The dramatic rescue of two local paddle-boarders last week made headlines around the world due to the duration of their time in the water, but the core message of it is the power of the sea and the bravery of those who use it, according to the family of young Sara Feeney.
Sara and her cousin Ellen Glynn were the focus of national newspapers all week in a story dubbed The Miracle of Galway Bay and this week themselves and their families are absorbing the enormity of what happened when they were swept out to sea from Furbo last Thursday.
The families have been expressive of the debt of gratitude they owe to all who took part in the operation. In a letter to the Galway Advertiser, Sara’s parents Bernard and Helen have labelled all the participants as heroes and said the episode was a reminder of the power of the sea.
'There are no words or actions that could ever repay you'
“We wish to express our most sincere gratitude to everyone and anyone who played any part in the search and rescue effort last Wednesday and Thursday. There are no words or actions that could ever repay you, and we will forever be indebted to all.
“To all of the emergency services involved, including the Irish Coastguard, Galway and Aran Lifeboat (RNLI ), the Gardaí, the Civil Defence, the paramedics and staff in the emergency ward of University Hospital Galway, your efforts were incredible. The swiftness with which you all responded to the incident was brilliant and your availability and contact with us at all times was reassuring. You are all heroes everyday you go to work or answer a call for someone in difficulty.
'Your efforts weren’t in vain and the momentum you generated played a huge role in the result'
“To all the people - family, friends, friends of friends, neighbours, colleagues and to those with no direct connection - who participated in anyway, you are amazing. The coordinated efforts of the various GAA communities involved, the Galway Flying Club and Aer Arann are also greatly appreciated. To our employers and all the employers who facilitated those involved we are grateful. It was hard to comprehend the amount of people who took time out of their own lives for whatever their reasons to be involved in any capacity.
Lifesaving runs in the Oliver family
“Those who provided provisions, made calls, generated publicity, searched the shores of Galway and Clare, took to the sea and the air in a private capacity, and minded children for those participating, the rescue would not have been possible without you. Your efforts weren’t in vain and the momentum you generated played a huge role in the result and you are all genuine heroes.
'The incident will act as a reminder to everyone of the power of the sea and that all possible safety measures should always be taken'
“To Patrick and Morgan Oliver, anyone who knows this story will know how truly amazing your efforts were on Thursday morning. Lifesaving runs in your family and this probably explains how you can take this in your stride. We will never be able to repay you both, but we will be eternally grateful, and we hope that the feeling you got from saving the girls is at least a tiny fraction of the joy you brought us. Your names will forever fill our home and lives with love and gratitude.
“Apart from the positivity generated from this story, we hope that the incident will act as a reminder to everyone of the power of the sea and that all possible safety measures should always be taken when entering our waters. This story has had a miraculous and happy ending but there have been many before us who did not get such positive outcomes and our sincerest thoughts go to those,” they concluded.
