Artist plans boost to rescue services

Artist plans boost to rescue services

3 May 2017

A TALENTED Killyleagh artist is hoping that his work will provide a boost for two local rescue services.

Two paintings by Darren Leahy will be raffled later this year and the proceeds will go to Portaferry RNLI and the Mourne Mountain Rescue Team.

The paintings are of the Irish Coast Guard Rescue 116 helicopter which crashed off the coast of Co Mayo in March. All four crew members were killed in the tragedy.

Captain Dara Fitzpatrick was recovered from the water within hours, but later died in hospital. The body of Captain Mark Duffy was recovered from the wreckage ten days later. The two other members for the crew, Winch Operator Paul Ormsby and Winchman Ciaran Smith, are still missing.

Darren, who recently presented the paintings to Portaferry RNLI members, said he was inspired by the tragedy to do something for local rescue services.

“I did this not only to help save people in need but also to help the crews get home safe to their loved ones,” he said.

“I never could have thought when I started this just how it could touch so many lives and I am very humbled at the thanks I have received.

“I wish both teams the very best of luck with them and hope they get as much for the paintings as they can.”

Darren wishes to thank Pat Browne, of Portaferry RNLI, Liam Smyth, of Mourne Mountain Rescue Team, and The Hill Cottage, Killyleagh, for their support.