Brigadier General B.L. (Barney) MacMahon DSM, former GOC Air Corps, passed away suddenly last night (Monday 25th October 2010).
Removal Thursday night and burial Friday morning from St Pius' Church Templeogue, Dublin. Timings as per newspapers.
Barney was best remembered for his leadership in introducing the Alouette III helicopters to service in the State in 1963 and developing SAR and air ambulance roles to which many citizens owe their lives to-day.
The air ambulance role was a European first (I think) and continues to this day and has evolved an international capability too. Barney and his crew were awarded a DSM for a rescue in Glendalough in adverse weather in the early 70's and he went on to progress through the ranks to achieve Brigadier General rank in 1985, retiring from the Air Corps in 1989.
May he Rest In Peace.
