Bernie Cahill - R.I.P.

The people of Beara and Schull and indeed the whole of Ireland were stunned by the news of the tragic accident on Fri. evening (17th Aug.) that claimed the life of Bernie Cahill.  He was found by his wife Kathleen who went to look for him when he didn't return home after securing his yacht 'Whispering' near his home in Schull.  Attempts to resuscitate him at the scene failed and his body was removed to the University Hospital, Cork where a Post Mortem was carried out on Sat.  Born on Bere Island, he always remained in contact with his home place throughout his very busy career. He never lost his abiding love for West Cork and for the the sea. He was a very

close personal friend of the late John G. Harrington who tragically also lost his life in the sea last month.  He launched the book 'In the Path of Heroes' written by Gerdie Harrington in December of last year. - Click here for full story.

Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern was among the many who paid tribute to Mr. Cahill, describing him as a hugely talented man who had given much of his life to public service and had, through his work in the food industry and Aer Lingus, mad an important contribution to the Irish economy.  Carbery Milk Products, The Irish Sugar Co. now known as Greencore and Aer Lingus are what he would be most remembered for.  He was also a former Vice-Admiral of the Royal Cork Yacht Club.  

Local and national business figures, sportsmen and politicians joined neighbours and friends at the removal of his remains to St. Mary's Church in Schull on Sunday and for the Requiem Mass on Monday.  Former Parish Priest of Bere Island, Fr. Sean O'Shea who spoke at the Mass said that 'life was full of partings. We could go with those departing as far as we were allowed'.  'Eventually we have to let them go.  Death is simply the blowing out of the candle because the dawn has arrived'.

Following the Mass, his remains left Schull by road for burial in Bere Island.  His family asked that this be private. The remains were transferred onto the awaiting ferry 'Icom K' at Castletownbere which took his family and close relative on his final journey across the harbour to Bere Island.  The Castletownbere RNLI Lifeboat accompanied the Ferry to Bere Island.  To his wife Kathleen, son Daniel, daughters Margaret and Anne, daughter-in-law Laura and grandchildren Richard and Anna, his sisters and brothers and his many friends, we offer our sincerest condolences.  Bere Island has lost another great son.

Remains of Bernie Cahill being taken on to the ferry Ikom K.

Final Journey to Bere Island on board the 'Ikom K' with family and friends with CTBere RNLI boat standing by.