Upperchurch walk in aid of nenagh search unit

Upperchurch walk in aid of Nenagh search unit

By Simon O'Duffy

A walk is taking place in Upperchurch this Sunday in aid of the recently formed Nenagh Ormond Search Unit.
The voluntary unit has been set up to aid the gardaí in the search and rescue of missing persons in the North Tipperary region. Its dedicated members are on call 24hrs a day, 365 days of the year, and aim to be at any search site in North Tipperary within an hour of being called.
Established last May, the unit presently has 15 members and expects to have more volunteers coming on stream in the new year. The committee would like to have a 40-member strong unit to provide optimum assistance to the gardaí in conducting searches.
The unit holds regular training exercises, covering everything from map reading and navigational skills to specific urban, land and water searches, as well as first aid, voice techniques and other search-related procedures. All members are garda vetted.
The unit is chaired by Marcella Keogh of Ballygibbon, Kilruane with Birdhill man Tom Harvey as vice chairman; both have extensive search and rescue experience.
Mr Harvey pointed out that Nenagh Ormond Search Unit is a non profit and non government organisation that depends on support from the local community. He thanked a number of local businesses have already come forward with funding for the group to purchase the specialised equipment that its members require.
Mr Harvey hoped for a good turnout at this Sunday's fundraising walk in Upperchurch, which is being held for both the new search unit and the local branch of the Irish Red Cross.
Starting at 12.30pm, the 6km loop walk will set out from Upperchurch village. There will also be a 1km route for  pushchair/wheelchair users.
Sunday's event will be followed by refreshments, a raffle and firewood auction. Adult registration €10 and under 16s go free. Visit upperchurch.ie or contact 087-3945648 for further information.