The husband of the late Caitríona Lucas has spoken about the support he and his family have received since the tragic passing of his wife.
Caitríona died on September 12th after the Kilkee Coast Guard boat capsized in rough seas near Kilkee. Doolin based volunteer Caitríona had been searching for a missing man along with colleagues from Kilkee when they got into difficulty.
Caitríona, one of the must qualified members of the Irish Coast Guard, was the first member to die in active duty.
Bernard Lucas was speaking on Clare FM today where he expressed his gratitude to the thousands who attended Caitríona’s funeral in Liscannor in September.
“They were lining up to carry her coffin from the church to the graveyard. It was unbelievable,” Bernard told presenter Gavin Grace.
Bernard spoke of how the overwhelming support from friends and neighbours had been very important to him and his family since Caitríona’s death.
He also told of the great pride that he and the couples son Ben and daughter Emma, felt at hearing the news that Caitríona will be recognised as Clare Person of the Year by the Clare Association in February.
“Myself, Ben and Emma are very very proud. We are delighted and very proud to accept this recognition,” Bernard said.
He also advised people not to put things off but to just do them.
“I said the same thing at the funeral. Don’t put something off for three or four years. Do it now if you can,” he said.
He also called on people to give time to volunteering if they can.
“It doesn’t have to be the Coast Guard, it can be the RNLI or the Civil Defence. If you have time or can make time, it would be great to do some volunteering,” Bernard added.