"To the crew of Rescue 101 - we'll never forget you." With this simple message attached, a floral wreath was cast on the calm waters of Galway Bay yesterday to mark the first anniversary of last year's Dauphin helicopter crash off Tramore, Co Waterford.
Close family members of one of the four on the fatal mission joined thousands of Salthill air show spectators as an Air Corps Dauphin flown by Capt Brian Brophy hovered over the bay. Cpl Ciaran Smith, on the winch, took just seconds to carry out his mission, which was followed by a round of applause.
A minute's silence was observed in memory of the four men. Last year's event was cancelled after the crash occurred, and it was with some sadness that the Mayor of Galway, Mr Declan McDonnell, welcomed Mrs Lily O'Flaherty, mother of the late Capt Dave O'Flaherty, and his sister and brother, Valerie and Dermot.
Prayers were also read in memory of his colleagues, Capt Mick Baker, Sgt Paddy Mooney and Cpl Niall Byrne.
Joining the Air Corps Dauphin at the display were an Alouette 3 helicopter and the Government jet, along with Army parachutists, the Garda Squirrel helicopter and the Naval Service patrol ship, LE Emer. The participation of US and British defence forces had prompted the local branch of Republican Sinn Fein to call for a boycott.
The British and US presence was intended to "increase the acceptance among Irish people of NATO forces", Mr Tomas O Curraoin, chairman of RSF's Galway branch, had said last week.
Thousands ignored him and took advantage of the good weather to watch a display which got off to a slow start.
Two US Navy Sea Stallions lived up to their name, as the 92-ft craft cruised along the promenade, and Aer Arann attracted a large cheer as it flew past. The Galway lifeboat, Dochas, and Aran island lifeboat participated in a search and rescue display, and the Irish Coastguard Sikorsky flew up from Shannon.
The "coup" was the arrival of the Red Arrows, spuming out the colours of the Union Jack as they flew in formation - only to split and perform their heart-stopping acrobatic routine. Thanks to light, variable winds and (almost) clear skies, they were able to perform their full vertical to gasps and shrieks.
