
News Updates




🚨CALL OUT🚨
SARDA IRELAND were tasked by Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue this evening for a missing person in Blackrock Woods. Sean Tolan and Ben were on scene with the Glen team and assisted in the search. Martina O Kearney Flynn was standing by to assist. Thankfully at approx 7:45 the missing person located safe and sound and was checked over by mountain rescue personnel. Well done to everyone involved. Great effort 👏👏
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🌟Meet the team🌟
Name: Jean Ryan
SARDA dogs' name: Trakr
Type of search dog: Air Scenting
How many dog's have you qualified and when? : Trakr qualified April 2022
Other dogs' names : Sky - Husky/ shepherd cross
Where from : Cork
Role in SARDA Ireland: Operational Dog Handler
Call out officer
When did you join: 12/2/2016
Fun fact:
Trakr was donated to me to train for Sarda by Brendan Lawlor and his daughter Kate.
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2 CommentsComment on Facebook
Hello Trakr 👋 and Jean
Well done 👏




The Gravel pits in Clonmel was the location this morning for our Tipperary crew who braved the elements. Big thanks to Sean for the photos and for getting soaked through 👏 ... See MoreSee Less
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Amazing people ❤️ and there dogs 🐕


🚨 CALL OUT 🚨
Update at bottom
This morning at approx 9:55 SARDA Ireland have been tasked to assist in the search for a missing person near the Cliffs of Moher. Angela and Sly are currently on scene.
More to follow ....
SARDA Ireland stood down due to weather and safety conditions.
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Rain..... what rain? Our Galway and Wicklow group did some local training this morning. A mix of trailing and Air Scenting. Great seeing new dog teams progressing with the help of local training officers ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentComment on Facebook
As they say missing people do not go missing in the sunshine



Following on from last night's Call out , Sean Tolan and Ben joined the search this morning with Jean Ryan and Trakr. They started at approx 8:30 and we're stood down at 2pm after Searching a number of areas. An Garda Síochána to carry out further investigations ... See MoreSee Less
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
Well done
Well done


🚨CALL OUT🚨
This afternoon at approximately 16:10 we were tasked by An Garda Síochána to assist in the search for a missing person in Little Island in Cork. Jean Ryan and search dog Trakr responded and searched until darkness.
Search continues tomorrow with more teams attending.
More to follow...
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3 CommentsComment on Facebook
Good luck 🤞🏾
Good luck and stay safe all.
Stay safe




🌟Meet the team🌟
Name: Aine McConville
SARDA dogs' name: Puppy pending ...
Where from : Cork (but Dublin originally!)
Day job : Engineer
Role in SARDA Ireland: dogs Body ( prospective dog handler)
When did you join: 9/1/2022
What inspired you to join SARDA: My family are all really into animals, we had dogs growing up, and my brother's a zookeeper. I wanted to get involved in an organisation that was centred around animals but was also rewarding and outdoorsy!
Other organisations involved in: I've fostered dogs with @autismdogsirl and loved it - but I'm now looking forward to not having to give back the dog that I'm putting hours of training into and having my own SAR dog!
Most memorable time with SARDA: my favourite national training weekend was definitely the assessment in Wicklow in May of this year. It was really cool to get to body for the four dog teams that were assessed and watch them all qualify!
Hobbies and interests: Hillwalking, snowboarding, jewellery making, spending 8 hours on a mountain waiting to get found by a dog ....
Fun fact: I'm allergic to cats 🤣
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3 CommentsComment on Facebook
Thanks Aine for all your hard work bodying. We would not have oassed without all yours and the other "bodies" dedication🌟🌟🌟
Passed😱🤣🤣
Belle Walsh



🌟Meet the team🌟
Name: Gordon Walsh
Other dogs' names : @bliss_the_greyhound
Where from : Galway ( now living in Kildare)
Day job : Electronic engineer
Role in SARDA Ireland: Dogs Body
When did you join: 2/4/2023
What inspired you to join SARDA: My main passions in life revolve around hiking and dogs especially my rescue greyhound. Being part of an organisation that uses the dogs Scenting capability to find lost/ injured hikers and walkers felt like a good fit and it was!
Other organisations involved in: I regularly volunteer as a marshall at some of the mountain rescue fundraising events such as the Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Moonlight Challenge. It was through these events that I heard about SARDAs need for dog's bodies
Most memorable time with SARDA: being one of the bodies involved in training and assessing Dayzi and Ali and being there to witness Ali become the youngest person in Ireland and the UK to have qualified as a search dog team.
Hobbies and interests: I enjoy the outdoors and spend a lot of my spare time hiking and trekking in Ireland and abroad. I'm also involved in an organisation that promotes sighthounds as pets and help to organise meetups and walks.
Fun fact: I'm an identical twin, dogs always know the difference!
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We at SARDA Ireland are remembering our friend and colleague Caitríona Lucas today.
Seven years ago, Caitríona responded to a callout with her fellow Coast Guard volunteers to assist in a search off the Co. Clare coast. During this operation, Caitríona tragically lost her life.
Caitríona was also a member of SARDA Ireland, where alongside her dog Zac, she dedicated so much time to not just one rescue organisation, but two. Together, they were a qualified dog team for 7 years and responded to many SARDA callouts.
Go Maridís Beo ❤️🐾
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5 CommentsComment on Facebook
Thoughts and prayers with you all today Bless her soul
RIP Caitríona
That is so so sad 😢
😔
Una gran Amiga de Unidad Canina de Salvamento GREM lamentamos mucho su muerte 😔😔 hoy estaremos con Bernard aquí en Burgos . Un abrazo 🫂 para todos !!!!
Last 9/11 search dog’s legacy lives on in rescue work — and in a furry kid sister ... See MoreSee Less

Last 9/11 search dog’s legacy lives on in rescue work — and in a furry kid sister
www.today.com
“Bretagne taught me the way,” dog handler Denise Corliss said, “and I continue to be able to do the work.”0 CommentsComment on Facebook




Last weekends national training area was kinda magical 😊 ... See MoreSee Less
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🌟Meet the team🌟
Name: Sean Owens
SARDA dogs' name: Kody
Type of search dog: Air Scenting
How many dog's have you qualified and when? : One - Kody- we first qualified in February 2021 and were upgraded in March 2023
Where from : Tipperary
Role in SARDA Ireland: fully qualified Mountain Rescue Search Dog Handler, Committee member, I have been the SARDA Equipment officer for the last 4 years
When did you join: 4/1/2015
What inspired you to join SARDA: I love dogs and dog training. I love the mountains and general outdoors. I was inspired by the great work that SARDA Ireland do and the fabulous team camaraderie that exists within this great organisation.
Other organisations involved in: South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association
Most memorable time with SARDA: no one stands out. Every time I get the opportunity to get out on the mountains with Kody ( either training or on a shout) are memorable.
Hobbies and interests: Dogs & dog training, mountain running / endurance running, road bike riding and Cyclo-cross racing. Have recently taken up Yoga
Fun fact: I ran 32 marathons / ultra marathons in a 9 year period - then I got sense 😁
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1 CommentComment on Facebook
Well done Sean and Kody



Congratulations to our member Paulina Kauppila on 20 years service with the Coast Guard. Thank you for your service 👏🎉 ... See MoreSee Less
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We at SARDA Ireland would like to express our sadness to hear of Debbie's passing.
Debbie was a valued member of Sarda Ireland and will be sadly missed.
Sympathies and condolences to her family and friends.
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14 CommentsComment on Facebook
Condolences to all
So sorry to hear about Debbie, condolences to all of her family and friends 💕
Condolences
Rip Amen 🙏
Condolences to the family, friends and colleagues
May she rest in peace condolences to her family and friends
May she RIP🙏
So sorry to hear about Debbie.
Aw may Debbie sleep easy over rainbow bridge 🌈 😥 My condolences to all her wonderful family ❤
May she RIP 🙏
May she rest in peace
Condolences to Debbie’s family and friends may she rest in peace 🩷
Rip Debbie.
So sorry to read this, heart felt condolences to all that were close to her




Photos from BRK Rettungshundestaffel Traunstein's post ... See MoreSee Less
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Amazing people and ther dogs 🐕 ❤️
We were delighted to welcome Sonja and Chris to our National training weekend in Killary. ... See MoreSee Less
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A glimpse of our training weekend on the Mayo Galway border
Music:The Inspirational
Musician:Soundscape
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2 CommentsComment on Facebook
fab spot, lovely fotos, well done all
Na dann….alles Gute euch Zwei 😅😍




What a fantastic national training weekend at Killary Adventure Centre. It was lovely to host Sonja and Chris from BRK Rettunghundestaff el Traunstein in Germany. We shared experiences and learned a lot from each other.
Thanks to everyone involved, it takes a team to have these training weekends go so successfully.
Big thanks to the Gavin's for the use of their land for Saturday. It truly is a beautiful part of the world.
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4 CommentsComment on Facebook
Thank you for having us and your hospitality in many ways! ♥️🤗
well done all
Amazing people and there's dogs
What fun!




We're conducting our National training in Leenaun Co. Galway this weekend. We had 2 of our young dogs undertaking their obedience tests. Blueberry and Jager both aced their tests and they now can proceed to their stock test. It's great to have new dogs coming through. Congratulations to both teams ... See MoreSee Less
6 CommentsComment on Facebook
Hello Blueberry & Jager 👋👋 congratulations to you and your Handlers
Congratulations 👏
Well done!
Well done to handlers and dogs🐕
Well done all! 👏👏⭐️
Szép munka, gratulálok!!! 🥰🥰🥰




🌟Meet the team🌟
We've a double whammy for you guys today. This husband and wife team are just wonderful.
Name: Angela Houlihan and Sean Taylor
SARDA dogs' name: Sly
Type of search dog: Air Scenting
How many dog's have you qualified and when? : Sly May 2023
Where from : Tipperary
Day job : Angela - Self Righteous
Sean - Artist/ Lecture
Role in SARDA Ireland: Angela - Operational Dog Handler + Assistant Secretary
Sean - Dogs Body / Prospective Dog Handler
When did you join: August 2020
What inspired you to join SARDA: Angela - Gerry Tobin who is a friend and SARDA training officer. We "went along for a look" and were hooked!
Sean - I admired the organisation for some time, and wanted to help out.
Other organisations involved in:
Sean - Visual Artists Ireland, Contemporary Music Centre, Munster Rugby Supporters Club, Dry Stone Wall Association of Ireland
Most memorable time with SARDA: Angela - Qualifying this year with Sly, it meant so much to me. Don't underestimate the time that goes into this, but it is incredibly rewarding for both Handler and dog. The first call out was really nerve inducing but it feels so great to be part of this hard working team.
Sean - National and local training weekends/ days
Hobbies and interests: Angela - knitting (believe it or not) hiking, travelling and a spot of writing
Sean - Tai Chi, Beekeeping, hill walking
Fun fact:
Angela - SARDA training can do wonders for a marriage!
Sean - the first potato was planted in Cork!
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2 CommentsComment on Facebook
What a formidable trio! ❤️❤️🤣
Hello Sly👋 Angela & Sean




🌟Meet the team🌟
Name: Helen Connolly
SARDA dogs' name: Rosie
Type of search dog: Air Scenting
How many dog's have you qualified and when? : Rosie May 23
Where from : this I'd difficult, live in Kilkenny, work in Waterford. Family from Limerick. Grew up in England
Day job : Doctor GP
Role in SARDA Ireland: Operational dog handler
When did you join: May 2020
What inspired you to join SARDA: Seeing Dex and Bono working
Other organisations involved in: South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association (Medical officer)
Faculty member of WEMSI- a wilderness medical teaching group.
A founding member of Project Espwa a charity supported project in Haiti, Dominican Republic, Honduras and Ukraine.
Most memorable time with SARDA: Qualification day, amazing to see how Rosie had progressed
Hobbies and interests: Hill walking, Travel, kayaking
Fun fact: Ability to fall into every hole on every mountain
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5 CommentsComment on Facebook
Congratulations and thank you and your colleagues for giving up your time to help others.
Way to go Helen and Rosie!!!
Hello 👋 Rosie and Helen
What a team 🙂
Thanks Pat. Hope all well with you and Ann




🚨CALL OUT🚨
At 22:50 last night Monday 28/8/23 An Garda Síochána tasked SARDA Ireland to assist in the search for a missing person in the Ballydwan area in Co. Waterford. Ali Tobin and Dayzi responded with support from Gerry Tobin. As they arrived on scene the missing person turned up at home safe.
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1 CommentComment on Facebook
Well done Ali and Dazy on your first callout😁




Celebrating the "ICAR - International Mountain Rescue Day" on August 28
Many years ago, specifically on the weekend of August 28 and 29, 1948, mountain rescue experts convened upon the invitation of the Austrian Alpine Club.
During this conference at Wilder Kaiser, experiences, knowledge, and technology were exchanged.
This pivotal gathering led to the founding of ICAR (International Commission for Alpine Rescue) in 1955, and it strengthened the international network and community of mountain rescuers.
August 28 therefore marks a significant day in the history of the international mountain rescue efforts.
With the International Mountain Rescue Day as introduced by ICAR in 2022, we celebrate the spirit of community, progress, and the commitment of all those people who dedicate themselves to the safety of others in the mountains.
All our members are honored to share and celebrate this legacy. Join us in marking this special day and upholding the tradition and dedication of mountain rescue!
#ICAR
#icarinternationalmountainrescueday
#internationalmountainrescueday
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1 CommentComment on Facebook
Very interesting, just back from a trip to the Austrian Alps and wasn't far from the Kaiser Mountains




🌟Meet the team🌟
Name: Winnie Flynn
SARDA dogs' name: Flame
Type of search dog: Air Scenting
How many dog's have you qualified and when? : 1 dog, March 22 and upgraded May 23
Where from : Holycross, Co Tipperary
Day job : Health Care Assistant
Role in SARDA Ireland: Fully qualified Mountain Rescue Dog Handler
When did you join: January 2018
What inspired you to join SARDA: Watching Dex and Gerry on a training day with SEMERA
Other organisations involved in: South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association
Most memorable time with SARDA: Qualifying Flame
Hobbies and interests: Hillwalking, Climbing and vegetable gardening
Fun fact: I had to remind myself to breathe during my assessments
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5 CommentsComment on Facebook
Hello Flame 👋 and Winnie
Well done Winnie
Well done girl .
🤗
Belle Walsh Equine Massage Therapy


🚨CALL OUT 🚨 ⚠️ update
Missing person found Safe and sound elsewhere, not on the mountain. SARDA stood down. Thanks to the dog teams for your efforts
Yesterday evening at 21:45 SARDA were tasked by Kerry Mountain Rescue Team to assist in the search for a missing runner in Hags glen. Trakr and handler Jean Ryan attend last night and searched until midnight.
They recommenced their search at 6:20 this morning. They have been joined by 2 other dog teams. Ziggy and Mick Grant and Rosie and Helen Connolly.
More to follow ...
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4 CommentsComment on Facebook
🙏
Blessed to have ye. 🙏
Well done to everyone.
This post has put me right back to the day 🥺



Over the next few weeks and months were going to introduce you to the various members of SARDA Ireland. These volunteers do a great job.
🌟 Meet the Team 🌟
Name: Tom Mac Namee
SARDA dogs' name: Hershey
Type of search dog:
Air Scenting
Other dogs' names : Cassu, former SARDA trainee with a fondness for rounding up sheep
Where from : Dublin originally but now living in Laois
Role in SARDA Ireland: Prospective Dog Handler and Committee member
When did you join: September 13th 2014
What inspired you to join SARDA:
The combination of exercise for both ourselves and the dogs along with volunteering for a charity ticker quite a few boxes
Most memorable time with SARDA:
Every training session is memorable. The 2017 training trip to the Peak District was a particularly memorable experience as we got to train with different groups in different surroundings.
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1 CommentComment on Facebook
Well done Tom

Bailey and her handler Audrey assisted Mayo Mountain Rescue yesterday at their annual flag day in Westport Co. Mayo. Audrey is a probationary member with the Mayo team. ... See MoreSee Less
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Our Wicklow gang had a lovely dry morning training compared to our Tipperary crew yesterday. Great to see some new young dogs coming along.
It's during these local training sessions that the hard work is done. The teams are then watched by our training officers at national weekends and advice given.
Thanks everyone for your time
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1 CommentComment on Facebook
Amazing people and there dogs x




Challenging morning in Co. Waterford for some local trainig. But it looks like the dogs had fun. Thanks to our bodies for lying out and to Sean for the great photos 😉 ... See MoreSee Less
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
Good area to search in.
Great shots
#TheInsideTipp from SARDA ... See MoreSee Less
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Here's Sean and Ben(dog) in Dublin Castle for National Services day
Thanks @lukemetcalfe_photography
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1 CommentComment on Facebook
Amazing




🚨CALL OUT🚨
Yesterday Monday the 14th of August at approx 3:45 pm SARDA Ireland were tasked by An Garda Síochána to assist in the search for a Missing person in the Portumna area. 2 of our teams made their way to the location.
Winnie Flynn with Flame assisted by Navigator Niall Devery( trainee dog handler) Killaloe Coast Guard Unit and Mick Grant with Ziggy searched several areas around the last known location.
Both teams were stood down at approx 8 pm when the missing person was located in a different area.
We wish to express our sympathy and condolence to the family and friends of the deceased. May he rest in peace
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3 CommentsComment on Facebook
Well done to the teams and all connected. Condolences to the family.
Well done all. RIP
Well done




We hope everyone had a safe bank holiday. Some of our teams had a training session in Wicklow . Training in #Coillte forestry mixing up different scenarios. Thanks to everyone for volunteering ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Great photos Gordon!



2 of our dog handlers joined the annual Mayo Mountain Rescue Reek Sunday with their sister mountain rescue groups. Sean from Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue and Helen with South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association .
Well done everyone involved
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Busy morning training all over the country this Saturday morning.
Local training in various #Coillte locations in #cork, #tipperary and #wicklow.
From brand new pups to our experienced dogs. These are the days that the hard work is done to keep our teams fresh and working well.
Great work everyone 👏
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4 CommentsComment on Facebook
Great job 👍
Great to see all this training, keep up the great work.
I’d have loved to been involved in Donegal .
Keep up the good work!

A report on our assessment weekend which has been published in the "Mountain Rescue Magazine Summer 2023" page 46.
Very interesting reading this edition 😁
online.flippingbook.com/view/530620555/?fbclid=IwAR3f7a1Dm5Q4lpbW3QLe1iQDknP0KavXOeoX2jrBCuIp129B...
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1 CommentComment on Facebook
Congratulations everyone!




Was a wet and windy morning training in Tipperary today. Great session was had. Thanks to our bodies for lying out ... See MoreSee Less
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Few of our teams training today in different parts of the country.
We meet up as a national group every 6 weeks with a break during the summer. The local work that's put in week in week out in all weathers is what keeps our teams ready for when we get a call out. Well done everyone
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3 CommentsComment on Facebook
Awesome ❤️ amazing dog and their's handlers x
Well done everyone x
Gorgeous dogs, well done ❤️


Training ongoing in Galway today for a few of our teams. Our teams are constantly training and keeping themselves fit for call outs ... See MoreSee Less
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It's important to stay cool during this hot weather. Here's a few of our dogs cooling off ... See MoreSee Less
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1 CommentComment on Facebook
Great pic! Lou......whose that in your arms?
Missing elderly man found safe in Tralee | RadioKerry.ie ... See MoreSee Less

Missing elderly man found safe in Tralee | RadioKerry.ie
www.radiokerry.ie
An elderly man who went missing in Tralee for more than 24 hours has been found safe and well.93-year-old Liam Brassil was last seen at his home at Sycamore Vie...7 CommentsComment on Facebook
im so glad this gentleman was found safe and well. ❤
Great news.Poor man.
Great news!
Great to hear this....
Thanks be to God, Bless him 🙌 🙏
Thank God for that
Brilliant 👏


🚨*CALL OUT*🚨
This morning SARDA Ireland were tasked by An Garda Síochána to assist in a search for a missing person in Tralee.
Search dog Ziggy and Mick responded and were later assisted by newly qualified Search dog Sly and Angela. Both teams worked tirelessly searching different areas with Mick offering his experience in guiding Angela on her first call out. Both teams were stood down this evening. Thanks you both for your time and effort.
Thankfully the missing person has been located safe and well.
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