Carrick Rapid River Responders set up as a result of fundraising

On Christmas night a split-second decision had tragic results for one family in Carrick-on-Shannon and brought an air of sadness over the whole area for the following weeks.

On the night locals on the bridge, the Garda, Coastguard helicopter, Fire Services and Civil Defence did everything in their power to try and rescue a young man from the River Shannon but sadly did not succeed and by St Stephen’s morning it became a recovery rather than a rescue.

The Garda divers attended the search St Stephen's morning, followed by the Midland’s region sub aqua clubs from Longford, Roscommon, Athlone, Lough Ree, Offaly and Mullingar who came along very soon after and continued the search, diving on many occasions and having crews out on the water searching as well.

Early in the New Year and with the search into its second week the family and close friends began reaching out through the power of social media.

There was a call out for local drone operators who immediately responded commencing an aerial search, many local people with boats and cruisers along with members from Boyle and District Angling Club joined the search.

This also brought crews from all over the country. Boyne Fishermans Rescue and Recovery, Irish Underwater Search and Recovery Unit, River Moy Search and Rescue, K9 search dogs came from Wales, Dublin and Northern Ireland, Teach an Uisce Sub Aqua assisted by Drumnastie Divers and Mallow Search and Rescue.

It was discussed with the family about setting up a Go Fund page to hopefully be able to give something back to the clubs that came with no expectation of payment and to the amazing charities that travelled huge distances to help in the search to return the young man to his heartbroken family.

These charity groups rely heavily on donations from the public to help out families in the darkest of times.

The Go Fund was set up initially we had a target of €5,000 this was reached within two hours, we then increased target to €10,000 this was reached in less than 12 hours so we decided to up the target again to €15,000 the total on the page is now over €27,000.

We are absolutely blown away by the incredible response and the outpouring of support from everyone.

The local community showed true spirit, Jim Glancy immediately stepped up offered all the accommodation needed and looked after any crews that stayed overnight, Supermac’s and The Oarsman looked after the evening meals for the search teams at no charge.

Several other restaurants and accommodation providers also offered to help at no cost. Many other businesses dropped off supplies to cater for the needs of the search crews, Coffey’s Pastry Case, Corrib Oil deli on the Leitrim Road, Bits and Bytes, Cryan's, Lidl, Kiernan’s Gala, St Patrick's Hospital, Lunney’s garage, Glancy’s SuperValu and Café Lounge. Several individuals dropped off sandwiches, soup, stew, treats and vouchers.

On day 21 of the search The Boyne Fisherman's Rescue and Recovery located and returned the young man to his family and loved ones.

Until you end up needing these incredible people in the saddest of circumstances you don’t realise how important the service is that they offer on a voluntary basis. Returning loved ones to their devastated families with such respect and dignity it should remind everyone that not all hero’s wear capes.

From the family and the people of Carrick on Shannon, we are forever grateful for the kindness and dedication that was shown by all of the crews during the search. 

The help, advice and support that we got from the crews was invaluable. The years of experience shone through immediately.  This support has not stopped we have had follow up calls to see how we are all doing and they have all continued to offer help and advice.

 
Most of the search crews that attended felt strongly about the limited emergency rescue and response equipment for a town such as Carrick-on-Shannon, especially as the town over the years has seen its fair share of tragedies in the water both locals and visitors to the area.

After much discussion with several of the search teams they have suggested that all of the money raised would go to setting up an emergency rapid response in Carrick in the hope that if someone entered the river in the future that they could possibly be saved.

On February 22, 2023 the balance on the GoFundMe page stands at €27,273. fees deducted by GoFund €992.21 leaving €26,280.79

We have come up with what we feel is fair to everyone and decided that the target amount of €15,000 will be used for the search. The remaining funds (as per figures 22/2/23) of €11,280.79 will go directly to setting up Carrick-on -Shannon Rapid River Responders.

The only cost incurred was €650 for Pete’s Pizza for being on standby to feed the search teams but was stood down as the search had concluded leaving €14,350 to be divided between charities.

Broken down as follows:
Boyne Fishermen’s rescue and recovery -- €2,000
Mallow Search and Rescue - €2,000
River Moy Search and Rescue - €2,000
Midlands Sub Aqua (6 Clubs)- €3,000
Irish Underwater search and recovery - €2,000
Roscommon Scouts (The Fox Barge) - €1,000
North West STOP - €1,000
Search Dogs 3 groups - €600
Civil Defence - €150
Coast Guard - €150
Teach an Uisce Sub Aqua search and recovery - €200
Tidy Towns Carrick-on- Shannon - €150
St Patrick’s Hospital Patient comfort fund - €100
Total €15,000

Some of the clubs and charities involved have asked that the donations that we decided upon as a committee should be given directly to the family privately and some have asked that we keep some of their donation towards setting up our own much needed river rescue.

A collection box was also put in place so people could donate directly and anonymously to the family to hopefully to contribute to some of the financial costs in the saddest of times, it is still inconceivable that on the 21st of January two individuals came into the Lituanica Shop and stole this box.

We have been informed that they are clearly visible on CCTV and that the Garda are investigating the theft. Hopefully these will be brought to justice in the very near future.

The Go Fund page will remain open until we get Carrick-on- Shannon Rapid River Responders registered and set up fully, any funds donated now will go directly to Carrick-on-Shannon Rapid River Responders. Thank you for your support so far.
If you would like to get involved please find us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram or you can email us on carrickrrr@outlook.com or you can scan QR code to join our WhatsApp group.

We are planning an event for the 6th of April in The Landmark Hotel, at this we hope to show how we plan on improving the rescue equipment on the quayside and provide training for volunteers, and to help raise awareness.

This will also be a registration evening for those who would like to get involved with Carrick-on-Shannon Rapid River Responders and Cardiac First Responders.

We are looking for volunteers to fill many roles, so even if you don’t want to go anywhere near the water we would still like to see you on the 6th of April.

More details will be published closer to the time and on our Facebook and Instagram.

 - Sharon Garland