OMAGH BOMB HERO VICTIM OF BANN DROWNING
Omagh bomb 'hero' victim of Bann drowning
Man died trying to save teenage friend
THE 29-year-old man who died on Sunday after he dived into the River Bann to save a teenage boy, was one of those honoured for bravery by the RUC after the Omagh bomb on August 15, it has emerged.
Charles McCausland, of Mossfield Park, Coleraine, formerly of Lisanelly Heights, Omagh, was one of 80 people to be honoured last year for the bravery they showed in helping those killed and injured in the bombing.
And it has been revealed that Mr. McCausland was a family friend of the teenage boy, who also died in the tragedy.
He was 14-year-old Colin William Stephen Kitchener, of Daneshill Road, Coleraine, and formerly of 168 Lisanelly Heights. He was a past pupil of Omagh High School and Coleraine Boys Secondary School.
Both drowned when their weekend pleasure trip on the river went tragically wrong. It has been revealed that both were non swimmers.
Rev. Robert Herron of Trinity Presbyterian Church, Omagh, officiated at a graveside service at Dublin Road today (Thursday), following a family service in Coleraine.
Mr. McCausland's mother, Kathleen, still lives at Rushill Road, near Mayne Crossroads, off the Omagh to Cookstown Road, and his funeral service took place from her home yesterday (Wednesday) to St. Mary's Church, Killyclogher. The service was officiated by Rev. Kevin Mullan.
Her son had only comparatively recently left the Omagh area to live in Coleraine.
A brother-in-law of Mr. McCausland said the dead man was the type of person who put others before himself, and would be sadly miss by his wide family circle.
He said Mr. McCausland was well liked and had a jolly personality.
The pair perished in the icy waters of Drumaheglis Marina near Ballymoney on Sunday afternoon. They had been visiting the Marina with friends.
Witness reports suggest the tragedy happened at around 3.30pm, when the boy, who was standing on the jetty with a teenage friend, fell into the water, and began struggling against the strong current.
It is understood that Mr. McCausland, who heard the boy's cries for help, ran to the jetty and dived in to try and save the stricken teenager, who was struggling to stay afloat.
The pair then sank beneath the surface, and despite an immediate air and sea search, it was too late to save them.
The Coastguard, Portrush Lifeboat and the staff at the Marina were involved in the search, while divers from the RUC's underwater search team scoured the riverbeds. Two Army helicopters hovered overhead during the operation.
As time went on hope began to fade, and worst fears were realised when the body of the teenager was recovered a short distance from the jetty - five hours after he had disappeared below the surface of the water.
The dead boy's mother, who was waiting at the Marina for news of her son, was taken to hospital to identify him.
A short time after the discovery of the teenager's body, divers found the body of Mr. McCausiand.
A popular weekend spot for caravanners, picnickers and water sport enthusiasts, Drumaheglis Marina was opened by Ballymoney Borough Council 10 years ago. The picturesque pleasure spot was reportedly crowded with daytrippers enjoying the warm sunshine when the tragedy occurred.
A display of waterskiing was supposed to take place this week, but the event is to be called off as a mark of respect, the council's chief executive, Mr. John Dempsey, said.
Extending the council's sympathy to the two families, Mr. Dempsey said the council's thoughts were with the families of the two people.
"It is very distressing. We had nothing like this before at the Marina, although the River Bann certainly has had its share of tragedy before," he said.
The deputy Mayor of the borough, Mr. Bill Kennedy, said councillors were in a state of shock over the tragedy.
"The emergency services did everything humanely possible to save these two young men. Everybody worked as a team but, unfortunately, it was to no avail," he said.
Man died trying to save teenage friend
THE 29-year-old man who died on Sunday after he dived into the River Bann to save a teenage boy, was one of those honoured for bravery by the RUC after the Omagh bomb on August 15, it has emerged.
Charles McCausland, of Mossfield Park, Coleraine, formerly of Lisanelly Heights, Omagh, was one of 80 people to be honoured last year for the bravery they showed in helping those killed and injured in the bombing.
And it has been revealed that Mr. McCausland was a family friend of the teenage boy, who also died in the tragedy.
He was 14-year-old Colin William Stephen Kitchener, of Daneshill Road, Coleraine, and formerly of 168 Lisanelly Heights. He was a past pupil of Omagh High School and Coleraine Boys Secondary School.
Both drowned when their weekend pleasure trip on the river went tragically wrong. It has been revealed that both were non swimmers.
Rev. Robert Herron of Trinity Presbyterian Church, Omagh, officiated at a graveside service at Dublin Road today (Thursday), following a family service in Coleraine.
Mr. McCausland's mother, Kathleen, still lives at Rushill Road, near Mayne Crossroads, off the Omagh to Cookstown Road, and his funeral service took place from her home yesterday (Wednesday) to St. Mary's Church, Killyclogher. The service was officiated by Rev. Kevin Mullan.
Her son had only comparatively recently left the Omagh area to live in Coleraine.
A brother-in-law of Mr. McCausland said the dead man was the type of person who put others before himself, and would be sadly miss by his wide family circle.
He said Mr. McCausland was well liked and had a jolly personality.
The pair perished in the icy waters of Drumaheglis Marina near Ballymoney on Sunday afternoon. They had been visiting the Marina with friends.
Witness reports suggest the tragedy happened at around 3.30pm, when the boy, who was standing on the jetty with a teenage friend, fell into the water, and began struggling against the strong current.
It is understood that Mr. McCausland, who heard the boy's cries for help, ran to the jetty and dived in to try and save the stricken teenager, who was struggling to stay afloat.
The pair then sank beneath the surface, and despite an immediate air and sea search, it was too late to save them.
The Coastguard, Portrush Lifeboat and the staff at the Marina were involved in the search, while divers from the RUC's underwater search team scoured the riverbeds. Two Army helicopters hovered overhead during the operation.
As time went on hope began to fade, and worst fears were realised when the body of the teenager was recovered a short distance from the jetty - five hours after he had disappeared below the surface of the water.
The dead boy's mother, who was waiting at the Marina for news of her son, was taken to hospital to identify him.
A short time after the discovery of the teenager's body, divers found the body of Mr. McCausiand.
A popular weekend spot for caravanners, picnickers and water sport enthusiasts, Drumaheglis Marina was opened by Ballymoney Borough Council 10 years ago. The picturesque pleasure spot was reportedly crowded with daytrippers enjoying the warm sunshine when the tragedy occurred.
A display of waterskiing was supposed to take place this week, but the event is to be called off as a mark of respect, the council's chief executive, Mr. John Dempsey, said.
Extending the council's sympathy to the two families, Mr. Dempsey said the council's thoughts were with the families of the two people.
"It is very distressing. We had nothing like this before at the Marina, although the River Bann certainly has had its share of tragedy before," he said.
The deputy Mayor of the borough, Mr. Bill Kennedy, said councillors were in a state of shock over the tragedy.
"The emergency services did everything humanely possible to save these two young men. Everybody worked as a team but, unfortunately, it was to no avail," he said.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/1450
Published Date: 25-May-00
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