Rescue Service visits three Ardee schools

Dundalk Democrat - Saturday 5th April 2003

On Thursday last the Boyne Fishermen River Rescue and Recovery Service visited three of the schools in the Parish of Ardee.

These visits were organised by Ardee woman, Mary Johnson, who over the years has done so much for the Rescue Service.

Mary is also a founder member of the Families who lost loved one through drowning; and she was delighted with the interest shown by the teachers, pupils and students.

The Rescue Service were represented by Chairman, Michael Hodgins; vice chairman, Derek Gallagher; PRO. Mary Power, and Larry Hodgins.

The purpose of the visit was to emphasise the importance of water safety, in rivers, lakes and sea.

The visiting group distributed leafle to the pupils of Scoil. Mhuire na Trocaire, The Monastery Boys School, and the Community School.

They spent almost two hours in each school and gave a talk on water safety and rescue work. They also gave a demonstration of the equipment which they carry with them on rescue in the waterways.

One of the highlights of the visit for the pupils was the purpose of one of the rescue boats the 'Lough Con which was donated by the people of Mayo and Enniskillen, some time ago.

Both teachers and pupils asked many questions which were answered by their visitors. Many enjoyed getting into the rescue boat for photos.

Speaking since the visit Mary Power, said that it was very worthwhile. "We hope they all enjoyed our visit and perhaps we will have future members of our rescue service. We had a very wide range of questions to answer, and the pupils showed a great interest. We intend to visit the other schools in the area in the very near future."

© Dundalk Democrat