News Updates

Search and Rescue Dog Association (Ireland)

Monday 10th February 2020, 22:37

+8

This weekend while three of our dog teams were involved in a search in Co. Meath, other SARDA members attended the Party Leader Training Course which was based in Kilfinane Oetc and on the shores of Lough Gur

The event was hosted by South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association with instructors from Dublin-Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team and beyond.

Some SARDA members participated as trainees while others assisted by acting as casualties. Thanks for a well organized event which was a great opportunity for learning and meeting our MR colleagues from far and wide. ... See MoreSee Less

Search and Rescue Dog Association (Ireland)

Sunday 2nd February 2020, 23:35

+

Hi all. We have had our assessment weekend in Wicklow and after two tough days of our handlers and dogs being put through their paces we are delighted to tell you that both dog teams have passed!

Gerry Tobin from Tipperary has qualified his second mountain rescue dog Fia and Martina OKearney Flynn based in Wicklow has earned her first prestigious red tag with Fia’s sister Ella.

We thank Gerry and Martina for the years of hard work that has brought them to this point. To their families also, we acknowledge their support and hope that they too are proud today.

One of the ways that SARDA maintains its high standards is to insist on using independent assessments using external assessors. In this case we had the pleasure of having Ian Thompson and Ellie Sherwin of Mountain Rescue Search Dogs England and Harold Burrows of Search and Rescue Dogs Association (SARDA Wales) as assessors. We thank them for taking the time to travel from overseas to observe our search dogs teams and cast their professional eye over our working standards. We also thank our Irish assessors Michael, Helen, Don, Pauliina and Henry.

While assessments were ongoing we made the most of the weekend by continuing to train our trainee and qualified air scenting dogs and our trainee trailing dogs. This was done in the company of new members who have just started to get involved.

We would finally like to thank the entire SARDA team that make weekends like this happen. Much work goes into training dogs to our high standard and organizing events such as this one, so we thank you all for your help. We now have two more dog teams in Ireland that will assist in bringing our loved ones home.

Well Done Guys. ... See MoreSee Less

Search and Rescue Dog Association (Ireland)

Sunday 26th January 2020, 20:55

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 ... See MoreSee Less

Search and Rescue Dog Association (Ireland) shared a post.

Saturday 18th January 2020, 16:28

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. ... See MoreSee Less

Search and Rescue Dog Association (Ireland)

Saturday 11th January 2020, 14:16

+

Just a few snaps of our team collecting around Cork today. Rubs available all day. No appointment needed. ... See MoreSee Less

Search and Rescue Dog Association (Ireland) shared a post.

Monday 30th December 2019, 11:44

+1

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. ... See MoreSee Less

Search and Rescue Dog Association (Ireland)

Saturday 21st December 2019, 9:23

***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 ... See MoreSee Less

Search and Rescue Dog Association (Ireland) shared a post.

Tuesday 17th December 2019, 15:26

+1

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. ... See MoreSee Less

Search and Rescue Dog Association (Ireland)

Thursday 5th December 2019, 11:36

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. ... See MoreSee Less

Search and Rescue Dog Association (Ireland) shared a post.

Thursday 5th December 2019, 11:07

+1

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 ... See MoreSee Less

Search and Rescue Dog Association (Ireland)

Sunday 1st December 2019, 20:20

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 ... See MoreSee Less

Search and Rescue Dog Association (Ireland)

Monday 18th November 2019, 19:44

+1

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. ... See MoreSee Less

Search and Rescue Dog Association (Ireland) added 81 new photos.

Saturday 16th November 2019, 12:00

+

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. ... See MoreSee Less

Search and Rescue Dog Association (Ireland)

Sunday 10th November 2019, 2:17

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. ... See MoreSee Less

Search and Rescue Dog Association (Ireland)

Friday 1st November 2019, 16:16

+1

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. ... See MoreSee Less

Search and Rescue Dog Association (Ireland) shared a post.

Thursday 24th October 2019, 19:27

+8

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 ... See MoreSee Less

Search and Rescue Dog Association (Ireland) is with Sean Owens and 7 others.

Monday 14th October 2019, 21:21

+

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. ... See MoreSee Less

Search and Rescue Dog Association (Ireland) shared a post.

Saturday 5th October 2019, 17:59

+4

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 ... See MoreSee Less

Search and Rescue Dog Association (Ireland)

Monday 23rd September 2019, 1:06

+

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. ... See MoreSee Less

Search and Rescue Dog Association (Ireland) added 263 new photos.

Monday 23rd September 2019, 0:46

+

Dara Fitzpatrick Memorial Fun Run Weekend ... See MoreSee Less

Search and Rescue Dog Association (Ireland) shared a post.

Saturday 14th September 2019, 21:56

+3

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. ... See MoreSee Less

Search and Rescue Dog Association (Ireland)

Tuesday 10th September 2019, 12:07

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. ... See MoreSee Less

Search and Rescue Dog Association (Ireland)

Monday 9th September 2019, 14:49

+6

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. ... See MoreSee Less

Search and Rescue Dog Association (Ireland)

Friday 6th September 2019, 18:11

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). ... See MoreSee Less

Search and Rescue Dog Association (Ireland) shared a post.

Friday 23rd August 2019, 21:51

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), ... See MoreSee Less

Search and Rescue Dog Association (Ireland) shared a post.

Monday 19th August 2019, 0:33

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 ... See MoreSee Less

Search and Rescue Dog Association (Ireland)

Saturday 10th August 2019, 15:23

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. ... See MoreSee Less

Search and Rescue Dog Association (Ireland)

Sunday 4th August 2019, 21:14

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! ... See MoreSee Less

Search and Rescue Dog Association (Ireland) is with Pauliina Kauppila and 11 others.

Friday 26th July 2019, 10:37

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. ... See MoreSee Less

Search and Rescue Dog Association (Ireland)

Tuesday 23rd July 2019, 0:13

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. ... See MoreSee Less

Search and Rescue Dog Association (Ireland)

Monday 22nd July 2019, 9:40

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. ... See MoreSee Less