REMARKS BY PRESDENT McALEESE AT THE OFFICIAL DEDICATION OF THE MEMORIAL SCULPTURE
REMARKS BY PRESDENT McALEESE AT THE OFFICIAL DEDICATION OF THE MEMORIAL SCULPTURE IN HONOUR OF THE AIR CREW
Is onóir dom bheith i bhur measc inniú ag an ócaid seo. Tá mé buioch díbh as an cuireadh a thug sibh dom.
As President, I have a very special reason to be proud of the skills of our Air Corps. I travel with them regularly. I know of their care, commitment, their professionalism and their friendliness. They are a small group of men and women who put a bright face on the fact that day in and day out they may be called upon to put their lives on the line for complete strangers. We are gathered here to honour four young airmen who did just that - with consummate heroism and devotion to duty - they laid down their lives that others might live.
I feel deeply honoured to be here on this very special day to dedicate the memorial on behalf of the people of Tramore, the South East and indeed all of Ireland to the memory of the air crew of rescue Helicopter 111. I would like to thank Michael Flynn for the kind invitation.
I know I speak for all when I extend a very special welcome to the families, friends and colleagues of Captain Dave O Flaherty, Captain Mike Baker, Sergeant Paddy Mooney and Corporal Niall Byrne. We know it is far from easy for you to be here today and we know the immense burden of grief and loneliness you have had to carry since their deaths. Our hearts go out to you once again, knowing as we do that words and monuments cannot change the past nor can they take away your pain. What we hope they do though is let you know that your loss has not been taken lightly, that their sacrifice and yours has not been forgotten and we too are struggling to find ways of saluting that remarkable heroism and showing you that we care. I hope that in these words, in this monument, there will be some comfort, some reassurance, for we are gathered in respect and admiration for your loved ones and for their courage and bravery.
The people of Tramore, like many other coastal communities have a very special affinity with the crews of the Air Corps and Rescue Helicopters. For many years the pilots and air crew of No. Three Support Wing have braved the worst conditions that nature can generate, from forty foot Atlantic swells in Gale force winds to storm conditions along the South and East coasts. They have placed themselves and their aircraft in the kind of extreme conditions which would frighten even the bravest of mortals. When the rest of us are able to say - “Thank God I don’t have to go out in that.”- the Air Corps faces into whatever nightmare they are called to.
They are part of that crucial and exceptional team of people whose role is to protect us and to create a safety net around our island. Along with members of the Naval Service, the Garda Sub Aqua team, the lifeboat service, they go quietly about their daily lives in service to others. Many times their acts of heroism and courage go unremarked, as just an everyday occurrence. It is only when a tragedy like this happens that we full appreciate the dangers these men and women deal with on a daily basis. Today it is appropriate to express heartfelt thanks to all of them for the care they offer us and their courageous commitment.
Dave, Mike, Paddy and Niall were exemplars of that care. This memorial sculpture acknowledges our debt to them.
I would like to pay tribute to the many people who have contributed to bringing this memorial to fruition. A very special thank you is due to Michael Flynn and to Tina and Martin Murphy who spearheaded the fund raising campaign. Commandant Seán Murphy and the organising committee worked tirelessly to ensure that this memorial was erected and the community of Tramore, in individuals and groups gave time, money and resources to ensure the success of this project.
Artist John O Connor has created a most beautiful and thoughtful work and it is with sadness and pride, I unveil this memorial in memory of four brave men whose unselfish commitment to the safety of others will always be remembered- Dave O’Flaherty, Mike Baker, Paddy Mooney and Niall Byrne. God Bless their memory and their care.
Go raibh maith agaibh go leir.