THERE was a warm welcome for the crew of the L.É. James Joyce who returned to berth at Haulbowline yesterday.
The 59-strong crew had spent three months in service in the Mediterranean Sea, rescuing 2,491 migrants as part of the Navy’s ongoing humanitarian work in the region.
For Able Seaman Dean Babington, from Shanakiel, the journey back to Cork was a nervous one, as he prepared to pop the question to his girlfriend Niamh Cox.
Return of LE James Joyce to Haulbowline. Video: Larry Cummins
Fortunately, Niamh said yes, and the young couple, who have an 18-month-old son Jake were all smiles for the cameras following the emotional reunion. A shocked Niamh hadn’t expected the grand gesture, exclaiming that she was “so happy and absolutely in love.”
![LS Niall Kearney is welcomed home by wife Jennifer and his children Pearse and Ailbhe, from Saleen. Pic: Larry Cummins]()
LS Niall Kearney is welcomed home by wife Jennifer and his children Pearse and Ailbhe, from Saleen. Pic: Larry Cummins
Meanwhile, Wendy Canty and Leading Seaman Brendan Barrett from Carrigaline also have upcoming nuptials in the works.
“It was tough at times so I’m happy to be back. I wouldn’t be in such a rush to go back again,” said Brendan.
He explained the intensity of the work — the L.É. James Joyce sadly recovering 21 dead people in addition to the rescues.
![LS Wayne Ryan, Carrigaline and family reunited on shore. Pic: Larry Cummins]()
LS Wayne Ryan, Carrigaline and family reunited on shore. Pic: Larry Cummins
“You come across a lot of stressful situations but it can be rewarding too when you realise the numbers that you have rescued as opposed to those you may have lost,” he added.
“A lot of these people would be really sick because they could be in the water for any amount of time. You don’t know what anyone could be going through. They are leaving worse for better and, hopefully, we’ve helped them do that.”
![A/SBA Sandra Daly, Frankfield, Cork with her grandmothers Ann Keogh, Dublin and 92yo Brigid Daly. Pic: Larry Cummins]()
A/SBA Sandra Daly, Frankfield, Cork with her grandmothers Ann Keogh, Dublin and 92yo Brigid Daly. Pic: Larry Cummins
This was the first mission for Ordinary Seaman Lloyd O’Sullivan, from Fair Hill, who turned 23 while away. Seeing the reality of the migrant crisis firsthand was “unbelievable.”
“I was talking to one man who left home two years ago and he walked from one side of Africa to another working to make enough money to get on a boat, just be thrown out into the middle of the sea,” he said.
“He left his girlfriend and his family for that. It’s just heartbreaking to hear. We save lives and I’d definitely do it again.”
