Mass for R116 crewman

TRAGIC Rescue 116 winchman Paul Ormsby had ‘heroic virtue’, a celebrant yesterday told a memorial service for the lost-at-sea Coast Guard officer.

A large crowd of mourners were met at St Matthew’s Church in Ballyfermot, Dublin, by a guard of honour from search and rescue units.

Remarking that Paul Ormsby had saint-like qualities, Fr Joe McDonald said: ‘For those put forward to be made a saint, they are examined to see if they have a thing called heroic virtue. I think Paul would be smiling if he said now, “Is Joe McDonald going to make me a saint today?” But did Paul have heroic virtue? Yes, in spades.’

Paul Ormsby was one of four crew members of Coast Guard helicopter R116 who died in March off Co. Mayo. His body and that of Ciarán Smith have never been recovered.