A Donegal school still has its head in the clouds after a surprise visit by the Irish Coastguard – complete with helicopter!
Scoil Naomh Fiachra in Illistrin are still recounting yesterday’s amazing events.
Irish Coast Guard winchman and paramedic Mr Conal Mc Carron was delivering a talk to Ms Mc Claffertys and Mrs Ferrys first classes at the time.
He gave the class advice about how to stay safe in the water and also told them what to do in the case of an emergency. The pupils were captivated by his knowledge and experience in both sea and cliff rescues. One child Fintan Hassan even had a chance to try out the harness.
Mr Mc Carron had just finished a wonderful powerpoint presentation on their work when he received a call on his walkie talkie.
Then out of nowhere they heard a helicopter hovering loudly above the school. The pupils could not believe their ears. There was much excitement.
All 480 pupils rushed out to welcome the helicopter land at the school football pitch. The anticipation and excitement was compared to the visit of the Donegal football team players in 2012.
The pilot and co-pilot for this rare visit were Mr Brendan Jackman and Mr Pauric Slattery.The winchman operator was Mr Michael Treacy and the winchman was Mr Darren Torpey.
The crew invited all pupils on board the Sikorsky S92. All children had the opportunity to view the cockpit and look at the emergency equipment on board. They even got to jump out of the helicopter at the end! The crew were brilliant with the pupils and Mr Mc Carron along with the pilots and winchmen answered many questions.
There are four Coast Guard helicopter bases in Ireland. These are located in Dublin, Waterford, Shannon and Sligo.The Coast Guard helicopters carry a crew of four, two pilots and two winchmen. The helicopter can go 200 miles off the coast at a speed of over 100mph. The crew were from the Sligo base. Mr Mc Carron organised this special surprise visit through the Irish Aviation Authority.
Mr Conal Mc Carron has two sons in the school Óran and Alan. They were very proud to see their daddy become the school hero for the day. This is the Irish Coast Guards first Donegal school visit in a number of years. So Scoil Naomh Fiachra feels very privileged.
Mr Feeney and the staff and pupils at Illistrin wish to thank the Irish Coast Guard for a great visit and for the fantastic work that they do in saving lives.
This visit will be followed by a visit from the Fire Service, Ambulance Service and Gardaí as part of The Emergency Services Awareness month in first class.
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