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12th April 2011 • Volume 18, Issue 10 • Leader House, North Street, Swords, Co. Dublin. • ISDN 8139966 • Tel: 8•400•200
Loved T Ones Found
here was widespread relief in the North County at the news that the bodies of the two missing fishermen, Ronan Browne and David Gilsenan were recovered after exhaustive searches by hundreds of volunteers. The moment the two men failed to return to Skerries after their boat, The Lady Linda overturned in bad weather, a huge search operation was put in place. Whilst this is a tragedy of huge proportions, the fact that the two bodies were recovered at the same time will be of great consolation to the families and friends, who were able to give their loved ones a Christian burial. David Gilsenan (41), a father of two children was buried in Whitestown cemetery in Rush on Monday, while Ronan Browne (26), who was only married last October, was laid to rest today (Tuesday) in Ardla cemetery in Skerries. The last week or so has gone a long way to restoring one’s faith in humanity and, particularly the undying community spirit of North County residents. The reaction of people of all ages was to spring into action in whatever way they could. This appalling tragedy prompted a display of compassion, empathy and
solidarity, and brought out the very best in people. Groups responded by combing inlets and coves all along the coast in an effort to locate the unfortunate men. This tragedy touched the hearts of everyone and volunteer groups set out in pleasure crafts up and down the coastline. Families identified with the heartbreak of the fishermen’s families left no stone unturned, as they explored clifftops in an attempt to spot something which could provide a vital piece of information. This never say die spirit is typical of residents of the North County and comes as no surprise. This unbeatable spirit was most evident when an appeal for fuel was sent out. This triggered a series of impromptu fundraisers, coffee mornings and non uniform days, by concerned people from all areas of the North County. A total in excess of €80,000 was raised for fuel and it is safe to assume that the response of local residents, in rallying to this call, played a huge part in the recovery of the bodies. This outpouring of support and solidarity from all quarters of the North County will, hopefully, prove to be a pillar of strength for the distraught families as they attempt to come to terms with their terrible loss.
Local Fundraisers Many local fundraising events have taken place over the past few days to help to supply fuel for trawler men in their heroic efforts to locate the two men. Thousands of people took part in a Walk of Solidarity in Skerries on Wednesday, 6th April last in a huge outpouring of
By Patrick Finnegan
support for the families of the two fishermen. The crowd was estimated to be between 5,000 and 8,000 in size. It started at Red Island and continued through the town, past the harbour and back again, a distance of about five kilometres. Pupils from Rush National
School who raised an incredible €4,175 in one day to support the fuel fund. Principal, Margaret Dobbinson told the County Leader about how the collection started. “I was approached by one of the pupils to hold a raffle. It was then decided to hold a non-uniform day instead
Pictured are the students from Rush National School, who managed to collect a staggering €4,175 in one day for fuel to help local fishermen continue their search for Ronan Browne and David Gilsenan. From left, Tadhg Hegarty, Aoife Smith Harford, Principal Margaret Dogginson, Shauna Dobbinson and Alex Benson.
and the children went around the classrooms with buckets and some had to return for new buckets, such was the response,” she said. “This is typical of the generosity of the parents who have always been very responsive to any call for assistance. The money was immediately sent to the fishermen’s families. In another local fundraiser, Rush resident, Anne McCloone held a Coffee Morning in her home and managed to collect a staggering €5,000 for the fund. Another heart-warming fundraiser came from the staff of Geo Operations in Google, Ireland, where Ronan’s wife, Linda is employed. They felt that as an office and as a community, they needed to help as much as possible in support for their friend and colleague, Linda. They have donated a total of €1,043.90 to the fuel fund.
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