Family of man killed in landslide raise vital funds for Sligo Leitrim Mountain Rescue
THE widow of a man who was killed in a landslide on Kilronan mountain last December has helped to raise funds for Sligo Leitrim Mountain Rescue.
Following the tragic death of Paddy McCaffrey, of Rossinver, in a landslide his family and friends have come together to express their appreciation to the Mountain Rescue Team for their role in the search and recovery operation.
Team spokeswoman Fiona Gallagher described the donation received as “the most substantial sum we have received from indivivdal doners, in at least the last 15 years”.
She said: “Paddy McCafferty lost his life in tragic circumstances during a landslide on a windfarm site at Kilronan Mountain above Ballyfarnon.
“Sligo Leitrim Mountain Rescue were tasked by the Gardaí in assisting with a search and rescue operation at the site in Derrysallagh alongside the Fire Service, paramedics and site workers.
“This was a difficult and challenging operation and was carried out in poor weather and visibility. As a rescue team our desire is always to preserve life; sadly that was not possible on this occasion, however it was of huge importance for the family to recover the remains of the deceased in a dignified and respectful manner.
Fiona added: “We are extremely grateful and humbled by the huge gesture of acknowledgement by Paddy’s wife Helen, the extended family, co- workers, friends and local community in establishing a memorial fund and subsequently collecting over € 1,700 for mountain rescue.
“We are a voluntary service and this donation is proably the single largest bequest we have ever received. It is a true testament to the family that they have thought of others in the midst of their own grief.
“This donation will be utilised to purchase a single piece of rescue equipment such as a stretcher, which will be used in Paddy McCaffrey’s memory, to save lives on the hills of Sligo and Leitrim, thus ensuring that something positive will come from this tragic loss.”