An Cosantóir

a hero remembered | 15 A DROGHEDA HERO REMEMBERED outcrops LÉ Deirdre positioned itself to attempt a rescue of the Spanish crew. As part of the rescue attempt a Gemini was launched, crewed by L/Sea Michael Quinn and A/Sea Paul Kellett. The appalling conditions made boarding of the Nuestra Señora de Gardtoza impossible and this attempt was abandoned. On its return to LÉ Deirdre the Gemini capsized and the two sailors were thrown into the water and separated. A/Sea Kellett was eventually swept ing, lay at anchor in the shelter of Law- rence Cove, between Bere Island and the mainland. Around 2100 hrs Spanish fishing vessel de Gardtoza, (Our Lady of Gardtoza), with 16 crew onboard, went aground on rocks off Roancarrigmore Light, northeast of Bere Island in Bantry Bay. Her mayday distress call was picked up by Valentia Coastal Radio Station and by LÉ Deirdre. Amid gale force winds, shoals and rocky O n the night of Tuesday, January 30th 1990, LÉ Deirdre, under the command of Lt Cdr Noel Gould- L/S Michael Quinn DSM BY WESLEY BOURKE PHOTOS BY SGT DAMIEN FAULKNER (105 SQN) AND A/SEA DAVID JONES (NS) events, a large granite memorial, commis- sioned by the Naval Service Association, paying tribute to L/Sea Quinn was un- veiled by President Michael D Higgins. The memorial is sited beside DeLacy Bridge in Drogheda, L/Sea Quinn's home town. Unveiling the memorial's plaque, Presi- case of L/Sea Quinn to the extent of losing his own life) L/Sea Quinn and A/Sea Kellett were awarded the Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) with Merit, and the Spanish Cross of Naval Merit awarded by the King of Spain. On May 27th, 22 years on from the tragic The President arrives with FOCNS Commodore Mark Mellott DSM ashore but L/Sea Quinn was nowhere to be found. Air Corps helicopters, assisted by the RAF and other fishing vessels, car- ried out a search operation. Sadly, L/Sea Quinn's body was found three miles away early the next day. For displaying leader- ship, devotion to duty and courage (in the dent Higgins applauded the selfless efforts of L/Sea Quinn and A/Sea Kellett: "The name of Leading Seaman Michael Quinn on this plaque we are unveiling today should serve to remind us of the courage shown by members of the Defence Forces as they carry out their duties. Of course this plaque also serves to remind us of the great loss suffered by Michael's family, comrades and friends, a great many of whom are here with us today. I hope that this occasion in Michael's honour, this testimony to his courage and determined efforts to help others in distress and danger, the unveiling of this plaque in his honour, and the knowledge that Michael's sacrifice will not be forgotten, will bring you comfort and peace." Paul Kellett DSM (right), introduces invited guests to the president The ceremony also saw the first ever combined Naval Service/Naval Service Reserve guard of honour. www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE

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