The local Mountain Rescue team here in the South East of Ireland is on standby this Christmas after getting a call from the "North Pole". Santa likes to stop off on the Comeragh or Galtee mountains where he gives Rudolf and all the other reindeer a well earned rest on their long trip. So just in case he needs a push or a pull to get going he has asked the Mountain Rescue team if they will help, so he can deliver all the presents to the girls and boys this Christmas.
SEMRA would like to wish everyone (including SANTA) venturing into the mountains this holiday season a safe and enjoyable trip.
SEMRA's most recent recruits were treated to a guided tour of the Irish Coast Guard HeliBase at Waterford Airport recently, as part of their preparation to become full team members. The visit included an opportunity to get "up close and personal" with the magnificent Sikorsky S61 rescue helicopter. This aircraft, with its distinctive red and white livery, has been the difference between life and death for many a person in distress on land and sea. No less impressive are the inspirational men and women who make up its crew, on the ground and in the air. SEMRA is very grateful to them all for the warm welcome received on the night and for giving our newest members, in their own words, "the highlight of the training so far". As a token of SEMRA's appreciation, a framed team insignia was presented to Dara Fitzpatrick (pilot) on behalf of all our esteemed colleagues based at Waterford.
The picture shows from left to right:
Matt Joy, Deputy Team Leader, SEMRA
Ray Bradfield, Deputy Team Leader, SEMRA
Christy Mahady, Winch Crew, IRCG
Dara Fitzpatrick, Pilot, IRCG
Mark McDermott, Pilot, IRCG
Mike Sandover, Winch Crew, IRCG
Paddy Looney, Deputy Team Leader, SEMRA