13 December 1969 - 3 June 2003
To say that Shane was important to hang gliding is an under-statement. He was a champion pilot who represented his country and the Association on many occasions. Together with Ger Doherty and a few others he was responsible for the re-birth of hang gliding in Ireland when, a few years ago, he founded the Mount Leinster Hang Gliding Club (a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to training novice hang gliding pilots). He is already sorely missed by the hang glider pilots he introduced to the sport, by the seasoned hang gliders with whom he flew and by the paragliders with whom he shared the air. His passing is a huge loss to free-flying and our sympathies are with Gerry, Alice, Jennie, Dave, Niamh and Shane's family and friends at this time. - Dara Hogan, IHPA Chairman
Saturday night at the Celtic Cup 2003 in Graiguenamanagh
Flying the Booster from Punchestown
Now that's how you flare! - Annagh Hill - March 2003
Injured by stepping in a hole while training students in 2001, Shane still had a smile for the camera!
Collecting some of the many trophies and awards he won over the years
Watching Roost get to ground handle his new hankie (Airwave) on Mt. Leinster
When winching was introduced to Ireland, the first training session...
wondering if the line retrieve bike will ever work!
Lunch break during winch training
Ready to fly - Dingle Strand
On training hill you gave your time to teach us all instead,
And taught us how to run with wings and called out "look ahead"
For every time we go out now we'll know that you are there,
On the hill to see us off and way up in the air,
No words can really say it all for what you've done for us,
You taught us all to safely fly in the sky above,
You gave us skill to soar the hill and climb up to the cloud,
We'll do are best to help the rest and try and make you proud.
See you at cloud base Shane.
