West Kerry search for John ends in tragedy

TRIBUTES have been paid this week to Com Dhíneol resident and Blarney native John Cunningham, whose body was recovered from the sea on the south side of Dún Mór head, West Kerry, last Thursday.

An extensive search had been taking place on land and in water after Mr Cunningham hadn’t been seen since the previous Saturday. There had been fears locally that Mr Cunningham (52), who kept lobster pots at Cuas na Reithe, may have been blown or swept into the sea while trying to haul his pots at the inlet.

Mallow Search and Rescue discovered Mr Cunningham’s body not far from where he kept his pots last Thursday. His body was recovered by the Mallow team, and he was brought ashore to Ceann Trá.

There has been widespread praise for the emergency services and community members who took part in the search. The search was co-ordinated by Valentia Coastguard with Shannon- and Waterford-based Rescue Helicopters 115 and 117; Valentia RNLI; Dingle Coast and Cliff; a drone team from Doolin, County Clare; Gardaí; individual organisations and many locals, friends and siblings of Mr Cunningham’s assisting over the three days.

Funeral Mass for Mr Cunningham – whom locals described as an exceptionally likeable and friendly person – took place at Séipéal Naomh Ghobnait on Saturday evening, June 27, and he was laid to rest in Dún Chaoin. He is mourned by his parents, Teresa and Tom; sister, Martina; brothers, Tom and Michael; sisters- and brother-in-law; nieces; nephews; relatives; and many friends.