Social Affairs

Funeral held for man who died in Norfolk helicopter crash

Declan Small’s family and friends were in ‘devastating shock’, says priest

Wreckage of the helicopter which crashed in Gillingham, Norfolk, on March 14th, killing all four occupants, of whom one was Declan Small. Photograph: Jason Bye
Wreckage of the helicopter which crashed in Gillingham, Norfolk, on March 14th, killing all four occupants, of whom one was Declan Small. Photograph: Jason Bye
Patsy McGarry
Mon Mar 24 2014 - 01:00

News of Declan Small's death last Thursday evening "brought devastating shock" to his family, friends and his local community, Fr Charlie Byrne said at his funeral in Mayobridge, Co Down, yesterday.

Mr Small (42) was killed when the helicopter in which he was travelling came down in thick fog at Gillingham in Norfolk at about 7.30pm on Thursday. Also killed were Northern businessman Lord Ballyedmond – Edward Haughey – and the two pilots, Carl Dickerson and Lee Hoyle.

Mr Small is survived by his mother Margaret, his brothers Micheál, Shane and Anraí, and his girlfriend Bernie.

Patsy McGarry

Patsy McGarry

Patsy McGarry is a contributor to The Irish Times