Posthumous award for diver

A Ballina diver, Mr Michael Heffernan (40), who drowned when he went to the assistance of four people, three from one family, …

A Ballina diver, Mr Michael Heffernan (40), who drowned when he went to the assistance of four people, three from one family, who were trapped in a sea cave at Belderrig, on the north Mayo coast last October, is to be honoured posthumously at Ballyglass, Co Mayo, today. His wife, Anna Marie, will receive a bronze medal for outstanding heroism, the highest award given by the Scottish-based Carnegie Hero Fund Trust.

The presentation will coincide with the launch of a new lifeboat at Ballyglass by the British ambassador, Dame Veronica Sutherland.