over the last couple of days. After assisting (along with two other SARDA teams) with a search in Wexford over Sunday and Monday, they also fitted in a spot of training with Guileen Coast Guard on Monday night.Guileen Coast Guards final exercise of the year included a vist from our CUSM Tim O'Keeffe and also joind by Eadaoin O'Gorman of SARDA with search dog Murphy, Eadaoin gave a presentation on SARDA and then joined us on exercise with Murphy. A unit member hid along the coast line in undergrowth and Eadaoin demonstrated the strengths of a search dog covering alot of ground quickly and an early find for Murphy on a cold night.
On Sunday afternoon SARDA Ireland were tasked by An Garda Síochána Wexford to search for missing persons in Our Lady's Island area in Co. Wexford. Over yesterday and today, three dog teams (Michael Grant & Ziggy, Eadaoin O'Gorman & Murphy, Louise Burgoyne & Lyla) carried out some 12 hours of searching over 20km of coastal and inland terrain. The search concluded today with the missing persons located safe and well by the Garda Dog Unit. A great example of multi-agency cooperation.
Agencies in attendance: An Garda Síochána, Garda Dog Unit, Rescue 117, Carnsore/Rosslare Coast Guard, Kilmore Quay Coast Guard Unit, Civil Defence.
Great result and well done to all that turned out
Nice! Strong work!
SARDA Ireland were tasked by South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association just after 5am on Tuesday, December 3rd to assist with a search for a missing mother & baby. Michael with Search Dog Ziggy and Eadaoin with Search Dog Murphy responded.
This was a multi agency search with South Eastern Mountain Rescue, An Garda Síochána, Civil Defence, National Ambulance Service (NAS) and Irish Community Rapid Response Doctor all assisting.
The mother and baby were found safe and well just before 8am. They were checked over by the doctor before being transferred to hospital.
Great outcome and well done to everyone involved.
Great work .
Fabulous outcome to this multi agency tasking. Well done to all 🧡
You do fantastic work well done to everyone👍
Congratulations to everyone 👏
Well done guys ye are amazing.
Well done 👍
💞🙏
HAPPY WORLD VOLUNTEER DAY!There are 11 MR teams across the island of Ireland with over 500 volunteers involved. It all began for Mountain Rescue Ireland in 1965 in Bryansford Co Down and the first team to be established was Mourne Mountain Rescue Team
www.mountainrescue.ie/
#IVD2019 International Volunteer Day 2019
Today is International Missing Persons Day, and the Department of Justice and Equality hosted a special event in Dublin to mark the occasion. Minister of State David Stanton, Garda commissioner Drew Harris and a number of family members of missing loved ones spoke and shared their experiences. Our public relations officer Noel Culbert represented SARDA and met with some of the families who have found themselves in this difficult situation. We thank the Department of Justice for the invite, and we wish all agencies well in their efforts in reuniting families with their missing loved ones.
SARDA Ireland were delighted to take part in the fundraiser for Little Blue Heroes at Mayfield Garda Station today.
Among the SARDA Ireland attendees were Louise Burgoyne and Lyla, Jean Ryan and Trakr, Niall Devery and Croia, Mike Palmer and Pen.
Other agencies in attendance:
Guileen Coast Guard
Crosshaven Coast Guard
Cork City Missing Persons Search and Recovery
Garda Dog Unit
Cork City Fire Brigade
Nice photos 🤗
Hi all. SARDA have been invited to attend this worthwhile An Garda Síochána event in Cork on Sunday so feel free to drop by and say hello. We look forward to seeing you there.
As you may know by now, Albania was today hit by a strong earthquake resulting in much devastation. One of our members, Karolina has told us that some of her Croatian teammates have been deployed to the area. They will join 6 other Croatian teams in the search and rescue effort. We keep these teams in our thoughts tonight and over the coming days as they assist the people of Albania.
www.facebook.com/spasioci.kossp/photos/a.1637596419828544/2443205859267592/?type=3&theaterOvo je ono zbog čega vrijedno treniramo, a ujedno se nadamo da nikad nikome neće trebati naša pomoć...ali kad do toga dođe...spremni smo 💪
Tim potražnih pasa na putu za Albaniju koju je pogodio razorni potres!!
KOSSP tim (Igor Goreta, Tomislav Zdencar i Petra Covic) sa kolegama iz ostalih potražnih organizacija!
Sretno svima!!!
SARDA Ireland recently participated in filming with RTÉ's Crime Call for the search of missing man Gerry Taylor. The episode aired last Monday night on RTÉ 1.
Gerry has been missing for six months. His family are appealing for anyone with information to contact the Gardaí.
SARDA teams continued to assist in the search for the man missing in Waterford this morning but sadly, the body of a man in his 50s was discovered further along the coast.
SARDA spent a day and a half searching with Michael Grant and Ziggy, Louise with Lyla and Eadaoin O'Gorman and Murphy involved.
The search operation also involved An Garda Síochána, South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association, Civil Defence, Irish Naval Service, RNLI Helvick Head, Rescue 117 and local Irish Coast Guard assistance from Ardmore Coast Guard Unit, Bonmahon Coast Guard and Tramore Coast Guard Unit.
Members of the local community also assisted family members in the search.
We extend our deepest sympathies to the family of the deceased gentleman at this time.
May he Rest In Peace.
(Stock photo used)
Thanks for everything SARDA.
Heart breaking, Condolences to Mary,,Sarah n Conor n all the Organ family,,,,,Bed in heaven for you Davy,,,God bless all the emergency services n all the people who helped in the search,,,wonderful people,,,
Thank you SARDA well done. such upsetting circumstances. May that poor man RIP deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
Good on SARDA and all the other services involved. Very sorry about the outcome for the family and friends 😢
Omg so sad, thoughts are with his family friends and all those who searched for him, R.I.P
Thank you all for your continued invaluable service 💔
R I P
RIP
SARDA teams have been tasked by An Garda Síochána this morning to assist with the search for a missing person in the Waterford area. Our teams have stood down for the night and will resume searching again at first light in the morning.
Good luck, I pray for a speedy search 🙏
Best of luck, hopefully a good result tomorrow...Stay Safe
Hope everyone stays safe
We had a National Training Weekend in Wicklow over the weekend of November 15th and 16th.
The weather was cold but it remained dry which was a blessing, especially for our loyal dogsbodies who are most exposed to the elements. We had many areas set up to cater for everything from experienced teams preparing for assessment to newer teams doing obedience work. It was great weekend with a healthy mix of experienced handlers and new members who really contribute to the group. We congratulate Jean with Trakyr and Anthony with Finnegan who passed their obedience tests.
Much Thanks to Martina, our local handler for organising the logistics of the weekend, Mick the training officer for help and advice and also the Glen of Imaal MRT for use of their base.
We all love good photos so we also thank Fiona, our guest photographer and our regular photographers who supplied the photos here.
This morning SARDA Handler Éadaoin with Search dog Murphy met with 23rd Midleton Scouts at Mahon Falls. The scouts were braving the elements and going for a mountain hike. Before they started, Éadaoin gave a talk on search dogs and mountain rescue followed by a demo with Murphy. Thanks to the 23rd Midleton Scout Group for the invite.
SARDA Ireland were tasked today by An Garda Síochána to assist in a search for a missing man near the Lee Fields in Cork City. Search dog Lyla and handler Louise Burgoyne responded. The missing person was located, sadly deceased, by the Gardaí just as the voluntary teams arrived on location. We wish to convey our deepest condolences to his family and friends. Agencies in attendance were An Garda Síochána, SARDA Ireland, Cork City Missing Persons Search and Recovery, Cork City Fire Brigade and Mallow Search and Rescue.
Condolences to the the family. Well done Sarda and Louise and Lyla
Heart breaking for all involved when time is of the essence. Well done to you all hard as it will be there is closure. Deepest sympathies to the family. RIP
We do this so others may live , sadly sometimes it’s not the outcome we would like to give the family , but at least there given answers . Keep going no matter what
Condolences to family and friends and keep going Sarda
SARDA Ireland dog teams are participating in the ongoing search efforts in the Ticknock area for Gerry Taylor.
This morning, RTE's 'Crime Call' were on scene filming the multi agency search teams involved; SARDA, An Garda Síochána and Dublin Civil Defence. This will go to air in November.
Our new SARDA jeep is looking well. The new vehicle was largely funded by a CLÁR grant from the Department of Rural and Community Development, and we are very grateful for their support. Many thanks also for Mountain Rescue Ireland for their assistance with the project. The jeep has been fitted with many K9 specific features and will be of great benefit when our dog handlers are responding to callouts.Search and Rescue Dog Association (Ireland) Tidy fit-out with 2 kennels for SARDA. Ford Ireland
Best of luck with it.
Very nice. Is the one for Kent ready yet???
Good luck 🍀 with the new Jeep 🚙
Looks great !
Well ware guys nice job
Nice
Best of luck with it it looks great
**DOG FIND** SARDA Ireland were tasked by Cobh Gardaí to a search for a missing person in Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork today. Louise Burgoyne with search dog Lyla, Michael Grant with search dog Ziggy and Eadaoin O'Gorman with search dog Murphy responded. Unfortunately, the missing person was located deceased shortly before 1pm by Louise Burgoyne and search dog Lyla with Edwin O'Sullivan of Cork City Missing Persons Search and Recovery.
SARDA Ireland would like to express our sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Agencies in attendance: An Garda Síochána Cobh, Garda dog unit, Guileen Coast Guard, Cork City Missing Persons Search and Recovery
Well done all involved, albeit a sad outcome
Well done Louise & Lyla, Sad outcome but closure for the persons family.
Well done to all involved! RIP to the deceased
Wonderful effort, but, sadly a difficult outcome, RIP.
Well done lyla and louise and all responders. May thet rest in peace
Terribly sad outcome but thank goodness for Louise and Lyla providing much needed closure to the family. RIP.
Well done Louise and Lyla, sad outcome RIP
Rip sad news great work by the rescue teams
sad outcome but an outcome non the less. well done.
Well done all, RIP.
Well done Louise Burgoyne and Lyla. Condolences to the family
Great work. Sad news. Rip
Well done 🐾
SARDA held a training weekend near Oughterard, Co. Galway over Saturday and Sunday. We had both sunshine with blue skies as well as absolute downpours over the two days. Many thanks to all our dogsbodies who endured these changeable conditions in their bivvy bags on the hills! On Saturday night we also gave a hand to Galway Mountain Rescue team with their 'Howl at the Moon' night walk fundraiser. A great weekend by all accounts! Photos by Edelle Doherty, Dorothy Grimes and Eadaoin O'Gorman.
Good set of pics.
❤❤❤
On Monday afternoon SARDA Ireland were tasked by An Garda Síochána in Midleton to assist with a missing person incident in Garryvoe, Co. Cork. Eadaoin O'Gorman with search dog Murphy, Louise Burgoyne with search dog Lyla and Michael Grant with search dog Ziggy searched coastal, marshland and inland areas since Monday. Jarlath Folan and search dog Syd were also on standby. The search operation was stood down today when the missing person was located, sadly deceased. SARDA Ireland would like to express our sincere condolences to her family and friends.
Agencies involved:
An Garda Siochana Midleton, Rescue 117, Guileen Coast Guard, Ballycotton Coast Guard, Youghal Coast Guard unit,
Cork City Missing Persons Search and Recovery, Tipp S & R GROUP Nenagh Ormond Search Unit
Well done everyone. Thoughts are with her family at this time RIP.
Well done to everyone, Limerick Land Search Team also involved on the last day. Condolences to the family in this tough time!
Condolences to her family & well done to SARDA & all emergencies involved 💔
Thank you for doing this difficult work, condolences to the family who I'm sure appreciate your help in locating their loved one. RIP.
Well done to SARDA and all emergency services involved ye are true angels. Condolences to all the lady's family rip.
Very sad, but well done to all those involved in the search
Condolences to the family and friends. May she rest in peace. Was the local Civil Defence involved in the search?
Rip and condolences
RIP
Michael Moran
So sad!
Rip
Two of SARDA's dog teams are currently assisting with this search. Please contact the Gardaí if you have any information.***Update***
Gardaì would like to thank the public and all of the emergency services who assisted in the search for Frankie.
***
Gardaí in Midleton wish to seek the public’s assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 67 year old Frankie Devlin who is missing from the Garryvoe area since approximately 10.45pm on Saturday 5th October 2019.
Frankie is described as being 5'8, of slim build, with blonde hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a black Dress, black top with a red and black jacket.
Gardaí and Frankie's family are concerned for her welfare.
There was considerable traffic in the Garryvoe area on this night and Gardaí are appealing for any motorists travelling on or after 10.45pm who may have dash-cam footage to come forward.
As there is a large number of mobile homes and holiday homes in the area, Gardaí are asking owners of any unoccupied holiday homes in the area to arrange to have their property inspected and contact Gardaí.
Anyone who has any information is asked to contact Midleton Garda Station on 021 462 1550 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
#MissingPerson #Cork #PleaseShare
Three SARDA teams were assisting the search today and will continue the search again tomorrow. We wish them well.
As you all know, our members come from all backgrounds and bring varied experience to our team. Edwin O'Sullivan is an example of this, being a member of Cork City Missing Persons Search and Recovery as well as SARDA.Ruairi De Barra on Cobh News
Cork City Missing Persons Search and Recovery Unit.
The loss of loved one is one of the most tragic experiences which can befall a family. If that loved one is not recovered, then the grieving process can be made all the more difficult on those left behind. There is in Cork, a dedicated team of volunteers who have since their foundation provided hundreds of families with the solace of having their loved one returned to them.
Cork City Missing Persons Search and Recovery Unit (CCMPSAR) only has thirteen members, yet with a diverse skill set and a dedication which is humbling, this small professional unit provides a service which is of immeasurable value to bereft families. Founded by 2001 by David Linehan after the loss of his father, this all-volunteer charitable group has grown over the years. It has recused persons in distress successfully, however its primary focus has been the search and recovery hundreds of others.
Eoin O’Sullivan is the current Chairperson. A soldier with the Defence Forces he has volunteered with the unit for many years in an effort he says to ‘Give back to the community. Through using my skills as a diver in the Army Dive Group and my RHIB operations experience.’ Primarily focused on the river Lee, they have also been involved in land searches, searches on other bodies of water and rivers, and they even send RHIB Coxns to Blacksod Bay to assist in searching for the wreckage of Rescue 116, which was tragically lost in March 2016. Edwin says that ‘CCMPSAR co-operate and liaise with the emergency services, Coastguard and Civil Defence, and many others.
Over the course of any given year, An Garda Síochána receives thousands of reports of suspected missing people. Each case is treated with the same amount of seriousness, and An Gardaí follow strict guidelines and procedures that help ensure that the searches are conducted efficiently and effectively. Often a family member will contact the unit directly and there is a contact number available for on the units social media. ‘We are here to help is we can’ says Edwin ‘We will try our very best. It is never easy and searches can take days out on the river and walking the banks.’
Technology and Training.
Another Defence Forces member involved in the unit is David O’Leary, a Petty Officer Radio & Radar Technician who is also a member of the elite Naval Service Diving Section. Involved with the Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicle (ROV) section of the Navy, he brings a highly specialised skill set to the CCMPSR unit. Recently they have purchased a BlueROV II, a sophisticated piece of equipment, customisable by the end user and is available off the shelf. Assembled in his workshop, it has put excellent ROV capabilities into the affordability range of this group, who rely on donations to keep providing the searches which can go long after statutory bodies may have to scale down or redeploy resources elsewhere. ‘I felt that I could bring my diving and ROV experience to the unit. It’s an opportunity for me to give back to my community.’ says David, who joined CCMPSAR after he returned from a deployment on ‘Operation Pontus’ off the coast of Libya in 2016. Having experienced high tempo rescue operations there and having been involved with many search and recovery operations all over Ireland with the Naval Service. ‘I am the Training and Development Officer now, so with new items of equipment such as the ROV being introduced. I will create and run courses on it, so that is capabilities can be maximised and the knowledge shared with all the other volunteers.’
Given the often-dangerous subsurface conditions and the physical and psychological challenges involved in diving in the fast-moving and extremely low visibility river, the unit needs to ensure that the safety of the divers is paramount at all times. Therefore training is a big part of the unit.
Joining the unit was also seen as a way for Karl O’Mahoney to help out, after he saw the units work on Facebook. Karls says that ‘David Linehan and David Varian sat and spoke with me, I offered whatever skills and experience I had to them. They invited me to come on board and I’m there nearly four years now.’ Karl is also a Petty Officer with the Naval Service, who has extensive experience overseas in the coordination of complex multivessel rescues of migrant craft in distress. ‘I am a communications specialist and GMDSS instructor’ he explains and ‘At the moment the unit is using just basic VHF radios. I am currently designing a course to qualify all the unit with a GMDSS Short Range Certificate.’
Generosity and Commemoration.
CCMPSAR’s watercraft are named in commemoration of some who have been lost ‘The Daniel Mulcahy’ and another is ‘The Aidan Brereton’, whose families made generous donations to assist in funding the boats. In recent weeks CCMPSAR held an official launch and blessing for their new RIB “The Nora Flynn”. Edwins tells me that ‘It was a privilege and an honour to have the late Nora Flynn’s family and sponsors, join us for the launch. We could not have done this without the continued backing of a number of Cork companies who supported us such as Port of Cork, Irish Mainport Holdings, Lehane Environmental & Industrial Services Ltd, CH Marine, Whelan Stores, Inver and Jotun (Ireland) Ltd.
Many others have been supportive and exceptional giving to the group; Fergus Thompson in Blackpool Auto Centre donated a Jeep and very recently an anonymous donor gave another utility jeep to the group. Now a registered charity, they strive to make each cent count. RHIBs are thirsty beasts for fuel and searches involve huge man hours out on the often freezing cold conditions of the water.
Edwin is delighted to tell me that Boston Scientific having adopted them as their preferred charity this year, ‘It’s a fantastic partnership. We travelled down to give them a presentation on what it is that we do and we were blown away by their support. We can’t thank them and people in general enough.’ Like all volunteer ran organisations the unit is always welcoming of donations and they recently ran a target recruitment drive for volunteers.
A Stolen Ringbuoy – A Stolen Life
Christy O’Donovan, is the Search Co-Ordinator for the unit and he recently had to highlight the incredible numbers of ringbuoys which are being recovered by the CCMPSAR. During one week in February this year fifteen ringbuoys, were removed from along the south bank of the river. The unit recovered eleven of these potentially lifesaving devices, which have no other purpose than to save lives. Speaking to the Cork Independent, Christy said: ‘This is getting beyond the realm of ridiculous now. A life ring is a life. If you were caught doing the same thing with a defibrillator, you’d be dragged through the courts for it.’ Mr O’Donovan posted images this March of yet more recovered buoys, stating on their very active social media accounts that: ‘Four more life rings recovered from the river while we were on a routine search today. It’s like an epidemic, idiots throwing them in; every time we go out we seem to find three or four each time.’
The river Lee is sadly not an exception with people interfering with ringbouys all over the country, Galway city had 150 removed in 2018 alone. Irish Water Safety has a long-running campaign warning that lives will be lost to drowning unless irresponsible members of the public stop damaging ringbuoys. They have appealed to the public to assist in maintaining these vitally important lifesaving devices by reporting missing ringbuoys to Irish Water Safety’s website, www.ringbuoys.ie.
This group of committed volunteers are disappointed at acts like this, however, they remain undeterred in their mission, to provide a compassionate and responsive service to anyone in need.
Please find contact details below:
RHIB: Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat
The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is an international system which uses improved terrestrial and satellite technology and ship-board radio systems.
[Contact & Donations details:
www.missingpersons.ie/
www.missing.ws/_mpassociation/mpAssociation.asp
www.facebook.com/missing.persons.search.and.recovery
The National Missing Persons Helpline : 1890 442 552
CCMPSAR: 087 9609885 ccmpsar@gmail.com
Donations are gratefully received ay:
The Lough Credit Union: Acc. No: 80073951 Sort Code: 991061.
Electronic Transfers:
IBAN No: IE88LOC199106180073951
BIC No: ‘LOCIIE21XXX’ swift code BNPAIE21.
Reproduced on paperneverrefusedink.com/2019/04/30/%ef%bb%bfcork-city-missing-persons-search-and-recovery-unit/ with the kind permission of the Editor of An Cosantóir, this is my article which featured in the April 2019 Edition.
Ruairí de Barra hails from the wilds of Co.Mayo, Ireland and now resides in Cobh, Co.Cork. A sailor with over two decades of service with an tSeirbhís Chabhlaigh & Óglaigh na hÉireann, he writes professionally as an accredited Defence Forces military journalist and he is a regular contributor to 'An Cosantóir', the Irish Defence Forces Magazine.
#Cobh #Cork #Ireland
Great Island Media Cobh Readers and Writers Festival
A great result for one of the trailing dog teams from SARDA Wales. Well done Gethin and Sion!Call Out - DOG FIND
Late last night we were called to assist North Wales Police with the search for a high risk missing person in the Llandudno area. We were supported by Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation along with coastguard teams, the RNLI and the fire service. We deployed 1 Open Area dog team and 2 Trailing dog teams with another 2 dogs on standby.
Shortly after commencing the search one of our Trailing dog teams located the missing person safe and well and were able to assist that person to the safety of the roadside from a precarious position on hazardous ground.
A great effort and outcome for all concerned but particularly for the Trailing dog team concerned as this was their first operational search. Congratulations to Gethin and Sion on your first job and first find.
There were many agencies and people involved in this search and the deployment and subsequent find saved many hours of searching and resulted in the missing person being able to receive the support they needed. The very reason we train and deploy searchdogs!
If you would like to donate towards training our dogs you can give £5 by texting SARDAW5 to 70085, many thanks.
Two years ago today we lost our dear friend and teammate Kevin Hallahan. Today, like every day, we remember the positivity and joy he brought wherever he went, and the many lives he changed for the better. Kevin Hallahan, Wicklow 5.6, still on the hill.
As most of you know we took part in the Dara Fitzpatrick Memorial Run last weekend. This year we, (along with Waterford Hospice) were the chosen beneficiaries of the event which drew a large crowd from far and wide. SARDA Ireland will use their portion of the proceeds to host an International Trailing Conference in 2020. We thank the committee again for choosing us and for your hard work leading up to and during this great event which we were honoured to be a part of.
We would like to thank all others who helped make it a great day, from the Irish Coast Guard marshals who gave us great encouragement along the route to all behind the scenes people who made it all happen including Clem Jacob Hire for the use of the gazebo. We cannot forget to thank those who turned up to run in the event or donated online.
To tie in with the event and its links to the Trailing Conference 2020 we had some welcome visitors in the form of Tim Sherlock & Ester Sherlock of Search and Rescue Dogs Association (SARDA Wales), Mick Dunthorne of @National Search and Rescue Dog Association - Staffordshire and Kenneth Kingston of Mountain Rescue Search Dogs England. While most of us were relaxing after the run, our guests were treated to a tour of the Rescue 117 base and a quick spin in the helicopter. We thank the crew of R117 for giving their time to this.
In the lead up to the weekend we invited people who expressed an interest in learning more about trailing dogs to join us in Rocketts Castle Estate for an information session. The purpose of this session was to discuss Trailing and to introduce the SARDA Ireland Training Programme. We had presentations, demonstrations, workshops and discussions and some media work over the weekend. All very interesting and an invaluable experience. We thank Thomas and Shirley of Rocketts Castle Estate for their warm hospitality and use of their amazing estate.
So, Thanks again to all involved and enjoy some photos taken by Edelle, Jimmy, John Foley and John Manning.
Great to see SARDA Ireland embrace the Trailing aspect of SAR Dog handling. A very complex discipline and a huge commitment to training and seeing their qualified people handle their Trailing dogs should be a huge asset to the SAR community.
Well done
Dara Fitzpatrick Memorial Fun Run Weekend
Thank you so much for inviting us to attend this fantastic event, the crew were delighted. Looking forward to meeting/working with you all again soon:-).
Two of our dog handlers and their dogs have been visiting our friends at Search and Rescue Dog Association (Ireland) this weekend, they have attended the Dara Fitzpatrick Run in memory of Cpt Fitzpatrick where they were welcomed by the crew of R117 who took them for a flight above Waterford and presented them with a signed print of the aircraft.
Cpt Dara Fitzpatrick was based at Waterford for 10 years and she was Captain of R116 operating out of Dublin when it crashed off the Mayo coast on March 13th two years ago.
We at SARDA Ireland are remembering our friend and colleague Caitríona Lucas today, on the third anniversary of her tragic and untimely death during a Coast Guard search operation. This beautiful photo of Caitríona and her search dog Zac was taken by Caitríona's husband Bernard.
Hi all,
Just a reminder that the Dara Fitzpatrick Memorial Run is nearly upon us.
We encourage you, our SARDA friend, to show your support by registering and joining us on the day. If you can’t make it then we ask that you consider donating to the fund here. www.dfrun.ie
So come on down to Waterford - Murphy, Syd and Ziggy are looking forward to seeing you there.
Best of luck to everyone taking part
Phew! What a busy weekend!... It started with Eadaoin and Gerry taking part in the Intro to the The Late Late Show,(Thanks Rescue 116 for the assistance). The show honoured members of the various emergency, security, search & rescue and voluntary services through Ireland. We were proud to take part in the National Services Day Parade 2019 through Dublin before going straight to business at our National Training Weekend. We based ourselves in Clogheen this weekend (Thanks again to The Sallows Hostel) and used Lough Mohra in The Commeraghs on Saturday and on Sunday and we moved to Bay Lough in The Knockmealldowns. It was great to see the gang after the Summer break. Thanks to the organizers of the weekend and for all those who helped make it a success. We especially welcome and thank the many new members who joined us this weekend. Your assistance is essential to us. We hope that you will be back to help us again.
So proud of you all. Well done
Lovely to meet you all and it was great to have you on board for National Services Day 2019. See you next year.
You are all wonderful
Hi folks. Its a busy weekend for SARDA with our training weekend in The Comeragh Mountains. We are also in attendance at tomorrows National Services Day Parade in Dublin. Why not kick off the weekend by tuning in to The Late Late Show later where Ryan celebrates the work of our nations front line services. (If you look closely you might see one or two familiar faces).
Yesterday evening SARDA were tasked by South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association to an incident in the Knockmealdown Mountains where a lone walker had sustained a lower leg injury.
Louise Burgoyne with Lyla and Michael Grant with Ziggy were onsite while Jarlath, Sheelagh O'Malley and Eadaoin O'Gorman were put on standby. Irish Coast Guard Rescue 117 was tasked as the light was fading and the casualty was winched off at 21:14 and all members safely off the hill by 21:47. Thank you to all agencies involved and we wish the walker a speedy recovery.
Brilliant graphics. Bravo for this as it really illustrates the commitment from you guys, the dedication, time and travelling involved.
Well done to all services, Our crew had the easy job of collecting the patient The Home of Rescue 117 .
Well done to you all.
Well done everyone 👋
Well done Lou and Lyla! <3
Well done
Congrats to all the rescue services involved.
Well done all
A big shout out to the incredible Dog Teams at Search and Rescue Dog Association (Ireland) on #InternationalDogDay today. From the Dara Fitzpatrick Memorial Run team. You can Sign Up Today here www.dfrun.ie
We at SARDA are proud and honoured to be a chosen beneficiary of this great event. Dara is fondly remembered by many for her service over her 10 years at the Waterford base. During this time, she would have worked with many of our two and four legged members and would have witnessed some of the work that we do.
We encourage our SARDA friends to show their support by registering and joining us on the day. If you can’t make it then we ask that you consider donating to the fund here. www.dfrun.ie
Our portion of the moneys raised will go towards a first of its kind, International, Search Dog Event in 2020, details of which will be communicated in the future on the SARDA Facebook page. Thank you.We are delighted to tell you this years chosen charities are, Waterford Hospice Home Care Team and the Search and Rescue Dog Association (Ireland) (SARDA),
Looking forward to a great day
SARDA handler Eadaoin O'Gorman with Search dog Murphy met with members of Guileen Coast Guard last night. We'd like to thank members of the unit for their time and we very much look forward to working together in the future.A special thanks to Eadaoin O'Gorman from SARDA for her time tonight giving an overview of the great work done by SARDA. Eadaoin is a dog handler with SARDA and introduced us to "murphy" and explained how the dog was trained and handled.
We are delighted to be a part of this years parade. We hope to see you there.The next group to be added to the parade and display roster for this years National Services Day Parade 2019 are the Search and Rescue Dog Association (Ireland). SARDA Ireland is a voluntary 999 / 112 emergency search and rescue organization concerned with the training, assessment and deployment of Air Scenting Search and Rescue Dogs to search for missing persons and we are delighted to have them on board with us.
#NationalServicesDay #NSD19
There was a nice article written by The Clare Champion recently about one of our members Niall Devery. Niall is a busy man as member of Killaloe Coast Guard while also managing to find time to volunteer with us at SARDA. Many of our members like Niall, are members of Irish Coast Guard or Mountain Rescue Ireland teams based around the country and the experience they bring to the team is invaluable.
Niall Devery great write up
Good stuff Niall Devery, credit to ya bud
Well done Niall great asset keep up the good work
Well done Niall devery onwards and upwards
Last August Bank Holiday weekend was another busy one for the SARDA Ireland team. Handler Eadaoin O'Gorman attended Mountain Rescue Search Dogs England (MRSDE) Training Weekend in Dartmoor. On Friday August 2nd Éadaoin assisted MRSDE Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team on a call out for a high risk missing person. The missing person was eventually located by police a couple of days later. On Saturday August 3rd, Éadaoin acted as external witness for an MRSDE trailing assessment. Thank you to MRSDE and Harford Bridge Park for their hospitality over the weekend.
On Monday August 5th, handlers Éadaoin with Murphy, Louise Burgoyne with Lyla and Michael Grant Grant with Ziggy attended an open day at Waterford Garda Station. Also there were South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association, Bonmahon Coast Guard, Waterford Marine Search and Rescue, Waterford City River Rescue CRBI, Waterford City Fire Service, Waterford City Civil Defence, Order of Malta Ireland Ambulance Corps - Waterford Unit and many other emergency, search, rescue and voluntary services.
Slightly different post than usual, please share this poster, this young lady is related to members of the mountain rescue Ireland community and is missing in Malaysia.
Please God she's found soon ❤
She was found, unfortunately not a alive.
Can we ask that you share this post as Nora is related to one of our members. m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10216383298480789&id=1405203025&sfnsn=mo
She was found, unfortunately not alive.
🙏
I hope Nora is found soon and reunited with her family. xx
I pray this young lady is found
Sandra Doyle can you share with your Australian friends in the hope some of them might have friends in Malaysia. Can’t imagine what this young girls family is going through.
worst nightmare pls god she be found safe
If you're looking for something to do tomorrow then think about coming along to the Waterford Garda Station Open Day. We will be attending alongside our friends from An Garda Síochána, South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association, Irish Coast Guard, and many other agencies. Hope to see you there!
SARDA Ireland participated in the multi agency emergency response effort at the annual Croagh Patrick (Reek Sunday) pilgrimage. Coordinated by Mayo Mountain Rescue (MMRT), full response measures are put in place for the thousands of people who take take part in the annual pilgrimage in Co Mayo. SARDA Ireland members worked on the hillside with the South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association (SEMRA) and the other Mountain Rescue Teams. At base, SARDA Ireland and SEMRA worked with the MMRT operations team, using the SARCALL emergency response system which enables mountain rescue teams to locate incidents, record incident data and capture debriefing data. Other participants at the annual Croagh Patrick event included the Irish Air Corps, Irish Cave Rescue Organisation - ICRO, Order of Malta Ireland, @Civil Defence, An Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland. Thanks Terry Brophy for the photo.
The summer edition of the Irish Mountain Log magazine has a great little feature on SARDA, written by our own Sheelagh O'Malley. This magazine is distributed to Mountaineering Ireland members and is also available in Eason's. The photos in this article were kindly provided by Edelle Doherty.
Great article and lovely to hear how you are all going😊
Ray Leahy
Search dogs Murphy and Ziggy were called out by Dublin-Wicklow and Glen of Imaal mountain rescue teams to assist with a missing person search in the Lough Bray area of the Wicklow mountains at 2pm on the 18th of July.
The search dogs searched the shore of the lough and surrounding mountain side until 11pm.
The search resumed early on the morning of the 19th with search dog Lyla replacing Murphy and Ziggy on the search.
All the search dogs showed a interest in a quadrant of the lough where subsequently the Garda Water Unit recovered the deceased.
Our condolences to the family and friends of the missing person.
Other units that were out searching were, Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue, Dublin-Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team, and South Eastern Mountain Rescue Teams, Garda Water, Dog and Air Support Units and a unit from the Irish Defence Forces.
Great work SARDA deepest sympathies for the family. Thinking of you also as it must be hard on this result for you also.
Such incredible work SARDA does. . So sorry to hear of the sad outcome
Well done to you all.
deep condolence to their family , it’s amazing work yea do
Condolences to the family of the missing person. What a fantastic group of people ye are 🐶🐕
Yesterday Michael Grant, Eadaoin O'Gorman and Noel Culbert along with search dogs Murphy and Ziggy took part in the Killaloe Emergency Services Display. The downpours certainly tested our waterproofs in between meeting the public and catching up with other front line services at the show such as Killaloe Coast Guard Unit, An Garda Síochána, (with their Mounted Unit and Limerick based Dog Unit, Road Safety Authority Ireland and Killaloe Fire Service.
Search dog Ziggy attended the UCD Veterinary Hospital Conference last weekend as a guest of Bayer Ireland. Bayer supports the Search and Rescue Dog Association Ireland search dogs by providing them with flea, lice and tick protection with their Seresto collars.
Look out for some familiar faces throughout this series.
Kerry Climbing
Great to hear that RESCUE - River Deep Mountain High has been scheduled to show on ITV starting Friday 26th July at 8 pm
It had started previously on Virgin Media but was postponed so it's good to see now scheduled for the full series on ITV
Our own local Kerry Mountain Rescue Team took part and the first episode shows the challenging conditions the team often work in, you might even recognize a familiar face ! 😉
Rescue follows the exploits of both Ireland and the UK’s voluntary rescue services in some of the most stunning landscapes these islands have to offer. With fantastic access to Mountain Rescue teams, Marine River Rescue Units and the Coast Guard services, this series follows the brave volunteers and workers who save lives in rivers, on mountains and on the sea.
Each program encompasses stories from all of the services, where fantastic action is interspersed with personal interviews and magnificent landscape vistas, and follows the stories of the teams as they set out to rescue people in perilous situations. Rescue will provide an insight into the
vital work of these voluntary rescue teams, and will demonstrate the incredible bravery of these selfless men and women.
Our Wicklow-based search dog Rowan has been busy ever since he met Prince Charles back in May. Together with his handler Sheelagh O'Malley and their 'home team' Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue, Rowan has practised his casualty care skills, completed a helicopter training session and also responded to 3 callouts. Go Rowan!
Brian Haskins, we will have to "up the anti" and have local royalty attend our training days.
Good job!
Well done Sheelagh O'Malley and Rowan
Superstar 👌
Well done Sheelagh O'Malley and Rowan. Brilliant work and lovely photos x
Top Dog......😉
A dog's nose is truly an incredible instrument, and this nifty little video demonstrates how exactly it works. All of our air-scenting search dogs are expert sniffers!
Brut nature
Their sense of smell could be 10,000 to 100,000 times more powerful than ours, allowing them to "see" things that are invisible to humans. Here is how dogs smell... 🐶
Ciaran Huish
Andrea Hill
Fabulous! Thank you very much for sharing.
A group photo of some of the dogs & handlers after a training session in March 2018. Photo by Valerie O'Sullivan.
God it was my worst hair day ever.... JJ Looked great.
Looking great everyone! Especially Lyla and Lou, of course 🙂
Well done everyone
Another callout that one of our dog teams (Eadaoin O'Gorman with search dog Murphy) was assisting with last week. Sheelagh O'Malley and search dog Rowan also responded, but they were stood down en route when the missing person was unfortunately located deceased. We wish to convey our deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Dublin-Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team
Callout 50 - 3rd July 2019 - CurtlestownAt 09:03 on Wednesday, July 3rd, Dublin & Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team and Glen of Imaal Red Cross Mountain Rescue Team were tasked by An Garda Sío...
Four of our dog teams (Sheelagh O'Malley with search dog Rowan, Michael Grant with Ziggy, Eadaoin O'Gorman with Murphy and Louise Burgoyne with Lyla) assisted with this search in Bray, Co. Wicklow on Friday. Jarlath Folan and search dog Syd were also responding early in the following morning. All teams were stood down when the missing person was located safe and well on Saturday.
Dublin-Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team
Callout 52 - 5th July 2019 - Bray
At 15:19 on Friday, July 5th, Dublin & Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team and Glen of Imaal Red Cross Mountain Rescue Team were tasked by An Garda Síochána in a missing person search.
Mountain rescue (MR) personnel immediately began searching the area around the missing person's last known location. Meanwhile, MR search managers worked to produce a search plan for the wider area. Forty trained searchers, four search dog and handler teams, and a drone were used during the operation. Search operations were stood down for the night at 00:19 on Saturday morning.
Later on Saturday morning the teams were alerted by Gardaí that the missing person had been located safe and well.
Our thanks to Search and Rescue Dog Association (Ireland), the missing person's family and friends, and An Garda Síochána for their assistance. We'd also like to thank Bray Retail Park for the use of their car park as rescue base.
SARDA Ireland would like to offer our sincere condolences to SARDA Southern Scotland dog handler Bill Jennison's family and teammates. Many of our members would have met and trained with Bill over the years.It is with extremely heavy hearts that we pass on the news that our great friend and founder member Bill Jennison passed away in the early hours of this morning.
Bill committed a huge part of his life to Mountain Rescue and SARDA, training and working his own dogs to an extremely high standard then continuing to train many other dogs and handlers to be the best they could be with SARDA Southern Scotland.
Bill never gave up on anyone when the going got tough and with his gentle nature, encouragement and impeccable knowledge and understanding of dogs, saw many dogs and handlers that he had helped train as training officer reach Advanced Mountain Rescue grade.
I think we can vouch for many here when we say, the hardest part of any assessment undertaken was that you didn’t want to let Bill down!
A famous quote from Bill was “ If only it was as easy to train a handler as it was a dog”
We are extremely lucky to have had you in our lives Bill and as a friend said earlier today, we bet there were some old dogs very happy to see you this morning!
Thoughts are with Yvonne and the family at this very difficult time.
National Search and Rescue Dog Association (NSARDA) Scottish Mountain Rescue Mountain Rescue Search Dogs England Search & Rescue Dog Association (Scotland) Lomond Mountain Rescue Team
SARDA Ireland were invited to the Greystones Emergency Services Day at Éire Óg GAA club on Sunday. Great day engaging with members of the public and other agencies. Thank you to Greystones Gardaí for organising and for all the help and hospitality on the day. Also in attendance were Dublin-Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team, An Garda Síochána, An Garda Síochána K9 unit, Wicklow Civil Defence, Civil Defence K9 unit, Greystones Coast Guard Unit, Rescue 116 and Greystones Community First Responders.
A few of our members (Eadaoin O'Gorman with search dog Murphy, Gerry Tobin with trainee search dog Fia and Sean Owens with trainee search dog Cody) took part in a training session with Order of Malta Ireland Ambulance Corps - Waterford Unit and Bonmahon Coast Guard unit last week – thanks a lot for the invite! We look forward to working and training with these teams in the future.A very successful training exercise tonight with our friends in both Bonmahon Coast Guard and Search and Rescue Dog Association (Ireland). Well done every one. It was great to see the dogs working on the search. #volunteers