Former Search and Rescue pilot to read in Galway

galway | arts and media | event notice Tuesday October 21, 2008 16:24 by Fred Johnston - Western Writers' Centre - Ionad Scríbhneoiri Chaitlin Maude, Galway westernwriters at eircom dot net 27 Nuns Island, Galway 091533594/0872178138

Does a pilot of a rescue helicopter have nine lives? Author of 'Nine Lives,' the recent book of his time in a Search and Rescue helicopter, David Courtney will read from his work for the Western Writers' Centre at The Imperial Hotel, Eyre Square, Galway, on Thursday, November 6th at 8pm. Admission is free.

Former Coastguard pilot David Courtney (Photo Don Maloney/Press 22)

David Courtney, born in Cork, spent most of his life in Tullamore, Co Offaly, before moving to County Clare. Now a pilot with Ryanair, he flew Search and rescue missions from 1988 to 2001 and has flown over 300 emergency missions of all types and in all weathers. He had joined the Defence Forces as a cadet in 1980, and with the Army Air Corps rugby team had many an encounter with the Western Command Rugby team in Galway. He forged many links with Galway, and in particular, Roundstone, Conamara. His stirring and captivating illustrated autobiographical account of his time in Search and Rescue, published by Mercier Press, is open and honest in his depiction of danger, fear, and happiness, and how it is to work with a high-powered rescue crew, in night as well as daylight conditions.
Further details from the Western Writers' Centre at 091.533594 or 087.2178138 and westernwriters@eircom.net