Castlebar memorial to deceased rescue crew is planned

A MEMORIAL is to be put in place at Lough Lannagh in Castlebar in honour of the crew members of the R116 rescue helicopter who lost their lives in Blacksod Bay a number of weeks ago.

Elected member of the Castlebar Municipal District have agreed to the proposal by Patricia Conway, an environmental officer attached to Castlebar Tidy Towns Committee.

She stated: “A familiar red and white helicopter seen regularly circling Lough Lannagh and making its decent at Mayo University Hospital is a reminder of those who so generously respond to all crises which may occur.

“A row of four cherry blossom trees representing each one of those who perished in the appalling tragedy in Blacksod Bay earlier this year would be very appropriate.

“The trees would bloom at the time of year when they were lost to their families. I suggest planting them in a sheltered area which is adjacent to the car park at the Liam Durcan Memorial.”

Work will start shortly on putting the memorial in place.

The crew members of R116 were Dara Fitzparick, Mark Duffy, Paul Ormsby and Ciaran Smith.