Shock and sadness as mountain rescue volunteer dies during training in Wales
A MEMBER of Dublin Wicklow Mountain Rescue (DWMRT) died on Saturday during a training session over in Snowdonia north Wales.
Forty-three-year-old Kevin Hallahan was at a team training event on the Crib Goch route when he slipped and fell, fatally injuring himself.
The married father-of-three lived in Morell, Naas, Co Kildare.
He joined DWRT in 2011 and quickly established himself as a valued and highly motivated team member.
Fellow DWMRT members are devastated at his death and posted a moving tribute up on their Facebook page, describing him as ‘a wonderful person who will be sorely missed by all who were privileged to know him.’
The tribute continues, ‘He was a skilled and experienced mountaineer who selflessly applied his knowledge to help those in need. Kevin could be relied upon to complete any task efficiently and safely, always looking out for his teammates.
‘He was a man who cared for those around him, supporting and mentoring, with a kind word and his friendly smile.’
Sympathy was also offered to his wife Catherine and daughters Katie, Emily and Leah, and to his parents Marie and Anthony, his sister Pamela and brother Tony, and to his many friends.
DWMRT have vowed to ‘do all we can to support Kevin’s family in the difficult weeks and months ahead.’
The Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue also offered their condolences, stating ‘we will remember him in the mountains and the wild place he loved.’
Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced at the time of going to press.