Large crowd at funeral of diving officer

Large crowds attended the funeral of Mr Michael Heffernan (38) in Ballina yesterday

Large crowds attended the funeral of Mr Michael Heffernan (38) in Ballina yesterday. Mr Heffernan, who was a training officer with the Grainne Uaile sub-aqua club, drowned at the weekend.

Mr Heffernan had gone to the assistance of three members of the Murphy family and a German national when they became trapped in a tidal sea cave, near their homes at Belderrig, off the North Mayo coast.

Mr Will Ernest von Below (53) died when his boat capsized. Mr Tony Murphy, his wife, Carmel, and their daughter, Emer (13), were rescued.

At the Mass in St Muredachs Cathedral, Father Michael Flynn said Mr Heffernan's bravery had cost him his life.