Divers’ bravery acknowledged
The memory of that night will be etched forever on a number of north Mayo’s coastal communities.
FAMILY PRIDE Pictured are Michelle and Leigh Anne Heffernan, who received a gold medal on behalf of their father. Pic: Maxwell’s
Divers’ bravery acknowledged
Áine Ryan
THE MEMORY of that dramatic and dreadful night will be etched forever on a number of north Mayo’s small coastal communities. It was the night that one brave Mayo man, Michael Heffernan, lost his life as he battled against huge waves in a sea cave at Horse Island.
Last week, Mr Heffernan’s bravery was once again acknowledged when he was recognised posthumously by the Deeds of Bravery Council, established in 1947 to officially recognise those who have carried out courageous acts. Mr Heffernan’s surviving colleague, Josie Barrett, was also presented with a gold medal, by the Council’s Chairman, Ceann Comhairle, Dr Rory O’Hanlon.
It is almost a decade since the fateful October night when the Grainne Uaile Diving Club volunteer, along with Josie Barrett, swam into the cave with a light line, in an attempt to save retired German businessman, Will Ernest von Below and the Murphy family. Earlier in the day Mr von Below had brought Tony and Carmel Murphy, and their eleven-year-old daughter, Emma, for a voyage in his five-metre currach to view the spectacular sea caves. High seas meant they became trapped.
The Grainne Uaile Sub Aqua Club was part of the rescue operation which included the Ballyglass RNLI boat, the Irish Coastguard and a number of local fishing boats.
Hazardous conditions meant that the two men soon became separated by the three-metre waves in the cave and Mr Barrett was some time later rescued in a state of complete exhaustion. For a time, it was assumed that Michael Heffernan had reached the lost party. His body was later found with Mr von Below’s, while the Murphys were found crouching in a crevice.
Michael Heffernan (40) was the first voluntary rescuer to die in a rescue operation. Since his death, he has also been awarded the Carnegie Hero Trust Medallion, from the RNLI and the Dr John Igoe Community Award. In 1999 his wife Anna Marie was presented with the Michael Heffernan Memorial Gold Medal.