Sir, - As we approach Christmas, the time of year when children rejoice, a tragedy in Doolin has robbed a family of a five-year-old child and cast a shadow over their Christmas and their lives. Spare a thought for that mother and that family and think of their loss when you enjoy opening your presents with your children this Christmas.
Spare a thought also for the team of Doolin Coast Guard rescuers and searchers. Like such teams all over the country, they respond without hesitation whenever the call comes, no matter what the hour or the weather. They are unpaid: think about that for a moment! They stop working and go to help those in distress. Their companies understand their vocation and know their employees will work the time back at some other opportunity. If they are self-employed, they effectively pay for the time themselves.
If they have families, they leave them to help others and often place their own lives in danger as a result. They receive nothing for their efforts except a nominal allowance which they save and use to buy medical equipment or climbing harnesses - for abseiling down cliffs.
They also train and operate a rescue inflatable boat (RIB ) which they use to search and gain access to the rugged coastline in their area. Another skill, another weapon they use to save lives. More training, more unpaid hours. When searching is in vain and when hope at last fades, these men and women perform an even more noble task. They counsel the grieving relatives of the missing and the dead. They pick up the pieces of broken lives, and express support at the funerals that follow. How can the value of this aspect of their efforts and work possibly be gauged? Ireland is thriving and becoming increasingly cosmopolitan and affluent. We are proud of our success, but we wonder collectively and in our media whether we are in danger of losing core values and becoming more selfish and self-centred . The actions of voluntary rescuers such as the Doolin team can reassure us that, at least in some areas of our society, the heartbeat of Christian community beats strongly. It is a Christmas message in itself. - Yours, etc.,
David Courtney, Chief Pilot, Irish Coast Guard, Shannon, Ennis, Co Clare.