Essence of the west shines through a tragic week in Galway

GAA clubs proved an important focal point as a community pulled together.

Search crews returning to base at Silverstrand near Barna in Galway after a body was discovered in the search for a swimmer missing for over a week. Picture: Media West (Ireland)

They met at the pitch. One of the largest search operations ever mounted along the west coast saw groups splinter and explore specific zones day after day. Those wishing to join as the endeavour stretched on came to the club.

What unfolded along the Galway coastline over the past weeks was extraordinary. On November 12, two swimmers went missing in dense fog at Silverstrand near Barna. 74-year-old songwriter Johnny Duhan drowned and was recovered that day. He was an immense talent who lived locally. Eleven days later, the body of 32-year-old Máire Ní Fhátharta was recovered after an enormous effort by various agencies, RNLI crew, local boat owners and volunteers.