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Despite the gloomy, overcast skies and constant drizzle the Dingle Peninsula was spectacularly beautiful. Much of the road took them along the North Atlantic coast where the blue waves crashed and exploded into white foam that sprayed and lashed the rocks below the sheer cliffs. Wildflowers still bloomed along the roadside and green hills rolled in the distance. Stone wall fences partitioned off the fields into sections where sheep and cattle grazed idyllically on the lush native grasses. They came into the town of Dingle and there was much to love about the little isolated community. The shops, restaurants and pubs were all painted in bright colors; red, green, yellow, blue. It was a peaceful, charming town with plenty of small hotels, bed & breakfasts and even a youth hostel to offer shelter to Dingle visitors from afar.
Aiden informed his passengers he would be taking them on the Slea Head Drive, first stopping to see the prehistoric "beehive" stone huts built some 3,000 years before. It was very windy when they disembarked from the touring van and they all donned their raincoats to help prevent the cold ocean breeze from chilling them to their cores. Daniel paid the attendant the small admission fee to maintain the site and they began the uphill walk to the ancient dwellings. Overhead seagulls hovered on the updrafts coming off the ocean and boisterously called and squawked as if welcoming the new arrivals. Everyone was truly impressed by the masonry work of the original Irish people who had crafted the stone shelters, rock by rock fitting them tightly together with no mortar or cement—but equally glad to return to the warmth of the Kiely Gaelic Tours motor coach's heater. They drove on heading for the village of Ballydavid on one of the smaller peninsulas jutting out into the sea. Along the scenic drive they saw many very large, white manor homes facing the sea. Ms. Kiely explained, "Most of these places are owned by rich Dubliners. They keep them for summer homes and don't even use them most of the year. They hire caretakers to stay year-round. Many have been converted into bed & breakfasts as you can see by the adverts as we pass by their lanes. And, if you've ever seen "The Quiet Man"?
"Oh yes!" Martha perked up. "John Wayne—my favorite actor."
Cara laughed lightly, "Yes indeed and Miss Maureen O'Hara. They filmed portions of the film in this part of Ireland."
Finally, Aiden slowed as he entered the remote village of Ballydavid. "I'll need to get petrol here and check our vehicle's oil. There's not much to this place but it's enough for them who call it home. A petrol station, schoolhouse, a post office, a couple of small shops where locals can get their groceries and whatnots, a pub of course. No self-respecting Irish town would go without a pub!" he added with a grin.
Plans were made. Martha decided the family had eaten enough restaurant meals to last a lifetime. She would head to the small village grocery and buy supplies to make a picnic lunch. Candy and Jonathan would tag along with her and Cara. They had spotted a small sweets shop and they still had some Irish coins in their pockets to spend. Cara explained most of the locals in this part of Ireland spoke Irish as their first language, she would accompany Martha and the kids just in case a translation was needed. Despite the slate gray skies, foggy mist and near constant light rain Carolyn decided she needed to walk and breathe in the salt air which reminded her so much of her beloved Maine home. Captain & Mrs. Gregg decided to do a simple loop out towards the Ballydavid primary school and playfield, continue the walking path that paralleled the ocean-side jagged cliffs and then circle back to the main road to re-join the family in the little town. They estimated their jaunt would give more than enough time for Martha and the kids to complete their shopping and Aiden would have the touring van ready to go to have their lunch picnic at Anchor Caravan Park some miles up the road yet.
As they rounded a corner and neared the school building, Carolyn laughed as she spied a group of local boys who looked to be about Jonathan's age. They were rough-housing and kicking a football around. The field they rolled around in was half grass and half mud, they seemed oblivious to the continuous drizzle. "Leave it to boys to come home covered in mud!" Carolyn smiled. "Their poor mothers! What sport are they playing? Rugby?"
Daniel looked from under the hood of his rain jacket. "Rugby? Gaelic football? Hard to tell but that one lad just bit his opponent on the arm. Hardly seems sporting, does it?"
Carolyn laughed, "No it doesn't." She kept on walking, her pace quickening. The drizzle had developed into a heavier shower. "Blast! Maybe we ought to turn back Daniel." She stopped to look back at him.
Daniel had halted in mid-stride, his piercing blue eyes looking out in the distance beyond the football pitch. "Oh no," he uttered. "No, no, no!"
Carolyn became alarmed. "What is it?!"
He kept his eyes on something she couldn't see. "Trouble," he said, his jaw set, his lips turned down.
The young boys were also unseeing and unknowing as to what was about to crash into their lives. They were enjoying themselves, reveling in the mud and wet, the grime and gut punches when knees and elbows attacked in the scrum as they scrambled for control of the gah ball. Finally, the ball squirted lose from the pile and one boy grabbed it and kicked it in a soaring arc. He had meant for it to sail over the crossbar and the goal net, instead he shanked it to the right and towards the cliffs bordering the school's campus boundary.
"Oh shiite!" came the chorus of curses. "Tommy, why did you go and do that?! Ball's out of bounds!"
"So?" young Tommy wiped his snotty nose on the sleeve of his jersey. "I kicked it. I'll fetch it."
"Can't! Cliff fence is off limits! Too dangerous."
"Oh, shut your pie hole. I'm going for the ball," Tommy started jogging towards the forbidden zone.
Several of the boys looked on with worry, they knew the stories of the dangerous cliffs that could swallow cattle and drunken men who tempted fate stumbling around in the dark. County Kerry had built a protective border fence that ran the length of the cliffs on the west side of Ballydavid. Stay on the east and remain safe, crawl over the fence and tempt the devil. "Bejazus! Don't be daft, Tommy!" one skinny boy with scraped and bleeding knees called out.
"Feck off!" Tommy shouted over his shoulder. He started to climb the four-foot high chain linked fence.
The boys began to run after him, another gah ball they could get. The warnings had been burned into their skulls since their toddler days—stay away from the cliffs. "Get down! Forget about the ball!" they were frightened now. Tommy was always the one filled with bravado and stubborn as the day was long.
"Houl' your wheest!" He jumped up and over the fence and landed with a thud on the soft, muddy ground. He stood and moved to retrieve the ball.
What the boys couldn't see—Captain Daniel Gregg could. Despite his humanity he retained vestiges of his former spirit life. He could see what the young boys could not. A dark, sleek horse with a long flowing mane was galloping at full speed and heading straight for the ball which young Tommy had kicked into no man's land—the narrow strip of dirt between the border fence and the 50 foot drop onto the jagged rocks and crashing surf below. Daniel glanced quickly at Carolyn, "It's a damn pooka!" He took off running at full speed, his long legs covering the distance across the playing field. Carolyn didn't understand his words, she just instinctively ran to follow him towards where the boys had gathered.
Just as young Tommy bent to pick up the ball, there was a great rush of wind and a crashing sound. Suddenly the rain-sodden turf beneath his cleats gave way and he fell backwards over the edge of the cliff. His eyes were filled with terror and a scream raged from his throat. The pooka existed to wreak havoc in the mortal world, and this one had found a willing victim who had ignored the warnings. The huge evil horse was rearing and bucking—shaking the ground, jarring the fragile cliffside so that it collapsed under its demonic force. It reared a final time, slashing its hooves and bellowing in a Satanic growl only the Captain could hear on the wind. "Seinn le tine agus dóite a fháil"* Before Daniel could reach them, three more boys had foolishly scaled the fence in a desperate attempt to reach their friend. But their added weight caused more of the hillside to slip away, carrying them down to almost certain death.
"Oh my God!" Carolyn cried out. She witnessed what happened to the boys, the rain slashing at her eyes as she ran.
Daniel had reached the fence line where the rest of the boys stood in shocked silence or hysterical weeping. The ground nearest the fence had loosened dangerously and one of the posts lay crooked, the chain link warped and bent. "You lot stay back!" he barked an order. "Two of you run to the nearest phone you can find—call the Garda, call the ambulance squad! The rest of youse—scatter! Go get help, find some rope or ladders! Déan deifir! Hurry, boys! Hurry!" A breathless Carolyn reached Daniel's side. She watched him remove his wristwatch and his wallet. He handed them to her. "You'd best hold onto these for me, love." She watched him in incomprehension as he shucked off his rain jacket and pulled his heavy sweater over his head and kicked off his shoes to leave him barefoot and bare-chested. "Stay back—keep the kids back until more help arrives."
She was stunned by his actions. "Daniel! What are you doing?!"
"I've got to try to get to them. If I go over and into the sea, I don't need the added weight." His mind was set on a course of action. He made a move to step over the fence, but she latched onto his arm.
"Daniel! No! Please no! Don't do this!" she begged frantically. Her woolen stocking cap was askew on her blonde hair, now matted and damp from the ceaseless rain.
Below them an eerie sound echoed up from where the boys had gone over the cliff. It was a pitiful, weak cry for help. A calm permeated Captain Gregg's being. He reached out his hands and pulled the warm cap down firmly over her ears and then kissed her lovingly on her forehead. His kind blue eyes begged to be understood. "And what if they were ours?" It was as simple as that. He turned quickly and scaled the ruined fence. He laid flat on his belly and inched towards the crumbling edge of the cliff.
Daniel wiped mud and rain from his eyes as he neared the abyss. He looked over the edge and spotted one terrified boy within arm's reach. Tears were streaming down the boy's face and he was trembling in fear as he looked down at the crashing surf and rocks below. Daniel stretched his arm out and called to the youngster. "Let's get you out of there, boyo. Reach up to me."
"I can't!" the boy cried. "I'm scared mister."
"I know son," Daniel kept voice low and gentle. "But it'll soon be right. Give me your hand. I'll pull you up and you'll soon be home to your mammy." The youngster hesitated, afraid of losing his balance and tumbling down the rest of the cliff face. "Come now, son. Your friends need looking after as well. Give me your hand like a good lad." Finally, the boy raised his left arm and Daniel grasped it tightly. He hauled the boy up in one swift motion.
Carolyn made a move to come to Daniel and the boy. Daniel saw and shouted, "Stay back, Carolyn!"She froze in place, her heart beating wildly her chest. In a softer tone of voice, he asked the rescued boy, "What's your name, son?"
"C-C-Collin," he whimpered as he lay face down on the sodden earth.
"Collin, I want you to crawl on your hands and knees towards the lovely lady right there. She's my wife and will look after you. Can you do that for me?"
"Aye, sir. I will." He moved away slowly until he reached the fallen fence. Carolyn scooped him up in a motherly hug.
She looked back just as Daniel eased himself over the edge of the cliff and disappeared. She clasped a hand over her mouth to prevent an agonized cry from escaping her lips, she held Collin tighter to control her own trembling. She saw her husband's slicker on the ground where he had tossed it. She moved from the little boy's frail arms long enough to gather up the raincoat and wrapped it around Collin. He was shivering from the cold and nerves. She sat him on the ground and pulled him close again. Behind her she could hear a gathering commotion of people hollering and cars rumbling near the school. Help was coming.
Daniel had spotted two more boys huddled on a shaky ledge ten feet below him. The rain was making the cliff slippery, and as Daniel inched his way diagonally across the cliff face, rocks and small boulders tumbled down. He grasped at myrtle shrub roots sticking out of the soil, his fingertips scraped raw trying to latch onto rock outcroppings. After an eternity he reached the narrow ledge where they had fallen. He quickly assessed their condition, like Collin they were terrified, wet and cold. One boy named Brendan had a twisted ankle and a banged-up knee, the other lad Martin had some head lacerations which were bleeding profusely. Daniel moved carefully and slowly and extracted his handkerchief—a Christmas gift from his own children—he placed it on Martin's cut head and told him to keep pressure on it. There wasn't much more Daniel could do for these boys. He had to wait for help.
It wasn't long in coming. Up above he heard the shout from a bullhorn. The Garda and some emergency services men had been alerted to the situation, had grabbed their gear and raced at top speed to Ballydavid. An hour after they had gotten the call, they came screaming into the little town with sirens blaring. By this time the Kiely's, Martha and her children had rallied to Carolyn's side. She sat huddled in the motor coach, Martha insisting Carolyn keep swallowing the hot coffee someone offered from a thermos. Candy and Jonathan were as scared as their mother was for Captain Gregg's safety, they tried to comfort her and themselves as best they could. Martha spotted the Captain's wallet which Mrs. Gregg had let slip from her grasp. She picked it up from the floor and flipped it open. Just as she knew she would find, there were two photographs in his billfold—one was of Carolyn—laughing happily and looking relaxed and carefree, dressed in a pink, open-necked blouse. The other was a photo of the entire family—including herself and Scruffy. She located Mrs. Gregg's purse under the passenger bench seat and tucked his wallet away for safe keeping.
The first local men on the scene had used what tools they had to stabilize the edge of the cliff. They used bolt cutters to clip loose the chain link fence, stretched it out flat and laid plywood planks down to provide a sturdier rescue platform. They had called down and were relieved to hear Daniel Gregg's shouted reply about the two boys in his care. They made a make-shift basket out of old fishing net to lower down blankets, a jug of water and a small First Aide kit on a narrow nylon rope. They included a note to let Daniel and the boys know the emergency services men had been called and were coming in from the next town over. Those men went to work to assess the situation, the temperatures were dropping, the rain kept falling on and off. They were worried because although Daniel had blankets and water to give to Brendan and Martin, no one knew the fate of Tommy Feegan. All the parents were now on scene and anxiously awaited the rescue of their children. Tommy's mother was being treated for shock by a paramedic on scene.
Finally, a rescue plan was hatched. They would rig a rope harness with a fabric sling seat attached and lower it down to Daniel. Each boy would be hauled up by the combined strength of the gathered volunteers. Daniel sent up Martin first, his bloodied head looking a mess and needing stitches to close the wound. Brendan bravely waited his turn, grimacing in pain with each bump of his ankle and knee against the rock and brambled covered cliff face.
A helicopter had been dispatched to the scene by the Irish Coast Guard. They radioed into the rescue personnel on top of the cliff they had spotted what looked to be a motionless body farther below Daniel Gregg's hazardous position. Daniel himself was now bleeding from a blow to his head, clipped by a sharp-edged rock torn loose when the men above had hoisted Brendan Kinsler up top. The chopper pilot determined there was no place for him to try to lower a trained medic. The wind and the surf crashing against the rocks below made it too treacherous an undertaking. The cliffside was becoming increasingly unstable as the incessant rain ran rivulets of water gouging canyons and crevices into the surface of the cliffside, the danger to Captain Gregg falling into the sea below increased exponentially with each passing moment.
Meanwhile, Martha had taken charge of the distraught Carolyn and children. She kept them sequestered and out of the rain while Aiden and Cara listened in to the rescue details being carried on in the local Irish dialect. There was chatter now of trying to approach the scene via a boat and launching a special landing craft.
Captain Gregg now gave thought to his own predicament. He was cold, suffering a possible concussion and his adrenaline-fueled strength was fast waning. When the rope sling was lowered to him, he refused their rescue and ordered the men to help repel him further down the cliff to reach Tommy. By this time the emergency services personnel had been informed by Aiden Kiely that they were working with one Captain Daniel Gregg, Retired British and U.S. Navy. Daniel strapped himself into the harness and gave two tugs on the rope. The men on top began to lower Daniel inch by inch. Daniel had slung the fishing net with the blanket and other supplies over his shoulder. If the boy was still alive, he would need them. Finally, after what seemed a snail's pace, Daniel was parallel to Tommy Feegan's crumbled body. He gave a mighty kick with his feet against the cliff face and swung himself over to grab ahold of the boy's foot to steady himself.
Much to the Captain's surprise, the boy yelped in surprise and pain. Daniel gave a hasty thumbs-up sign to the helicopter pilot hovering offshore. The news was radioed back up top and Daniel swore he could hear a faint roar from the crowd waiting for news about the boy. Tommy moaned incoherently as Daniel did a quick First Aide check. The boy had survived the fall having been cushioned on a large chunk of the rain-sodden turf as it slid down the cliff underneath him, sparing him being battered and broken in half by the boulders waiting for him at the bottom. He was bruised and knocked about badly, Daniel had no doubt Tommy's arm had been shattered but the lad would survive if they could get him to hospital before the cold and shock claimed him. As he lay unconscious, he had been spared excruciating pain—but now the pain exploded in every nerve of his body. Tommy cried out in agony and then whimpered, "I want me mum, I want me mum!" Daniel tried to reassure the boy help was on its way and looked around desperately to find something to make a splint for Tommy's arm. Rocks and seaweed were all he saw. He wrapped the blanket around the boy in a vain effort to warm the youngster. He cradled the little boy's head in his lap at the same time keeping the blanket pulled up snug against the battered and bruised body.
News filtered to the waiting crowd gathered at the accident site that the Irish Coast Guard cutter "Sea Ghost" had also been dispatched and was equipped with a Zodiac surf rescue boat. They were due on scene shortly but time was of the essence. The tide was rising and the crashing waves threatened to sweep both Tommy and Daniel into the angry North Atlantic with each swell. The Garda Sergeant who was in charge of the cliffside operations took a moment to speak with Carolyn Gregg once he was informed Daniel's wife and children were on scene and waiting for word of his safety. Carolyn and the kids took some comfort in knowing he had helped to rescue three boys and the chopper pilot verified Daniel had reached the fourth victim at the bottom of the cliff. Sgt. Kelly explained the Coast Guard would be attempting to get a surf rescue boat near enough to extract the seriously injured boy, along with Captain Gregg. All the Gregg-Muir family could do now was wait for the Coast Guard to arrive on the scene before the night and cold sea claimed them both.
Daylight was fast slipping away due to the low-hanging storm clouds. Rain squalls would blow in and over the coast, drenching all who stood without overhead protection. Daniel was thoroughly wet and chilled; hypothermia was setting in on both he and the boy. But soon a sound of an outboard motor rose above the sound of the surf. The Zodiac Surf Rescue craft was making its way to the shore. This wasn't to be a routine rescue. The tide and pounding surf were sending the inflatable craft back and forth, rising and falling, banking off hidden boulders as the sea churned angrily. Daniel watched and knew he had to do more if Tommy Feegan was to survive their ordeal. Tommy was semi-conscious and the seaman had to shout to be heard above the crashing waves against the rocks. "Tommy, we're going to have to go for a swim. But I want you to be brave, we can do this together." Daniel took off his belt and buckled it around the boy's slim waist. He would use it as a tow rope. He watched the Zodiac make one more attempt to reach them from where they perched precariously on a slim rock ledge at the base of the cliff. Not knowing what else to do Daniel waved his arms and pointed, trying to signal the chopper pilot his intentions. He would fight the waves and tow the injured boy to a point where the Zodiac crew could haul them aboard to safety.
Aiden and Cara Kiely had refused to leave their post, listening to the official radio transmissions being sent back and forth from the Irish Coast Guard, the emergency services personnel and the Garda. They heard in unmistakable Irish, "he's going to swim for it."
"Jesus, Mary and Joseph!" Aiden exclaimed.
By this time, the nearby primary school had been opened. The operation at the top of the cliff was over and the waiting crowd gratefully got out of the weather inside the school's cozy gymnasium. Townspeople were bringing in sandwiches, soft drinks, cocoa and tea. Martha tried to get Carolyn to eat something but she refused the food and drink—she was only interested in hearing the infrequent updates being relayed to her. She tried to smile bravely when the parents of the rescued three boys came to her with their thanks and prayers for Daniel Gregg's safety. She clung to Candy and Jonathan in an attempt to ease their fear but they really didn't comprehend the seriousness of the situation. Jonathan told everyone in earshot that his stepdad was a Navy hero—a sea captain. If anyone could get that last boy to safety—his dad could, he predicted. Now Carolyn looked up at the sight of a rain drenched Cara Kiely coming over to where she sat in a corner of the bleachers. Cara slid the hood of her yellow slicker off and knelt down in front of Carolyn, placing a hand on Carolyn's knee. "Mrs. Gregg, there's been news over the radio. Apparently, the Captain will attempt to swim with the wee boy out into the water so the rescue boat can reach them."
"Swim? He must be half frozen by now," she uttered in disbelief. "I thought this rescue boat could make it ashore."
Cara nodded in sympathy. "They've tried several times to get the boat close enough to get to them—but the sea is too foul, they're afraid the Zodiac craft will flip against the rocks or take on water. The props on the outboard motor have been taking a beating when they've slammed against the boulders hidden in the surf."
Carolyn's eyes were in disbelief and fear. She shook her head. "They'll drown in that surf—he won't have the strength."
Martha Grant was quick to wrap her arm around Carolyn's shoulders. "I don't doubt for one-minute Captain Gregg will save that boy. You just wait and see. That ol' seadog will come through. I'm sure he's been in tougher scrapes than this in the military. Just don't you worry!"
"Yeah, Mom," Jonathan slid unto his mother's lap for a cuddle. "Captain's a real good swimmer. He taught me, 'member?" Carolyn looked at her son's earnest face and kissed his forehead tenderly. Candy wedged beside her and the little family; mother, children and housekeeper embraced each other tightly in solidarity and desperate hope.
Information came in. The helicopter was running low on fuel and had to return to base. Then an hour passed and then another without further word. When word did come it was Carolyn Gregg's worst nightmare come to life. Tommy Feegan was safely on board the Coast Guard cutter and was being treated by medical personnel—but Daniel was lost.
She looked up to see the official delegation walking slowly over to her. When she saw the priest with them, she knew, although her heart refused to accept the truth. The solemn men informed her Captain Gregg had towed the injured boy through the torrid surf some 20 yards, the rescue personnel were able to haul Tommy Feegan into the Zodiac. Gregg was in a state of utter exhaustion and was foundering, barely able to keep his head above water, he was fighting the waves and a vicious undertow. An effort was made to get a life preserver jacket to the Captain but it was too little, too late. The rising swells managed to toss his own battered body like a ragdoll, bashing him hard against the boulders. Before the Zodiac crew could assist him into the boat, a series of powerful storm-driven waves had crash into them—sending the Zodiac against the rocks and nearly capsizing the inflatable craft. By the time the crew had regain control of the Zodiac—Gregg had disappeared beneath the waves. The life jacket was floating out to sea. The three-man crew in the Zodiac commenced an immediate search & rescue for Captain Gregg but were unable to locate him. Ultimately decision was made to get the seriously injured boy back to the Sea Ghost. The Irish Coast Guard was still conducting a search & recovery….
Carolyn listened but did not hear their words. She sat in stunned, grieving silence. One thought ran through her mind over and over. Now? He's leaving me now? I just got him back, we're happy, planning a life together, a baby of our own…now? Her children sat with tears streaming down their faces. They were old enough to understand. The man they loved as their true father was missing and presumed dead. Martha Grant's face was a mask of pain, the family she loved as her own was in crisis and yet…she had never felt as helpless as she did at that moment, she was bewildered and disbelieving what the solemn, sad officials was telling the people she loved. Aiden and Cara Kiely hovered and were equally stunned into rigid immobility. What should they do now to be of service to the wounded Gregg-Muir family? Where should they take them? What official should they consult? How did this nightmare begin and when would it end? There were no answers for Kiely Gaelic Tours.
"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord" the murmured voices chorused.
Carolyn became aware the people of Ballydavid were now praying for her sea captain husband, lost to the sea because he sacrificed his life to save one of their own. Suddenly the dam of emotions she was holding back from public view broke. "No! He's not dead," she cried, "he's just missing. They'll find him. He can't be dead—he wouldn't leave us!" Her voice was shrill and frantic as she clung to Candy and Jonathan, trying to shield them from an enemy she couldn't fight-despair. She was angry, why had they given up on him? They didn't know him—know of his courage and determination to come back to his family—like he had once before. Hushed voices swirled around her, strangers offered embraces of solace, whispers in unintelligible Irish and sorrowful English. Aiden and Cara became the family liaison between their uncomprehending shock and grief with the sorrowful town officials who offered help. The Coast Guard cutter remained on the scene off shore, search lights sweeping the sea in vain. A local bed & breakfast proprietor offered rooms to the fallen hero's family—surely his missus would want to remain close by if a miracle was to happen? Or at least until the man's body was recovered for proper burial? A miracle had brought Daniel Gregg back to life and back into her life-would another miracle be even possible?
It was Martha Grant's no-nonsense, "bear any burden" New England backbone that straightened up and took charge of Carolyn and the children after she had gathered her wits and reined in her own emotions. They would spend the night at the offered accommodations and accept the condolence casseroles which would be offered. The children needed to get something in their stomachs. The doctor summoned to care for Collin, Brendan and Martin now prescribed a sedative for Carolyn Gregg. She refused the pills. Daniel had spent nights keeping watch on Gull Cottage's widows walk. Now it was her night to wait, hope and keep watch.
Play with fire and get burnt!*