Warm tributes paid to emergency services at Mayo ceremony

Tributes have been paid to members of frontline, emergency and security services across the region.

Speaking at the National Services Day ceremony at the Mall in Castlebar, the cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council said the event was organised to acknowledge the extraordinary work of everybody involved in community services, often delivered in challenging circumstances.

Councillor Seamus Weir said the event, to be held on an annual basis, will showcase to the public the skills and expertise frontline services have to offer - as well as providing an opportunity to deliver safety messages to the public.

"It also allows our emergency services to show their appreciation for the ongoing support they receive from the public.

"Our emergency services operate nationwide and are part of the fabric of every community.

"In recent years we have seen how important our services are, particularly during Covid-19, responding to the Ukrainian crisis and in their day-to-day work responding to road accidents, water tragedies, fires, flooding and missing person services.

"Today we acknowledge the work of our community in supporting the state services in times of need and how they respond to support and work alongside these services to ensure an effective, supported response.

"It is also an occasion to recognise the work of the Community Response Forum and our communities who have worked tirelessly, particularly during the pandemic, to support our vulnerable people," he stated.

Three wreaths were laid at the Mall in honour of those who has contributed to frontline and emergency services over the years.

Fran Power, Mayo Civic Defence Officer and chairman of the local National Services Day Committee, thanked all those who made a contribution in making the event a success.

He said he was very proud of the level of support extended to frontline and emergency services by volunteers and the public in general.

Mr. Power referenced groups like Mayo Mountain Rescue, coastguard units and the Order of Malta for their outstanding voluntary contribution.

The master of ceremonies was Garda Superintendent Joe McKenna.

The ceremony concluded with Castlebar Concert Band's rendition of 'Amhrán na bhFiann'.