Move to name park after helicopter hero

By Maurice Garvey

MISSING Coast Guard crew member Paul Ormsby was a hero and it would be appropriate to have a local park named in his honour, according to Sinn Féin councillor Daithí Doolan.

Cllr Doolan has tabled a motion for next week’s area meeting, calling for the park at Oranmore/Spiddal Road to be named after Mr Ormsby.

Ornamore Road resident Paul (53) and his crew were on board the Rescue helicopter R116, which tragically crashed into the sea off the coast of Mayo two months ago.

Whilst the bodies of Dara Fitzpatrick and Mark Duffy were subsequently recovered, sadly there was no sign of Winchman Paul and his colleague Ciaran Smith.

Known locally as a private and dignified man who was dedicated at his job, Paul Ormsby lived on Ornamore Road all his life.

Cllr Doolan said: “Paul Ormsby was a local hero. He was lost during a rescue operation. His loss is tragic. His family and friends are still in our thoughts. This motion and the naming of the park is a gesture.

“It is an attempt to ensure Paul will always be remembered. He gave his life for others. Itis very appropriate that the park is on Oranmore Road, the very road Paul himself lived.”

Cllr Doolan hopes the motion will receive unanimous support from members at the area meeting.