Write a commentThe Camlough man who died while out walking in the Mourne Mountains yesterday 13 January, was a trustee and former Treasurer of Craobh Rua Camlocha Hurling Club. In a touching tribute his club have spoke of Seán Byrne's great gifts of commitment, integrity, calmness and care.
Mr Byrne was one of two men who lost their lives in seperate incidents during extreme wind conditions on the popular mountain range. Robbie Robinson from Banbridge a former RUC Chief Superintendent has been named as the second fatality. A third incident saw a man sustain lower leg injuries.
Mourne Mountain Rescue Team
The Mourne Mountain Rescue Team, Irish Coastguard, Her Majesty's Coast Guard, PSNI Search and Rescue, NI Ambulance Service and local landowners have all been commended for their assistance in the tragedies. Twenty one members of the MMRT responded to the emergencies and were in action until they were stood down at 9.15pm last night.
A spokesperson for the Mourne Mountain Rescue team commented "At 1210hrs the team received a call to respond to an incident involving a male walker who had fallen from a crag on Wee Binnian. The team responded but sadly the individual was pronounced deceased at scene by the team doctor. Rescue helicopter 116 from Dublin flew to the scene but due to conditions was unable to assist."
Team members and local police recovered the man to the care of undertakers.
During the first tragedy a second call was received for assistance at a separate incident involving two walkers, one of whom had fallen from crags on the the east side of Slieve Commedagh. The other walker had become stranded on a crag while trying to reach and assist the casualty.
The MMRT spokesperson said "A crew was dispatched to the scene and unfortunately found that the fall had again been fatal. Team members set up a rope rescue to bring his cragfast companion to safety and recovered the deceased with assistance from the PSNI SAR team."
The spokesperson added "To have two fatal incidents in the course of a day is an anomalous situation and our thoughts and sympathies are with the families of the deceased"
During the second incident, a third call was received by MMRT to assist a male walker who had sustained a lower leg injury near the Donard/Commedagh coll. The man was transferred by helicopter.
Tributes
In a moving tribute to Seán, a Craobh Rua Camlocha Hurling Club representative spoke of the 'great gifts' he possessed that he shared with his family, community and club "The news of our respected former Treasurer and current Trustee’s death has devastated us all.
"He had a great love for our Club and he showed this over the years by the giving of his time and experience to help us develop and become rooted within our community.
"He possessed great gifts of commitment, integrity, calmness and care. He loved his family, his community, Gaelic sport and culture."
The spokesperson concluded "No words we can say will lessen the shock and pain of his family as they struggle to come to terms with this news. However we will be there for them just as Seán had been over the past thirty years, here for us.
"We convey our deepest sympathies to the families of both people killed whilst climbing today in the Mourne Mountains. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anam"
Newry and Armagh MLA Conor Murphy who knew the deceased also spoke of Seán's love for the local community and how his death has devastated the local community.
"Seán was a popular and highly respected family man. He had a great love for Craobh Rua Hurling Club and the local community.
"Seán was rest assured to be seen at any fund raising Quiz or event that took place here. He was a keen photographer and would be present at hurling, cycling, running and swimming events snapping away.
"The Byrne family had a long coal and oil business tradition and would be known to many throughout south Armagh.
"We can assure them that they are in our thoughts and prayers at this dark and devastating time. We as a community will give them what support we can.
Newry and Armagh MLA Justin McNulty has also expressed his deep sadness
"This week the community of Camlough and indeed wider South Armagh has been plunged into sadness at Seán’s untimely death. Mr Byrne was a widely known and well respected member of our local community. He was deeply involved in sport, and was a Trustee and former Treasurer of the Craobh Rua Camlocha Hurling Club.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this very difficult time. This is a very close community and I know everyone will rally around the family in the days, weeks and months ahead.
"Unfortunately Seán wasn’t the only one to lose his life in the Mournes on Sunday. Banbridge man Robbie Robinson also tragically lost his life. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time for his family also
"At the weekend the volunteers from Mourne Mountain Rescue Services along with Air Support battled the extreme conditions in an effort to help the fallers. We thank them for their service and for their efforts this weekend and indeed always."
South Down MLA Colin McGrath, whose office is based in Newcastle also expressed his sympathies to the deceased and those who were involved in the operation. "My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those that have died and those involved in the operations to assist those caught in these tragedies."
