Richard Harnedy joined Mayo Mountain Rescue in 1972.

Dick’s interest in Mountain Climbing started in 1968 when he joined the UCD Mountaineering Club. (Now don’t be trying to guess his age). The club members mostly climbed in Wicklow but occasionally ventured to the Kerry mountains and the Mournes.

In 1972 he moved to Mayo and married Oonagh. Despite the arrival of 3 children and then as the years progressed, 9 grandchildren he continued to scale mountains all over the world in Slovenia, Ecuador, Scotland, and Appalachia, and more, as well as faithful weekend jaunts with the Westport hillwalking club.

In 2006 he decided to join Mayo Mountain Rescue Team in order to give something back for all the enjoyment he had gained being out and about on mountains.

From that time he has loved learning all the skills needed and has held many committee positions including PRO, Secretary, Treasurer and Fundraising Officer.

Dick, like Colm, who is in a similar age group, is one of our much-loved team elders, and inspires us all, teaching that age is a mere irrelevance when we stay fit and curious and engaged with life and nature.

He says he hopes to give the team a few more years!