An Cosantóir

| 29 www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE | 29 and certifications, and more frequently than not, these depths were exceeded. Their gear was designed for recreational diving rather than search and recovery operations. When conducting such operations— whether on land, at sea, or in the air—there is always a certain level of risk involved. These divers confronted those risks daily and with every dive. If the environment posed a potential threat, there was also the possibility of equipment failure at the most inopportune moments. One notable instance occurred early in the mission involving a naval diver. Although he successfully completed a near-uneventful free ascent from depth, it served as a stark reminder for the rest of the team that conditions at depth can change dramatically and swiftly. To be clear, a "near-uneventful free ascent" does not imply that everything was fine; it only means that the diver emerged safely without losing his life. Ultimately, despite their incredible efforts and dedication to their mission over the 21 days, only three more bodies were recovered. Diving operations were, for some unknown and sudden reason, concluded at the end of January. Commendation Night I wrote the book, A Sense of Duty: Bantry 1979, published in May 2025, to document the diving operations conducted by those divers in the aftermath of the disaster. It was an unprecedented task for both groups of divers, and I wanted to record all experiences and efforts. However, I also aimed to achieve something else: to secure some form of formal recognition for them from either or both of their respective organisations, even after 46 years. As the saying goes, "big wheels turn slowly". However, Commander Roberta O'Brien of the Naval Service and retired Flag Officer Commanding Naval Service, Commodore Mick Malone, proved me wrong. One day, while having coffee at the National Maritime College of Ireland with Roberta, I brought up the idea of pursuing retrospective recognition for their efforts. She agreed and took the proposal to the Flag Officer. To my surprise, when Roberta returned to Naval Headquarters a couple of days later, she was told that the Flag Officer fully supported the concept. "Commander, make it happen!" he said. And she did! On Friday 7th November 2025, FOCNS hosted a select dinner to honour all divers involved, both Naval and Garda, and to formally present 'Certificates of Commendation' in recognition of their roles in the conduct of operations during the search and recovery operations. Present at the dinner from the Naval team: Dan O'Neill, George Jefferies, John Walsh, Gerry Duffy, Martin Carroll (represented by his wife, Josie) and Noel Garrett (represented by his son, Jonathon). From the Garda team: Mick Carr, Jim Brennan, Tommy Lavery, Donie Gibbons (represented by Mick Carr), John Harrington RIP (represented by Geraldine Buckley), and Paddy Morrissey RIP (represented by his wife, Bernie). Present also, Lt Col Peadar Ó Catháin OC 1 Bde Arty Regiment and Collins Bks Cork, Naval Diving staff Lt (NS) Jason Croke and CPO Dáithí Shanahan, Fleet Officer Operations Cdr Tony O'Regan and Wardroom Mess President, Lt Cdr Cian Ryan. Representing An Garda Síochána were Chief Superintendent Vincent O'Sullivan and Superintendent Donie Crowley. It was a quiet, intimate, and uniquely special evening. It was the first time that personnel from two separate State security organisations were collectively recognised for their service on a joint operation in this way. Short speeches were delivered, and following dinner, the Flag Officer presented Certificates of Commendation on behalf of the Naval Service to the divers or their representative family members. In finishing this article, my good friend Commander Tony O'Regan has allowed me to rob some lines from his speech on that night: 'Today, after 46 years, your commands recognise your unbroken resolve and your sense of duty. The public may see the news reports, but within the Naval Service and AGS, we know the truth: you defined what it means to be elite units. The professionalism you demonstrated in those freezing depths is now the benchmark against which every future clearance diver will measure their own capacity for courage. To conclude, you are more than heroes; you are the living heritage of the Naval Diving Section and Garda Water unit. I personally salute you. We in the Naval Service salute you for your legendary status, earned not in fair seas but in the deepest darkest hour of need. Carry this honour. You have earned the gratitude of an entire nation'. The book, A SENSE OF DUTY BANTRY 1979, was written and published by Martin Buckley, retired Naval Service, Chief Petty Officer, Diving. This is a true story, it is their story, I only wrote it. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sense-Duty-Bantry-Bay-1979- ebook/dp/B0FC3PTKB3 Photo: Ian Vickery Betelgeuse still on fire later in the morning 8th January 1979, Whiddy Island, Bantry Bay. Group photo of Garda and Naval diving teams Bantry 1979. Bow of the Betelgeuse in the background. From Left to Right: Paddy Morrissey, Gerry Duffy (in front), John Harrington (behind Gerry), George Jefferies (Martin Carroll behind George), Jim Brennan (behind Martin), Tommy Lavery, John Walsh, Noel Garrett, Donie Gibbons, Mick Carr. Not in the picture is Dan O'Neill. Group Photo of FOCNS Commodore Mick Malone and recipients of the Commendations. Naval Base Wardroom 7th November 2025. From Left to Right: George Jefferies, Jon Garrett, Ger Buckley, Mick Carr, Dan O'Neill, Bernie Morrissey, Cmdr. Mick Malone, Gerry Duffy, Tommy Lavery, John Walsh, Jim Brennan. Unable to attend, Donie Gibbons and Martin Carroll.

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