Community rallies in search for missing widow
Nearly every man, woman and child in Kilbrittain has some involvement in the search, either on the ground or helping to keep volunteers fed.
Teams are preparing food at the village’s community centre, local companies have given their employees time off to help and a coach company owner is providing free buses and drivers to take people to search locations.
Cormac O’Connor has donated three coaches and his drivers are giving their time free as well.
“Anne travelled on our coaches to a retreat centre at Myross Wood and to Knock. She was very religious. The whole parish is in shock. We have never seen anything like this in Kilbrittain. At this stage we fear the worst,” he said.
One of his drivers, Jerry Coughlan, said he and his wife, Mary, had known Anne all their lives and he was happy to help.
“I’m prepared to give this as much time as I can,” he said.
Another driver, Terry O’Regan, said many people suspected foul play, but hoped that wouldn’t turn out to be the case.
“If it is I hope whoever is responsible is caught as quickly as possible,” said Mr O’Regan.
People came from Mallow, Fermoy and Midleton and some brought food suitable for coeliacs.
Clóna Milk sent products free of charge, as did Dunnes Stores Clonakilty branch and Hurley’s butchers in Timoleague.
Pat Carey, a 26-year-old from Bandon, was one of a search party.
“I didn’t know Anne personally, but I felt being here was the right thing to do,” he said.
Brendan O’Callaghan from Ballinadee was also out searching. He knew Anne Corcoran because she would drop into Martin Cleary’s butchers in Bandon, where he works.
“She was a quiet, pleasant, polite woman. I just wanted to help,” Mr O’Callaghan said.
Ms Corcoran’s nephew, Kevin Kelly, said he wanted to sincerely thank everybody from the scores of volunteers to the gardaí and Civil Defence.
“There is an unbelievable sense of community spirit here and we’re very grateful,” he said.
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