The north Mayo region was in mourning yesterday for the deaths of two men who were drowned after being trapped in a sea cave. It was the second weekend of tragedy to hit the area.
The body of Mr Michael Heffernan (38), a health and safety officer at the Japanese Asahi plant at Killala, will be removed from his home at Carrowkelly, Ballina, this evening to St Muiredach's Cathedral. Arrangements are being made for the funeral of German national, Mr Will Ernest von Below (53), a retired businessman who lived at Belderrig, near the scene of the accident, for the last five years, and who was known locally as Mort Mortenson.
The Minister of State for Health, Dr Tom Moffatt, said he knew both men and described them as leading members of the community. Mr Heffernan was a training officer and a chairman and founder member of the Ballina-based Grainne Uaile Diving, Search and Rescue Club, and Mr Below was involved in community projects at Belderrig.
Dr Moffatt said it was most poignant, as it was the second tragedy to hit the Heffernan family; a younger brother died in tragic circumstances earlier this year.
Members of the Grainne Uaile club are endeavouring to return from Malta, where they are on a diving holiday, for the funeral. Mr Heffernan did not travel with the party , as his wife Anne-Marie is expecting their second child. They already have a little girl.