Two brothers are the toast of Inisbofin after a daring rescue on the island.
The reluctant heroes, Ian and Jonathan Day, came to the rescue of a local farmer whose dog had fallen off a steep cliff.
The island native Mick Lavelle was herding his sheep when his young border collie Jessie was distracted by a rabbit, and the ensuing chase led to the two diving off the cliff on the north side of the island.
According to Mick’s wife Bobby, her husband, who had brought the dog from the nearby island of Inishturk when she was just eight weeks old, was naturally distraught. Although he could hear the dog crying, he failed to locate her. There was still no sight, nor any sound, the following morning.
“Mick was in a terrrible state, but he was hopeful Jess could be found,” says Bobby. “It was a very steep cliff, but Mick couldn’t see the dog because she had fallen onto an overhanging ledge.”
However local bar owners Ian and Jonathan decided to launch a rescue mission for their friend, using a six foot rib to motor to the spot where Jessie was last heard.
While Jonathan controlled the rib in the difficult conditions, brother Ian swam across to the rocks to locate the nine-months old dog. It took some time, according to Bobby, because the scared dog, not recognising her wet-suited rescuer, tried to climb higher.
Eventually, however, Jess was located and secured in Ian’s arms as he swam back out to the awaiting rib.
“Complete and utter joy,” says Bobby of Mick’s reaction. “It was a wonderful thing to do, and the boys deserve recognition for their bravery. They didn’t have to do it, but we are just so glad they did.”
