Teddy was ‘true Mournes legend’

Teddy was ‘true Mournes legend’

17 April 2019

TRIBUTES have been paid to Castlewellan man Teddy Hawkins, who has been described as “a true Mourne and NI mountaineering legend”.

The 89 year-old was a founding member of the Mourne Mountain Rescue Team (MMRT) in 1962.

He died peacefully at Slieve Dhu Nursing Home in Newcastle on Sunday.

The father-of-eight had many roles within the mountain rescue team and had served for a time as team leader.

His funeral mass took place yesterday in St Malachy’s Church, Castlewellan, and was followed by interment at Aughlisnafin cemetery.

Mr Hawkins was lauded by the mountain rescue team as having played a major part in the creation of Northern Ireland’s search and rescue emergency response, not just the MMRT.

A statement posted on Mourne Mountain Rescue Team’s Facebook page read: “Teddy’s commitment to mountain rescue went far beyond his voluntary roles within the team. 

“As Head of Mountaineering firstly within the former Central Council for Physical Recreation and subsequently the Sports Council, Teddy played a major part in the formalisation of mountain rescue as an emergency service. 

“He was a founding member of the NI Mountain, Cave & Cliff Rescue Co-ordinating Committee which preceded the current NI Search & Rescue Forum. He also served that committee as technical advisor facilitating the development of mountain rescue provision across NI.”

The mountain rescue team also said Mr Hawkins played a major part in helping to establish and develop mountain rescue across Ireland and the development of the representative body, the Irish Mountain Rescue Association, which preceded the Mountain Rescue Ireland.

It added: ‘Although Teddy hasn’t been active in the team for many years, he was awarded and retained his honorary life membership, presented as a mark of his immense passion for the Mournes and commitment to the team.

“The provision of mountain rescue across NI, Ireland and further afield, including all those that have availed of it, owe a great deal to Teddy and his lifelong commitment.’

Kilkeel Coastguard also paid their respects to Mr Hawkins’ family on their loss.

One man referred to Mr Hawkins on Facebook as “a true Mourne and NI Mountaineering legend” while another called him “a real legend and a gentleman”.

Another man credited Mr Hawkins for inspiring him on to a 30-year career in Scottish Mountain Rescue after he attended a course run by Mr Hawkins in Tollymore Forest Park in the mid-1980s.

One friend simply wrote: “Teddy was a very decent, knowledgable and humble man who will be sadly missed by all who knew him,” while another added “RIP Teddy we are all in a much safe and better place because of people like you!”

Mr Hawkins was also widely known and respected in cycling throughout the island and was a member of Shimna Wheelers Cycling Club.

Mr Hawkins was predeceased by his wife, Sarah, and a daughter, Patricia. He is survived by his sons, Jimmy, Martin, Eddie and Matthew, daughters Mary, Eileen and Joanne, grandchildren and great grandchildren.