A DONEGAL man has been bestowed with a Distinguished Service Award by Mountain Rescue Ireland.
Ballyshannon native James McIntyre is a veteran member of Sligo-Leitrim Mountain Rescue Team.
He received the award for 25 years of voluntary service as an Emergency Responder with Mountain Rescue Teams, in both Sligo and Mayo.
James, who is also currently the Sligo-Leitrim Team Medical Officer, joined the Mayo Mountain Rescue Team in 2001 whilst working as an outdoor instructor on Achill Island.
When he moved back to his home town of Ballyshannon, he transferred to the Sligo-Leitrim Team and has been an active responder since 2010.
James has attended a great number of diverse call-outs with both Rescue Teams in remote areas and on numerous hills and mountains, including Ben Bulben, Croagh Patrick, Sliabh Líag and Errigal.
“James’ fellow responders and friends on SligoLeitrim Mountain Rescue Team all offer a heart-felt congratulations on serving a quarter of a century of remote emergency care and the well deserved recognition of that service,” a spokesperson for the Mountain Rescue Team said.