2010 – 2020
National Bravery Awards 2016
Photos of the 2016 awards
CITATION
On 21st June, 2014, Rick Osagie who was 13 at the time and some friends were playing near a man-made lake in Waterville Park in Blanchardstown. When two young girls who were swimming in the lake got into difficulty, Ricky Osagie jumped in to assist the girls but lost his own footing and was unable to regain it. Lee Weir, Sam Musu, Yosuf Bologun and Ionut Plesca who were playing football near the lake when they became aware that people were in difficulties. Lee, Sam, Yosuf and Ionut all entered the water and were able to bring the two girls to the shallow end and pulled them out of the water. After giving CPR to one of the girls, they were informed that Ricky was still in the water. Lee then re-entered the water at the deep end, but could not see anything as the water was too muddy. Other bystanders also entered the water and had no success. The Ambulance Service then arrived and after finding Ricky took him from the water and initiated CPR. He along with the two girls who had originally experienced difficulties were conveyed to Temple Street Children’s Hospital. The two girls ultimately made full recoveries. Tragically Ricky Osagie was pronounced dead the following morning.
For their actions
Lee Weir is awarded a Certificate of Bravery. Sam Musu is awarded a Certificate of Bravery. Yosuf Bologun is awarded a Certificate of Bravery. Ionut Plesca is awarded a Certificate of Bravery. Rick Osagie is awarded a Posthumous Gold Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
CITATION
On the morning of the 10th October, 2015 shortly after 4:00am, John Connors heard a loud bang coming from a caravan at Unit 2 that belonged to his brother Thomas Connors. He then saw flames emanating from the front kitchen window of the caravan, before raising the alarm by waking another brother Jim Connors Jnr. and his wife Kate, who were asleep. Jim Connors initially attempted to gain entry by forcing open the front door. After breaking the window of the front of the caravan, Jim reached in through the broken window of the main bedroom and removed an infant and handed her to his wife. John Connors contacted ambulance control and the Dublin Fire Brigade on his mobile. John then entered the burning caravan through the broken window of the main bedroom and rescued his brother Thomas. John then handed another child out through the window to Jim Connors Snr. before exiting himself. Several units of the Dublin Fire Brigade and the Ambulance Service arrived at the scene. On their arrival Unit 2 was fully engulfed in flames. There were also flames emanating from the caravan at Unit 3. Subsequently, Mary Connors was removed from that caravan by Dublin Fire Brigade personnel. The fire at both caravans was then contained by the Dublin Fire Brigade. Ultimately, 10 people perished in this incident.
For his actions
John Connors is awarded a Silver Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
CITATION
On Sunday 02nd March 2016 shortly after 7:00PM, Gardaí were called to the pier in Buncrana based on a report that there was a car in the water with a number of occupants inside. As the incident unfolded, it transpired that five members of one family were tragically drowned. All five bodies were recovered amid harrowing scenes. It was apparent that there was one survivor from the car which was submerged in approximately 12 feet of water a short distance from the pier in tidal waters. Davitt Walsh who had been on the upper extension of their pier in his car along with his girlfriend, noticed a car in the water. The driver of the car was in a distressed state and there were shouts from the car. Mr. Walsh’s girlfriend rang the coastguard while he dived into the water and swam out to the car. The driver had broken the driver-side window and handed out a small baby to Mr. Walsh. Mr. Walsh took the baby and had a grip on another male but lost his grip. As he held the baby, the car started to go down. He managed to hold the baby above his head and swam back to the pier cutting and injuring his feet in the process. The baby was later brought to Letterkenny University Hospital where she made a full recovery.
For his actions
Davitt Walsh is awarded a Silver Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
CITATION
Garda Matthew Murphy and Garda John Prunty were on duty on 21st May, 2012 in the Letterkenny District. Tey received a call regarding a young man who was in possession of a number of weapons and who had threatened Gardaí and neighbours with a knife and subsequently had barricaded himself into his residence. They liaised with local Gardaí including Garda Ger Hardiman and Garda Eoin Waters who were attending at the scene and were informed of how events had developed over the afternoon. Several attempts had been made to enter the premises and apprehend the young man but this proved unsuccessful. The young man who was in his late twenties was described as having a history of violence and on occasion had brandished a knife, threatened to stab Gardaí and injure anyone who came close to his home. It became apparent that a strong smell of gas was emanating from the property. The Gardaí took immediate steps to evacuate neighbouring houses and keep everyone at the scene a safe distance from the house fearing the possibility of a gas explosion. Garda Murphy and Prunty decided to try access the house by forcing the front door. Two other Gardaí, Garda Ger Hardiman and Garda Eoin Waters followed them. Upon entry it became apparent that a fire was out of control somewhere in the property. Facing significant danger from both the fire and a potentially violent man the Gardaí made their way through the hall by crawling through smoke, checking each room as they passed. The smoke was extremely dense and they had to exit the property on three occasions to clear their lungs but they still persisted in their search. They managed to make their way to the rear of the house where a large section of the house was ablaze. Kitchen units were on fire and several live electrical appliances posed a significant risk. Garda Murphy and Garda Prunty discovered the young man lying unconscious on the floor beside the blazing fire and assisted by Garda Hardiman and Garda Waters brought him to a safe area at the front of the house where they administrated first aid pending the arrival of the ambulance despite both having sustained injuries themselves. By the time the ambulance arrived the young man had regained consciousness and the paramedics took over his care. Both Gardaí Murphy and Prunty were treated for smoke inhalation at the scene.
For their actions
Garda Matthew Murphy is awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery, Garda John Prunty is awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery. Garda Ger Hardiman is awarded a Certificate of Bravery. Garda Eoin Waters is awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
CITATION
On 06th May, 2005, a man entered the Post Office on Botanic Road Glasnevin, Dublin 9 wearing a balaclava and black gloves and brandishing a small hand-gun and a knife. Just as he entered the Post Office he was confronted by a member of the public by the name of Alibanga Musifer. Mr. Musifer grabbed the man by the arms and the two men began a struggle which ultimately led to the two men crashing through the front window of the Post Office and falling out into the street. Mr. Musifer received injuries from the fall but still restrained the accused until the Gardaí arrived at the scene.
For his actions
Alibanga Musifer is awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
CITATION
On 07th August, 2014, John Purcell was walking his dog with his partner when he heard two women screaming at their front door on Leinster Street, Phibsborough, Dublin 7. He went to assist and was confronted by a man who was hitting the two women with a hammer. Without hesitation Mr. Purcell grabbed the first lady and pulled her out of the doorway to safety. The second lady was then pushed back into the house by the assailant. Mr. Purcell entered the house to rescue her but he was confronted by the assailant who swung his hammer at him. The assailant then ran from the house and Mr. Purcell gave chase. The Gardaí arrived soon after and arrested the man. The two women were taken to hospital where they made a full recovery.
For his actions
John Purcell is awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
CITATION
On 30th July, 2014, Billy Cronin who was 14 at the time was bodyboarding at “The Dumps” strand at the Maharees in Brandon Bay, Maharabeg, Castlegregory, Co. Kerry. He became aware of a brother and sister who were experiencing difficulties in the water. He went over to them and got the young boy who was 14 at the time on his body board and kept the young girl who was 12 afloat. Kitesurfer Tom Kennedy also joined in the rescue after seeing the children’s father pacing frantically on the shore. The siblings were safely brought back to shore and were reunited with their father.
For their actions
Billy Cronin is awarded a Certificate of Bravery. Tom Kennedy is awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
CITATION
At approximately 9:00 PM on the 18th May, 2015, a woman entered the River Shannon unassisted at Harvey’s Quay, Limerick. At the time of the incident the river was high and there was a strong current flowing southward. Brian O’Dea who was a customer in a local pub at the time became aware of the situation and ran straight over to Harvey’s Quay and jumped into the river. He was able to get hold of her within a few minutes and held onto her until Robert Byrnes was dining in a nearby restaurant when he observed the incident and went out to assist. Robert Byrnes and Brian O’Dea were both able to hold onto the woman and bring her to the river’s edge. A Limerick Marine Search and Rescue Boat and the Limerick Fire Service were on the scene within a few minutes and provided rescue ropes to assist the people in the water. The woman was removed from the water along with Mr. O’Dea and Mr. Byrnes. The woman was then conveyed by ambulance to the University Hospital, Limerick. Sadly, despite the efforts by the people at the scene and the medical staff at the University Hospital she died.
For their actions
Robert Byrnes is awarded a Certificate of Bravery. Brian O’Dea is awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
CITATION
On Saturday 14th November 2015, Garda Doyle and Garda O’Neill from the Dublin Metropolitan Traffic Corp based in Dublin Castle while carrying out their duties heard a call in relation to a female who had entered the sea at Dun Laoghaire. Both Gardaí are qualified lifeguards and Emergency First Responders and hey arrived on the scene within minutes. An RNLI Lifeboat was being dispatched at the other side of the Harbour. At first the female was able to converse with the Gardaí but with the waves crashing over her she became unresponsive. As Garda Doyle and Garda O’Neill feared for her safety they took the decision to enter the water in an attempt to rescue her. The Gardí linked together and utilised a rope given to them by Kyron O’Gorman an Irish Coast Guard Officer who remained on shore and they managed to reach her before the waves took her under. They succeeded in bringing her ashore. The Lifeboat arrived and the female was treated for hypothermia until the ambulance arrived and took her to hospital.
For their actions
Garda Lee Doyle is awarded a Certificate of Bravery. Garda Eoghan O’Neill is awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
CITATION
On the evening of December 15th, 2014, An Garda Siochána were informed that there was a man threatening suicide near Barrington’s Hospital in Limerick. He was visibly upset and had a knife in his hand and was walking up and down the jetty threatening to jump into the water if anyone approached him. Limerick City Fire Service was contacted and two fire units subsequently arrived. After being informed of the man’s behaviour Firefighter Colum McCarthy and Firefighter Des Fitzgerald walked onto the jetty and were making their way towards the man when he jumped into the river. Firefighters McCarthy and Fitzgerald immediately jumped into the river after him. The river was flowing very fast on the night in question, but they reached the man very quickly. The men were in the water for approximately ten minutes when other fire personnel managed to lower a ladder into the river and return the men to safety. The man was attended to by Ambulance personnel and later taken to hospital.
For their actions
Fireman Des Fitzgerald is awarded a Certificate of Bravery. Fireman Colum McCarthy is awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
CITATION
On 10th May, 2011, Cathal McDaid (RIP) and John DeSilva who were along with three others working on the “Mark Amay 11” when Mr. McDaid stumbled on the deck as the nets were being lowered into the water and fell into the sea. He appeared to hold on to the nets and called out for the nets to be pulled back up. As the nets were being pulled up another crew member fell into the water and became trapped under the net. He was then observed floating inertly on his back and drifting astern of the vessel. A third crewmember threw a life ring into the water. He helped get the boat nearer to Cathal McDaid’s position. John DeSilva then went into the water. Mr. DeSilva got Mr. McDaid to the side of the boat and tried to pull him up. A cremember then went into the water and tried to assist. Mr. DeSilva then went back into the boat and launched the life raft assisted. Cathal McDaid was lifted into the life raft and CPR was administered but Cathal McDaid could not be resuscitated.
For his actions
John DeSilva is awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
CITATION
At approximately 4:29 pm on 07th April 2016, a fire began in house on Cullenbeg Park, Mountmellick, Co. Laois. Mark Fleming who was nearby was alerted by a neighbour that there was a fire in the house. He called 999 before making his way into the house. He assisted the home owner to the ground floor. He then went up to the first floor and despite the limited visibility due to the smoke he located a female occupant of the house. He carried the woman down the stairs where another helper assisted him. It was then that the Laois County Fire and Rescue Service arrived. Despite Mark’s best efforts the lady in question was pronounced deceased some time after.
For his actions
Mark Fleming is awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
CITATION
On 20th May, 2016, a three year old boy was walking through Cork City with his au pair and his 18-month-old sister when he ran over to the water’s edge near Brian Boru Bridge. Before the au pair could grab him, he had slipped and fallen 15 feet into the water below. Frantic the au pair started screaming for someone to take the buggy she had been pushing, so that she could jump in after the boy. As this was happening, Maria Foley who was a passerby had dived into the river to rescue the child. Maria was witnessed holding the child above water and when the Fire Service arrived at the scene they assisted in the removal of both from the water. They were subsequently conveyed to the Mercy Hospital where they both made full recoveries.
For her actions
Maria Foley is awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
CITATION
On 14th July, 2014 at approximately 7:30 p.m., a call was received at Dungarvan Garda Station concerning a male who had entered the Colligan River, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford and who appeared to be in distress. Garda David Hearne from Waterford Station proceeded to the scene. The man appeared to be barely above the surface of the water approximately 300 meters distant from where Garda Hearne was standing. Garda Hearne entered the water carrying a lifebuoy and swam as quickly as possible towards the man, calling to him and encouraging him to remain calm. During this time, he observed the man disappear below the surface completely on four or five occasions, resurfacing on each occasion after a few seconds. When Garda Hearne reached the man, he heaved him towards his body and secured his head clear of the water using the ringbuoy as an aid. He then swam to shore where the fire brigade crew assisted in bringing them both to safety. The man was conveyed to University Hospital Waterford where he made a full recovery.
For his actions
Garda David Hearne is awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
CITATION
On 15th July, 2015, Alan Herdman was paddle-boarding in Rusheen Bay, Barna, Co. Galway when he was alerted by a dog-walker on the beach there were eight children (aged between eight and twelve) who had become trapped on a sandbank by the incoming tide. By the time he had reached them, one girl had disappeared beneath the waves. Mr. Herdman dived under the water, located the girl and brought her back to the surface. He then put some of the children on his board and told the others to hold on to him. He almost went under himself due to the children’s weight, but managed to use his whistle to attract the attention of his colleagues from the nearby Windsurfing School to help him the children back to shore. Another girl had gone under the waves, but he managed to grab her before she disappeared.
For his actions
Alan Herdman is awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
CITATION
On 03rd October, 2014, Ian Jackman jumped from a fishing vessel into the River Slaney, Co. Wexford. Upon witnessing a man in difficulty, Mr. Jackman swam a considerable distance to assist to assis this man, who had moments earlier jumped into the water at Commercial Quay. The waters were cold and dark at the time but Mr. Jackman managed to hold the man for ten minutes until Wexford R.N.L.I. Lifeboat arrived to take them both to safety.
For his actions
Ian Jackman is awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
CITATION
On the night of 14th December 2014, a fire occurred in the house of an elderly lady who had limited mobility and many ailments necessitating medical equipment such as oxygen, concentrators and a bipap machine. When the fire started she phoned her neighbour Mr. Gerry Keenan who soon afterwards entered the building and assisted the elderly lady. It should be noted that there was a gas heater close to where the fire started but this did not deter Mr. Keenan who brought her to safety and then alerted the Ambulance, Fire Service and Gardaí who attended the scene. The lady spent one month in hospital and was later discharged
For his actions
Gerry Keenan is awarded a Certificate of Bravery
CITATION
At 11:15 pm on 28th August 2015, the Kilmore Quay lifeboat received a phone call from a member of the public worried about an overdue vessel called the Jillian. At 11:45 the registered ferry boat An Crosan left Kilmore Quay to aid in the search. This boat contained Sam Nunn, Ruari Nunn, Brian Kehoe and Niall McGee. As they arrived near the Great Saltee Island they heard what they believed to be cries in the darkness. They turned off the boat’s engine and used a searchlight to discover the upturned Jillian with ten people clinging to the hull. Within minutes the crew of An Crosan had got the ten survivors on board. They had been in the water for five hours and showed clear signs of hypothermia. At approximately 12:25 the lifeboat arrived and took one very unwell casualty from An Crosan who was brought to Wexford General Hospital where tragically he was pronounced dead. The rest of the survivors of the Jillian made full recoveries.
For their actions
The Kilmore Quay Lifeboat Crew is awarded a group Certificate of Bravery.
CITATION
At approximately 7:00 pm on 05th May 2016, John Anthony Maher was alerted by his wife that the house next door was on fire. They raised the alarm as they knew a family of four lived in this house. One of the children an 8 year old boy managed to open the front door and John’s wife took him to safety. John ran into the house where he met the mother in the hall and the father who was in the back garden trying to fight the flames with a hose. John advised the father that they should evacuate the house. The other child a four year old daughter was asleep upstairs and the father’s mother was asleep in the bedroom over the garage. John assisted in waking up and removing these people. Despite being disoriented by the smoke, John re-entered the house to rescue the family’s pet dog.
For his actions
John Anthony Maher is awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
CITATION
On 11th May 2015, Brian Murphy was driving over the bridge at Innishannon in a tractor when he saw a wheelchair. He recognised it from an incident that had taken place on 4th May 2015 when he had assisted in the rescue of a man who had gone missing. From the bridge, John saw the same man heading towards the river with the aid of walking sticks. Mr. Murphy pulled in the tractor and rang the Gardaí in Bandon for assistance. He then ran towards the river and saw that he didn’t have time to wait for assistance, as the man was already entering the water. With no delay, Mr. Murphy entered the water and followed the man out into the middle of the water. The man struggled with Mr. Murphy as he tried to free himself but was unable. At this point two Gardaí from Bandon Garda Station arrived. One of them entered the water and assisted Mr. Murphy in bringing the man back to the shore where other Garda helped in getting the man onto the slippery bank.
For his actions
Brian Murphy is awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
CITATION
At approximately 2:00 am on the 20th December, 2015 Dylan Murphy who was 16 years of age at the time was finishing his shift at the Anchor Bar, Davitt’s Quay, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford when he was informed that there was a woman in the River Colligan and she was experiencing difficulty in the water. Dylan along with two colleagues ran out to the quay wall and observed the woman who was in distress. Dylan got a life buoy from the quay wall and jumped into the river. His two friends both stayed at the quay wall and held onto the rope which was attached to the life buoy. Dylan swam out to the lady and by the time he reached where she had been located he had to dive beneath the water to find her. Dylan managed to locate her and he attached the rope around the lady concerned who appeared lifeless. His friends pulled the rope attached to the life buoy in towards the quay wall while Dylan swam behind ensuring that the lady stayed afloat. The lady was lifted up over the quay wall and placed into the recovery position at the quayside after which paramedics arrived and she was treated and removed to hospital.
For his actions
Dylan Murphy is awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
CITATION
On the afternoon of 09th August, 2014, Aaron O’Kelly and two friends were surfing at Tullan Strand in Bundoran, Co. Donegal. There was a big ground swell, an offshore wind and an incoming tide. They noticed people shouting and waving on the cliff top. They could see someone on a surfing board in trouble at the foot of the cliff. He had got caught in the riptide and was being pulled in towards the rocks. He was inexperienced and was trying to battle against the current but was obviously exhausted. Mr. O’Kelly surfed in and got the man to hold onto the leash of his board and paddled the two of them to safer water. The lifeboat arrived at this point and got the man on board. He spent a night in Sligo General Hospital and subsequently made a full recovery.
For his actions
Aaron O’Kelly is awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
CITATION
On 13th November, 2015, Patrick O’Sullivan (who was 16 at the time) was walking back to his grandparents’ house in Jobstown at approximately 3:30pm when he heard a woman screaming. He ran to help and saw a man trying to steal her handbag. He intervened, but the thief managed to take the bag during the struggle and fled on a bike. Mr. O’Sullivan gave chase for a short distance, but returned to help the woman who was still screaming. He escorted her to her parents’ home. It was only when she was safely in the house that he noticed blood seeping through his clothes. He was rushed to Tallaght Hospital and underwent emergency surgery when consultants realised that he had internal bleeding.
For his actions
Patrick O’Sullivan is awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
National Bravery Awards 2015
On Friday, 13th November 2015, the National Bravery Awards ceremony took place in Farmleigh House in the Phoenix Park, Dublin. Award Recipients received their medals and certificates from the Ceann Comhairle, Mr. Seán Barrett, T.D.
Click here to view the 2015 photos
Linda Brereton
AWARD NO. 1
At 2.00pm on 20th August, 2012 a number of youths were swimming at Mindszenty Park, Castleblayney, Co Monaghan when one youth got into difficulty. A second youth entered the water to help his friend but he also got into difficulty. Both youths began to struggle and went under the water a number of times. Linda Brereton was sitting in the park at the time with a friend while their children where played when she became aware of the situation. She immediately entered the water and walked out until she came to a deep ledge from where she swam to the two boys. They both held on to her and she brought them safely back to shore. Neither boy was injured as a result of the incident.
Without the swift actions of Ms Brereton the two young people concerned may well have perished.
For her efforts
Linda Brereton is awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Eamon Friel
AWARD NO. 2
At approximately 2.30pm on 5th May, 2013, Eamon Friel was walking with the Sligo Mountaineering Club when one of their members accidentally fell into one of the disused pit shafts near the entrance to the old Barites mines.
Mr Friel climbed into the pit shaft to rescue the women as there was water in the shaft and she could not swim. She was in fact hanging onto a beam at the side of the pit and her feet could not reach the bottom. Mr Friel lowered himself onto a pipe at the side of the pit and managed to get down onto a ledge within the shaft and pulled the woman from the water onto the ledge until the rescue services arrived.
There is no doubt that but for the action of Mr Friel the incident could have resulted in the loss of life.
For his efforts Eamon Friel is awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Sergeant Oliver Goggin
AWARD NO. 3
On the 16th July, 2006, a woman who had earlier gone missing from the Psychiatric Unit in Bantry General Hospital, was seen entering the sea water at Harbour View. She then proceeded to walk into deeper water and it was quite apparent that she was attempting to commit suicide by drowning. Sergeant Oliver Goggon, who was on duty at the time entered the water and swam to the aid of the woman who was in a distressed state. With great difficulty and with consideration only for the well-being of the woman, Sergeant Goggin single-handedly managed to bring her back to the shore and safety.
Without the actions of Sergeant Goggin the lady in question may well have perished.
For his action Sergeant Oliver Goggin is awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
David Grant, Alex May, Ben Graham and Shane Kennedy
AWARD NO. 4
On 19th June, 2013, David Grant, Alex May and Ben Graham (who were all 14 years of age at the time of the incident) were walking by Balbriggan Harbour when they saw a group of girls shouting to them that one of their group was drowning. They saw the girl was unconscious, face-down in the water. David Grant and Alex May jumped into the water to assist the girl, while Ben Graham was on the pier wall trying to get a life ring to help bring the girl out of the water. Eventually with the assistance of local fisherman Shane Kennedy, they managed to get the swimmer to dry land where she came around in time to be treated by the Coastguard.
For their efforts
David Grant is awarded a Certificate of Bravery
Alex May is awarded a Certificate of Bravery
Ben Graham is awarded a Certificate of Bravery
Shane Kennedy is awarded a Certificate of Bravery
Nigel Harkin, Noreen Mc Loughlin, Mariosa Shiels and Hugh Mc Cauley
AWARD NO. 5
On 6th October, 2014, 39 Patients of Donegal Mental Health Services along with 4 staff members were on a holiday together in Beach Hotel, Downings, Co. Donegal. At approximately 11.30pm smoke was seen on the hotel monitor. The four nursing staff along with the three hotel staff on duty went upstairs to investigate. The second floor corridor was filled with smoke. Staff Nurse Mariosa Shiels along with Staff Nurse Noreen Mc Laughlin and Staff Nurse Nigel Harkin identified the room where the fire had started. Entering the room, they found and rescued a collapsed patient. When one patient initially could not be located, Nurse Mc Laughlin went back upstairs to search for this patient (This person was subsequently located outside the hotel.) Staff Nurse Hugh Mc Cauley helped evacuate all the patients in the smoke-filled corridor back beyond the fire doors. He then completed the evacuation process and assisted in immediate care of staff and patients. He acted as the main liaison person for the fire and ambulance crews.
There is no doubt that Staff Nurse Nigel Harkin, Staff Nurse Noreen Mc Laughlin, Staff Nurse Mariosa Shiels and Staff Nurse Hugh Mc Cauley all displayed exceptional bravery on the night of the incident. All the nursing personnel displayed dedication, commitment and bravery far exceeding the normal requirements of a person going about their normal duties.
For their efforts
Staff Nurse Nigel Harkin is awarded a Certificate of Bravery
Staff Nurse Noreen Mc Loughlin is awarded a Certificate of Bravery
Staff Nurse Mariosa Shiels is awarded a Certificate of Bravery
Staff Nurse Hugh Mc Cauley is awarded a Certificate of Bravery
Adam Horgan
AWARD NO. 6
On 15th July, 2013, on Claycastle Strand, Youghal, Co. Cork, a mother went to the aid of her ten year old son when she realised that he had been swept out of his depth by a large wave just a few metres from the shore. When she reached her son she found she was also being dragged into deeper waters by the strong currents while she struggled to keep her son afloat. Adam Horgan who was fifteen at the time heard the mother’s screams for help and immediately went to their aid. He reached the two swimmers and helped the son out of the water first before assisting the mother. Both of them made full recoveries.
There is no doubt that but for the actions of Adam Horgan, the incident could have resulted in loss of life.
For his efforts
Adam Horgan is awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Alastair Jones
AWARD NO. 7
At approximately 6 o’clock on the evening of 16th July, 2011, Alastair Jones was sitting on the seaside slipway when he heard the screams of two women. A freak wave had dragged a three year old boy who was playing with a toy boat at the waters edge away from the shore. Mr. Jones ran into the water without hesitation and swam after the child who was at this stage gone under the water three or four times. Mr. Jones reached the boy within approximately five minutes and managed to pull him up to him in order to keep his head above water. He carried him back to the shore by swimming backwards using his left arm to propel him. The child was ultimately recovered from the water safely. Mr. Jones is a volunteer with Greystones Coastguard and also a qualified emergency medical technician.
Alastair Jones displayed considerable courage in the actions he took. Without his swift actions the boy concerned may well have perished at the time.
For his efforts
Alastair Jones is awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Garda Padraig Keane
AWARD NO. 8
On 4th May, 2014, at 4:41 a.m. a woman was observed climbing on to O’Connell Bridge and then jumping into the River Liffey. Garda Padraig Keane along with another Garda ran to the bridge and could see the female in the water below struggling whilst attempting to swim and call for help. Garda Keane jumped into the water and assisted the female to reach and hold on to a support beam beneath the Boardwalk. Upon the arrival of the Dublin Fire Brigade, both Garda Keane and the injured woman were removed from the water and were taken by ambulance to hospital.
Garda Keane displayed considerable courage in the actions he took. Without the actions of Garda Keane the woman in question may well have perished.
For his actions
Garda Padraig Keane is awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
The Killybegs Fire Brigade
AWARD NO. 9
At approximately 8:00am on 1st November, 2013, a fire broke out in the bar premises of Hughie’s Bar, Killybegs, Co. Donegal. It quickly spread to the upstairs living quarters of a 93 year old woman, who was the sole occupant of the house.
When the barman opened the premises at 8:00am he was met by a smoke filled hallway and was unable to make it upstairs. The woman’s son also tried to gain access through the kitchen window but was unable to do so, due to the intense smoke. By the time the Killybegs Fire Brigade arrived there was smoke billowing from the woman’s bedroom window. Fireman Thomas Curran along with his brother Fireman Shaun Curran proceeded to enter the building and go up the stairs. They broke down the door to the bedroom, located the woman and then proceeded to carry her towards the exit. Fireman Thomas Curran remained upstairs to put out the fire while Fireman Shaun Curran single-handedly carried the woman down the stairs. A waiting ambulance brought her to Letterkenny Hospital where she was treated for shock and smoke inhalation.
Without the swift actions of the Curran brothers in particular, an elderly woman may well have perished.
It was the view of the Assistant Chief Fire Officer that any bravery award should be awarded to the entire crew on duty that day and both Shaun and Thomas Curran agree with this view.
For their effort
The Killybegs Fire Brigade is awarded a Certificate of Bravery which was be accepted on their behalf by the station officer, Kevin Conwell.
Enda McDonald and Rafal Piasecki
Award No 10
On Tuesday 10th December, 2013 between 3.00 and 3.30pm Enda McDonald was driving through Irishtown, New Ross, when he noticed black smoke coming from the first floor window of a mid-terraced house. He immediately pulled over his van and as he did, he saw a face at the upstairs window. He unstrapped one of the two ladders he was carrying on his van, and ran across the road with it.
As he came to the front of the house he heard a man on his phone talking to the emergency services. Placing the ladder on the left hand side of the window where the victim was, Enda McDonald climbed to the top of the ladder. The victim had his head, arms and shoulders out of the top opening of a very small window and was suffering very badly from smoke inhalation. Mr. McDonald reassured him that the emergency services were on their way. He came back down the ladder and instructed an employee of his, Rafal Piasecki to take the second ladder from the van and place it on the other side of the window. Mr. Piasecki went up the ladder on the other side and they both pulled the occupant head first out of the window. On getting him to the ground they placed him in the recovery position. The fire brigade and ambulance arrived shortly aftr and quickly took control of the indcident.
There is no doubt but for the action of Mr. McDonald and Mr. Piasecki that the incident could have resulted in a loss of life.
For their efforts, Enda McDonald and Rafal Piasecki are awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Garda Carroll Walsh and Garda Sergeant Carrie O’Connor
Award No. 11
On 18th August 2012, Garda Carrie O’Connor (who has since become a Sergeant) along with another Garda from Store Street Garda Station approached a female sitting ona wall beside the River Liffey at Arran Quay, Dublin 7. The woman without speaking or warning jumped into the river which was near full tide and flowing quickly. They called for immediate assistance and a squad car driven by Garda Carroll Walsh from Pearse Street Garda Station arrived soon after. On arrival Garda Walsh quickly assessed the situation and then entered the water and swam to the injured party who by this time was being taken away by the tide and also sucked down into the water. However, the woman began to struggle with Garda Walsh as he attempted to bring her to safety. Garda Carrie O’Connor had at this time entered the water to assist Garda Walsh. Both Gardai took the woman from the water where an ambulance was waiting.
Both Sergeant Carrie O’Connor and Garda Carroll Walsh showed considerable courage in the actions they took.
For their efforts both Garda Carroll Walsh and Garda Sergeant Carrie O’Connor are awarded a Certificate of Bravery each.
Tony Stack
AWARD NO. 12
On 7th July, 2013, four young siblings (aged between 4 and 14) had been playing in an area on Barrow Beach called Poulgorm. Tony Stack noticed that that they were in difficulty on a sandbank surrounded by a fast incoming tide that had just turned. Without hesitation Mr. Stack entered the water and brought all four individually to safety. Mr. Stack is a member of the Fenit Lifeboat crew.
There is no doubt that but for the actions of Mr. Stack, the incident could have resulted in loss of life.
For his actions
Tony Stack is awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Brian Supple
Award No. 13
On 8th July, 2013 at approximately 5.30pm, Brian Supple (who was 18 at the time and who is also a qualified Lifeguard) was in the vicinity of a quarry when he heard two men in difficulties in the water. Without hesitation he jumped into the water and swam towards the two men. The temperature was so cold he knew that time was not on his side. When he reached the first man, he saw that the had gone under the water and was unconscious. Mr. Supple brought him back to the surface and then to dry land. He went back into the water to rescue the second man.
The second man was still concous but having difficulty breathing. Brian managed to bring him out of the water and onto dry land. However, he now had the problem of getting the two men to the other side of the water and out of 15 onlookers he managed to form a chain of people and successfully managed to transfer the men back to dry land.
There is no doubt but for the actions of Brian Supple, the incident could have resulted in loss of human life.
For his actions Brian Supple is awarded a Certificate of Bravery
Martin Mullen, Stephen Andrews, Thomas O’Brien and Brendan Connolly
Award No 14
At approximately 3.00am on the 31st July 2011, Aidan Mullen (RIP) was walking from Burgh Quay towards Butt Bridge when he accidently fell into the River Liffey. He was quickly swept towards Butt Bridge.
Martin Mullen, who was the victim’s brother, entered the water using the steps on George’s Quay, attempted to swim out to intercept his brother before he himself got into difficulties. Stephen Andrews, who was nearby, observed Martin, grabbed him and attempted to swim back to the steps on George’s Quay but he himself was pushed under the water on a number of occasions. Brendan Connolly who was also passing by at the time, saw the situation and went to assist Stephen. Brendan entered the water, swam after Martin, grabbed him and supported him on the surface. Thomas O’Brien at this point also entered the river and assisted Brendan in bringing Martin back to the steps. All four exited the water safely and were treated at the scene by emergency services. Martin was taken to hospital for treatment and the other trhee men did not suffer any physical injuries. Tragically, a short time later, the body of Aidan Mullen (RIP) was recovered from the water by the Dublin Fire Brigade.
Martin Mullen’s efforts to save his brother involved significant personal risk.
There is no doubt that without the individual and combined efforts of Stephen Andrews, Brendan Connolly and Thomas O’Brien a double tragic drowning could have occurred.
For their Efforts: Martin Mullen, Stephen Andrews, Thomas O’Brien and Brendan Connolly are each awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Eli Brace and Joe Cantillon
Award No. 15
On 1st March 2014, a woman entered the River Shannon at Thomond Bridge, Thomondgate, Limerick. The water level at this part of the River Shannon was high at the time and there was a strong current flowing. Having entered the water, the woman was swept down the river. Once it became apparent that there was a person in the water, the relevant emergency services were requested and the Irish Coastguard was redeployed, but was unable to affect a rescue as she rapidly approached Sarsfield Bridge. At this time, Mr. Joe Cantillon was on duty on the river as a coach with St. Michael’s Rowing Club. On seeing the helicopter he assumed that it was an exercise and proceeded to Sarsfield bridge in a flat-bottomed boat to observe the event. Its should be noted that his boat was light and not designed for rescue. Simultaneously, Limerick City Fire Service, an ambulance and An Garda Síochána arrived at the bridge. Realising that this was not an exercise and observing the woman in the water, Mr. Cantillon set about rescuing her from the water. As he approached her, Firefighter Eli Brace jumped into the water to assist. Together, Mr. Cantillon and Firefighter Eli Brace helped the woman from the water and placed her into the boat. After being taken ashore, she was brought to University Hospital Limerick where she made a full recovery.
There is no doubt but for the swift actions and considerable courage of Firefighter Eli Brace and Joe Cantillon that the incident may have resulted in loss of life.
For their efforts, Firefighter Eli Brace and Joe Cantillon are each awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Kerri Brosnan
Award No. 16
On 26th September, 2013 Kerri Brosnan’s mother was attacked by a suckler cow that rammed her against the wall of the calving pen on the family farm in Leamlara, Co. Cork. Kerri who was 11 years of age at the time, was nearby and started banging on the gate with a pike trying to distract the cow, before she decided to throw a full bucket of nuts over the gate which caused the cow to turn around and investigate momentarily. This gave Kerri’s mother a chance to get into a standing position and when the cow came for her again she was able to jump over the cow’s back and land inside the vertical headgate the cow had been locked up in. She was then able to tstep out of hte pen but collapsed in pain as she did so. Kerri then took her mother’s phone and called for her father but he was about an hour away. She then called a friend and neighbour of the family who was a nurse and was able to come straight away. Kerri’s two younger siblings arrived soon afterwards and she was able to stop them panicking by having one sit beside her mother to keep her awake and the other to go to the house to show the neighbour where to find them. Her mother had received multiple injuries including a severly bruised lung, a tea to her liver and broken ribs. She has since recovered.
There is no doubt that but for the actions of Kerri Brosnan, the incident could have resulted in loss of life.
For her actions, v
Chris Carr, Ross Brunton and Leon Matthews
Award No 17
At approximately 1.30pm on the 5th March 2014, Chris Carr was driving by a residence on Harbour street in Mullingar when he noticed fire and thick black smoke coming from the building. He stopped his car and looked for assistance in a nearby pub, where he acquired a fire extinguisher and went to the builing, along with Ross Brunton who had been having lunch in the pub at that time. They soon noticed that the fire had accelerated and the fire extinguisher would not be enough. Leon Matthews was passing by on the street at this time and assisted also. The three men subsequently obtained a ladder from the pub and went back to the apartment block. Using the ladder they removed two male residents from the upper floor though a window. Mr. Carr entered the apartment block and found a woman slumped over on the floor. He removed her from the building to safety.
There is no doubt but for the actions of Chris Carr, Ross Brunton and Leon Matthews that this incident may have resulted in loss of life. The three men displayed considerable courage in the actions they took.
For their efforts:
Chris Carr is awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Ross Brunton and Leon Matthews are each awarded a Certificate of Bravery
Jennifer Cunningham, Luke Foley and Katie McCabe
Award No. 18
On 24th March 2015 at approximately 7.45pm Jennifer Cunningham, Luke Foley and Katie McCabe were waiting at Bayside DART station when they observed a motionless female on the tracks. Due to a rapidly approaching train the three teenagers reacted quickly and got down on the tracks and removed the vulnerable woman to safety. This train was not due to stop in that station at that time. The driver later informed the Gardaí that, as it was a dark night and visibility was poor, he would more than likely not have been able to stop in time.
It later emerged that the woman had suffered and epileptic fit and fell from the platform on to the tracks below. Medical assistance was sought and she made a full recovery.
There is no doubt but for the swift actions of Luke Foley, Jennifer Cunningham and Katie McCabe that the incident may have resulted in loss of life. All three displayed considerable courage in the actions they took and without their swift actions the woman in question may well have died.
For their efforts: Jennifer Cunningham, Luke Foley and Katie McCabe are each awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Róisín Halligan
Award No 19
At approxiamately 9.00pm on 16th October 2014, Róisín Halligan was in the sitting room of Ardmore Park, Ballybeg, Waterford watching television. Her two cousins, a one year old and 3 month old, were also present in the house when the front window was broken and a petrol bomb was thrown into the room. Róisín’s one year old cousin was sitting in the sitting room with her at the time and Róisín instinctively went to protect her cousin, shielding her to protect her from the flames. Her grandmother, who was also present, extinguished the fire. However, Ms Halligan received extensive burns to her face, body, arms and legs, and spent several weeks in Cork University Hospital where she was treated for severe burns.
There is no doubt but for the actions of Róisín Halligan that the incident may have resulted in loss of life. Róisin displayed considerable courage in the actions she took.
For Her efforts: Róisín Halligan is awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
James Loughlin
Award No. 20
On 14th September, 2014, a three-vehicle-collision occurred on the N15 Donegal Road at the junction with the Leghowney Road.
James Loughlin was passing the scene soon after the collision occurred. He saw flames coming from the car where the fire had started and predicted all the other cars were likely to catch fire. He approached one of the cars to find two people trapped. When he opened the door he found an unconscious female and heard the man in the driver’s seat scream for someone to get hsi wife out. He got the woman out and brought her to a safe area returning to get the man. However, the man’s feet were trapped but he managed to release him and brought him to safety. The car at this stage was engulfed in black smoke and soon after went up in flames.
There is now doubt but for the swift actions of James Loughlin that the incident may have resulted in loos of life. Mr. Loughlin displayed considerable courage in the actions he took.
For his efforts James Loughlin is awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Paul Lynam-Loane
Award No. 21
On 11th December 2013 at approximately 7.30am Paul Lynam-Loane was driving home after a twelve hour night shift at a care centre when he noticed flames coming from a window on the North Circular Road. He stopped the car and rang 999, and was told to knock at the front door to get everybody out, which he did. As there was no response, Mr. Lynam-Loane kicked the door in and went upstairs shouting for everybody to evacuate the building. There was some confusion at first as some of the residents believed he was a burglar and as many of the residents were foreign nationals there were language difficulties. Mr Lynam-Loane reassured the residents and he was able to evacuate everybody from the building. Soon afterwards the emergency services arrived and dealt with the fire.
There is no doubt that but for the swift actions of Paul Lynam-Loane the incident may have resulted in loss of life. Mr. Lynam-Loane’s quick thinking and heroic actions saved the lives of several people. As a direct result of his involvement, there were thankfully no injuries in this fire. All the residents of the building were evacuated safely.
For his efforts Paul Lynam-Loane is awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
James O’Reilly
Award No. 22
On 25th May, 2013 at approximately 12.45 James O’Reilly (R.I.P.) who was a coach with Navan Road United, was at Courtown Harbour with his football club. The group of five adults and 13 children went to Courtown for the day after a friendly match they were due to play was cancelled. As it was a hot day, three of the youngsters went into the water, but one of them got into difficulty. Mr. O’Reilly jumped into the water to help the child, but both got into difficulties and were being dragged out by the current. Meanwhile, a club member ran to get a life buoy, while another when to the lifeboat station for help. A teenager who was on the beach swam out to where the two swimmers were, grabbed the youngster and brought him to safety but Mr. O’Reilly was dragged out further by the current and unfortunately, his body was recovered a short time later by Courtown Lifeboat. The youngster made a full recovery.
There is little doubt but for the swift actions of James O’Reilly that day, another young man may well have drowned. Mr. O’Reilly displayed considerable courage in the actions he took. Without his swift actions the young man concerned mauy well have perished.
For his actions James O’Reilly is posthumously awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery
Garda Brendan O’Toole
Award No. 23
On 22nd May, 2014, Garda Brendan O’Toole, who was off duty at the time and in his civilian clothes, observed two masked raiders enter Cullens Corner Shop and suspected they were committing a robbery. He parked his vehicle a short distance away, rang the Garda Station and approached the shop to investigate further. He observed one of the raiders at the entrance who was standing guard outside. Garda O’Toole casually walked passed him and entered the shop.
Upon entering, he closed the door behind him and confronted the second raider who had already gone behind the shop counter and was in the process of assaulting the shopkeeper. He unmasked the raider inside the shop and showed his face clearly to the CCTV cameras. At this stage, the raider who had stood guard at the front door of the shop had come in, produced a firearm (which transpired to be a “realistic imitation firearm”) and pointed it at the shopkeeper demanding that he open the cash register. He also threatened to shoot Garda O’Toole if he did not release the other raider from his grasp. Garda O’ Toole was compelled to release this raider when confronted with this scenario. Both raiders made their escape on foot. Garda O’Toole courageously pursued both of them. He managed to apprehend the raider who had been armed but during the chase threw away his weapon. Garda O’Toole sustained an injury to his hand during this struggle which necessitated hospital treatment. The other raider was arrested later that evening at this home.
There is no doubt but for the swift actions of Garda Brendan O’Toole that the incident may have resulted in loss of life. Garda O’toole displayed considerable courage in the actions he took.
For his efforts : Garda Brendan O’Toole is awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
John O’Donoghue
AWARD NO. 24
On 20th June, 2013, while moving cattle on the family farm, John O’Donoghue’s father, Joe O’Donoghue, was attacked and gored by a bull. John O’Donoghue (who was 15 years of age at the time) ran to his father’s aid and grabbed the bull by the nose ring and around his neck. He distracted the bull for long enough to allow his father to escape to safety.
As they both ran for their vehicle, the bull once again hit Joe. John again went to his father’s aid and held the bull by the neck, allowing his father time to escape. Both men made it to their jeep and the bull began to attack the vehicle, which continued to do until they left the field. Joe O’Donoghue was seriously injured but has since recovered.
There is no doubt that but for the swift actions of John O’Donoghue the incident may have resulted in loss of life. Without the swift actions of John, his father may well have been killed.
For his efforts
John O’Donoghue is awarded a Silver Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Garda Michael Twomey
AWARD NO. 25
On the night of 17th/18th April, 2014, a series of incidents took place which posed serious and substantial risk to the general public in the Cork area. The incident arose as a result of two people who stole a van and shortly thereafter committed a burglary at the Vienna Woods Hotel, Glanmire, Co. Cork. In the course of this burglary a large quantity of alcohol was stolen and the suspects proceeded to joyride across Cork City and County resulting in five separate collisions. During the course of these incidents many of the public road users, both drivers and pedestrians, were put in serious danger.
It was during the course of these events that Garda Michael Twomey showed exemplary initiative in anticipating the route of travel of the suspect vehicle and with his Garda motorcycle, set up a traffic warning point in the interest of preserving life at a major road junction, Cork City and Mallow. He was intentionally rammed by the stolen vehicle and thrown from his official motorcycle. Garda Twomey received serious back, neck and leg injuries in the incident and was removed by ambulance to Cork University Hospital. The two offenders were later arrested and were subsequently convicted.
Without the selfless actions of Garda Twomey catastrophic injuries to members of the public and members of An Garda Síochána may well have occurred.
For his efforts
Garda Michael Twomey is awarded a Silver Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Colin Carter
AWARD NO. 26
On the night of 16th August shortly before 1:00am a house on Chord Road was the subject of a suspected arson attack. The resident of this house was an elderly, disabled woman who was confined to a wheelchair and was sleeping at the time. A passerby noticed a group acting in a suspicious manner before seeing the fire in the window of the house and hearing the moaning and coughing of the lady inside. He raised the alarm in McDonnell’s public house across the road and Colin Carter along with another person went out to help. They were able to gain entrance through the front door and Mr. Carter then made his way into the sitting room of the house by crawling on his hands and knees. He made his way to the lady’s room where he helped her from her bed and onto the ground from where he dragged her to the front door. Mr. Carter removed her clear of the house with the assistance of others who included a qualified nurse who began administering care to the lady. During the rescue, Mr. Carter received injuries to his body in the form of burns to both of his arms, his back and his head. The lady was removed to St. James’ Hospital where she remained until unfortunately passing away from her injuries on 20th November, 2014 having never regained consciousness.
There is no doubt that but for the swift actions of Colin Carter the incident may have resulted in loss of life. Mr. Carter displayed considerable courage in the actions he took. While the lady has since passed away there is no doubt that without the actions of Mr. Carter the lady may well have perished.
For his efforts
Colin Carter is awarded a Silver Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
On Friday, 24th October 2014, the National Bravery Awards ceremony was held at Farmleigh House in the Phoenix Park, Dublin. Award Recipients received their medals and certificates from the Ceann Comhairle, Mr. Seán Barrett, T.D.
Click here to view the 2014 photos
Stephen Deery
In the week leading up to Tuesday 22nd October, 2013, a small child around 2 years old, climbed out of the window of his home without his mother’s knowledge and made his way to a main road in Carlow town beside a service station on Green Lane. As one car missed the little boy, Stephen Deery who was aged 21 at the time and was at the time performing a forecourt check, saw him and at great personal risk went onto the road. He was able to scoop the little child out of the path of a second car, which had to slam on the brakes to avoid the child. After rescuing the boy, Mr. Deery sat the toddler on a wall and helped locate the boy’s family.
There is no doubt but for the swift actions of Mr. Stephen Deery that the incident may have resulted in loss of life. Mr. Deery displayed considerable courage in the actions he took.
For his efforts
Stephen Deery is awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Denis O’Leary
On the morning of 24th July, 2011 at approximately 6:10am, Denis O’Leary was driving through Farranfore when he saw a car in a grass margin with steam rising from the front of it. Mr. O’Leary stopped his car, went over to the other car and found a man trapped in the driver’s seat. There was a fire starting underneath the driver’s seat but the driver’s door would not open. The man was able to move himself to the front passenger side of the car where Mr. O’Leary was able to open the door and help him out of the car. With the help of an unknown delivery man who had stopped nearby Mr. O’Leary was able to bring the man away from the car that was soon completely engulfed in flames. The Garda Síochána and Fire Service arrived soon after. The driver suffered severe burns to his legs and would have burnt to death had Mr. O’Leary not rescued him.
There is no doubt but for the swift actions of Mr. Denis O’Leary that the incident may have resulted in loss of life. Mr. O’Leary displayed considerable courage in the actions he took. Without the swift actions of Mr. O’Leary the young man in question may well have perished.
For his efforts
Denis O’Leary is awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Garda Donal Callaghan & Garda Paul Oliphant
On the 31st January, 2013 at approx 17:40, an emergency “999” call was received at the Communications Room in Monaghan Garda Station from a caller reporting that a woman was drowning in Peter’s Lake just off Monaghan town centre. Garda Donal Callaghan who was on duty in the station immediately ran to the scene and talked to the caller who pointed out the area the witness believed he saw the woman in the lake. It was during the hours of darkness and visibility was very poor, but despite this Garda Callaghan without hesitation entered the water and swam to the area in question. He was able to locate the body of an unconscious female face down in the water and so he commenced towing this woman towards the shore. At this time, Garda Paul Oilphant had also arrived at the scene and after locating a Life-Buoy, waded into the water to assist Garda Callaghan in taking the woman ashore. On the shoreline, Garda Callaghan and Garda Oilphant commenced CPR and managed to resuscitate the woman who was soon after brought by ambulance to Cavan General Hospital where she later made a full recovery.
There is no doubt that but for the swift actions of Garda Donal Callaghan and Garda Paul Oilphant that the incident may have resulted in loss of life. The two members involved displayed considerable courage in the actions they took. Without the swift actions of both Gardai the young lady concerned may well have perished.
For their efforts
Garda Donal Callaghan is awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Garda Paul Oliphant is awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Garda Richard Pender
On the evening of 22nd July, 2009, Garda Richard Pender responded to a call in relation to a public order incident which occurred outside the Black Horse Public House, Tyrconnell Road, Inchicore, Dublin 8. He attended the scene along with five other Gardai. There were a large number of people outside the pub who appeared to be having an argument with a couple who were having a domestic dispute. The tempers of this large crowd were rather frayed and the situation appeared hostile. Garda Pender along with his colleagues spoke to several members of the crowd in an attempt to calm the situation when he was informed that a woman was drowning in the canal. He observed a female in the middle of the canal face down in the water and apparently unconscious. Garda Pender removed his utility belt, stab proof vest, radio and shoes and jumped into the water. He swam over the woman and then brought her to the bank of the canal where she was pulled from the water. At the same time, a second man had also jumped into the canal to assist in the rescue but he also ran into difficulties and began to shout that he was drowning. Garda Pender then re-entered the canal, swam over to the man and brought him to the bank of the canal. This person appeared uninjured and immediately left the area without being identified. It should also be said that a volatile crowd had gathered along the canal which made the scene very chaotic. A short time later an ambulance arrived, treated the woman initially at the scene and then brought her and Garda Pender to St. James’ Hospital where they both made complete recoveries.
There is no doubt that but for the swift actions of Garda Pender that the incident may have resulted in loss of life.
For his efforts
Garda Richard Pender is awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Richard Galvin
On the 24th August, 2012, Richard Galvin was at the beach with his wife and children when he became aware that there was a person in difficulty in the water some distance from shore. Mr. Galvin got a surf board and swam through the choppy water to reach the swimmer in difficulty. On reaching the swimmer, Mr. Galvin pulled him onto the surf board and managed to bring him back to the beach safely under difficult conditions. The Irish Coast Guard and rescue helicopter arrived on the scene shortly afterwards and the man was transported to hospital where he made a full recovery.
There is no doubt that but for the swift actions and quick thinking of Mr. Gavin this incident would have resulted in loss of life.
For his efforts
Richard Galvin is awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Garda Mark Irwin & Reserve Garda Stephen Corrigan
On 28th October, 2012, Garda Mark Irwin and Reserve Garda Stephen Corrigan were in a squad car in pursuit of another car that had been driving erratically on Bridge Street, Westport, Co. Mayo. It swerved on a number of occasions and narrowly avoided collided with parked cars. The driving was becoming extremely dangerous and the driver overtook a vehicle while going around a very dangerous bend and it was at this stage Garda Irwin made a decision to stop pursuing the vehicle for the safety of the general public. The vehicle soon afterwards veered off the road into Knappaghbeg Lake. Garda Irwin and Reserve Garda Corrigan immediately went to the scene to investigate, got out of their squad car and went into the lake as the car was on its roof and was submerged in the water. Although the driver was trapped in the vehicle the two Gardai managed to lift the driver’s head from under the water to an air pocket and keep him conscious until the fire brigade and ambulance arrived, which was approx twenty minutes later. The driver was subsequently freed from the car and transferred to Mayo General Hospital where he received treatment for his injuries.
Reserve Garda Stephen Corrigan and Garda Mark Irwin displayed considerable courage in entering the lake in freezing temperatures. Without their quick thinking and brave actions on the night it is possible that the driver of the car could have perished.
For their efforts
Garda Mark Irwin is awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Reserve Garda Stephen Corrigan is awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Garda Mark Irwin & Garda John Boyle
Around 4 am on 18th November, 2012, Garda John Boyle and Garda Mark Irwin, while patrolling the Westport Quay area, observed the rear red lights of a car at the edge of a pier. As they approached they noticed a male with his head in his hands beside the car which was actually hanging over the edge of the pier. Its engine was still running and lights left on and the driver’s door open. The man said that his friend who was the driver of the car had fallen into the sea below. The two Gardai went to the edge and saw a young man in the sea. It appeared that he had attempted to exit the car once it had crashed but had fallen 15 feet into the sea and was holding onto a lower ledge trying to keep his head above water. Both Gardai decided to make their way down to him via a fixed ladder and entered the sea. They then dragged the man from the sea and carefully brought him back up the ladder and onto dry ground. He was subsequently brought to Mayo General Hospital where he made a full recovery. The water was at high tide, approximately 20 feet deep and the temperature was freezing at the time of the incident.
There is no doubt that but for the swift actions of Garda Mark Irwin and Garda John Boyle that the incident may have resulted in loss of life. The two members involved displayed considerable courage in the actions they took. Without the swift actions of both Gardai the man concerned may well have perished.
For their efforts
Garda Mark Irwin is awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Garda John Boyle is awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Winnifred Roubians
On 29th June, 2012, Winnifred Roubians’ children were playing with some other children outside her house when one of the children slipped and fell into a nearby river. Due to heavy rainfall, the river was swollen. The boy who could not swim was swept away and could not be seen from the small bridge over the river. Ms. Roubian’s son came to the house to raise the alarm. Ms Roubians ran to the river and without hesitation or thought for her own life, jumped in and had to wade and swim a distance of over 200 metres before finding the child who was clinging to brambles along the side of the river and rescued him. The child was in shock and had taken in a great deal of water. Ms. Roubians pulled him from the water and carried him to a Garda car which had arrived at the scene.
There is no doubt that but for the swift actions of Ms. Roubians that the incident may have resulted in loss of life. Ms. Roubians displayed considerable courage in the actions she took. Without her swift actions, the young boy concerned may well have perished.
For her efforts
Winnifred Roubians is awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Mark O’Mahony
On 29th May, 2013, three men had to swim to Horse Island off Audley Cove near Ballydehob, Co. Cork after their small vessel sank. They tried to swim the 1.5 km to shore but because of swirling currents they couldn’t reach it and began to get into difficulties. Mark O’Mahony who was swimming near the shore heard the three men’s cries for help and after telling his wife to raise the alarm got into his kayak and despite a broken paddle, strong tides and gusting winds was able to reach one of the swimmers. Mr. O’Mahony got him to hold onto his kayak. Two lifeboats from Baltimore RNLI soon arrived and Mr. O’Mahony pointed them in the direction of the other two swimmers. The three men were brought to shore and then transferred by Irish Coastguard helicopter to Cork University Hospital.
There is no doubt that but for the courageous actions of Mr. Mark O’Mahony the incident may have resulted in loss of life. Mr. O’Mahony displayed considerable courage in the actions he took. Without his swift actions the three young men concerned may well have perished.
For his efforts
Mark O’Mahony is awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Garda Alan Gallagher
On 23rd October, 2012 at approx: 4.30 pm, Gardai from Donegal Town responded to a call of a house fire at The Mullans, Donegal Town. On arrival at the scene, there were a number of local people in the garden of the single storey semi-detached house. Smoke was emerging from under the roof of the house and flames had started to break through the upper end of the house to the right of the front door. On being told that there maybe a female in the house Garda Alan Gallagher and two other males started banging the windows to elicit a response. It eventually became apparent that there was someone in the lower bedroom to the left of the front door. The window of the bedroom was broken and Garda Gallagher entered the house via the window and carried out the sole occupant of the house. There was a considerable amount of smoke in the house at the time. Garda Gallagher was the only person to enter the house to affect the rescue. The Fire Service and Ambulance arrived soon after.
There is no doubt that but for the courageous actions of Garda Alan Gallagher that the incident may have resulted in loss of life. Garda Gallagher involved displayed considerable courage in the actions he took. Without the swift actions of Garda Gallagher the lady concerned may well have perished.
For his efforts
Garda Alan Gallagher is awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Jason McClay
On the night of 2nd/3rd June, 2012, a car crashed through a barbed wire fence and then travelled down a 30 foot embankment coming to rest in the Crana River at Tullyarvan, Buncrana, Co. Donegal. Jason McClay who was walking nearby, came to investigate the noise and was informed that a vehicle had gone into the river. Mr. McClay (who was 19 years of age) ran over to the embankment and scaled down to the vehicle in the river (in complete darkness) disregarding his own personal safety where he assisted in bringing the four occupants to safety. There were three boys and one girl. They were all able to escape the vehicle with only minor injuries.
There is no doubt that but for the swift actions of Mr. McClay that the incident may have resulted in loss of lives.
For his efforts
Jason McClay is awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery. As Mr. McClay is unfortunately unable to attend, his award will be accepted by his parents.
Jason O’Farrell, Vincent McConnell & George Williams
On 27th March, 2012 at 11:25am, Jason O’Farrell was sitting and talking to Vincent McConnell (both taxi drivers) on Sir John Rogersons Quay, Dublin 2, when they witnessed a man jump into the River Liffey in an attempt to take his own life. Mr. Farrell entered the river and swam to the victim who was unconscious and appeared to have stopped breathing. Mr. McConnell threw a nearby life buoy to Mr. Farrell to assist him with the rescue. Mr. O’Farrell administered CPR while in the water. The victim was very heavy (it was later discovered that the victim was carrying a rucksack filled with heavy items) and Mr. Farrell was unable to lift him up the metal ladder on the side wall of the river. Mr. McConnell towed both men to the concrete steps outside State Street Bank where with the assistance of George Williams, who was also a taxi driver who had witnessed the incident, assisted in helping them up the steps. Mr. O’Farrell continued to give CPR to the victim until the Dublin Fire Brigade arrived.
Mr. O’Farrell displayed exceptional courage and bravery when he jumped into the Liffey to rescue the victim who clearly looked to take his own life. Although Mr. McConnell’s name wasn’t initially put forward for an award he also played a significant part in the rescue. While Mr. Williams’ name was also not initially put forward for an award it is recommended that he also should be considered for the part he played in the rescue.
For their efforts
Jason O’Farrell is awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Vincent McConnell is awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
George Williams is awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
(Both Vincent McConnell and George Williams were unable to attend. They later received their awards)
Derek Allen
On 15th August, 2002, Derek Allen (who was 18 at the time) and his father were enjoying a day out at Bettystown Beach, Co. Meath, when a twelve year old girl, who was swimming in a rubber ring, got into difficulties and drifted out to sea. Despite the fact that Derek was at the other end of a packed beach, he raced into the water and swam for fifteen minutes until he reached the girl. His father followed and assisted Derek in bringing the girl back safely to the shore. The girl was reported as being cold and frightened but otherwise well.
There is no doubt but for the swift actions of Derek Allen, the incident may have resulted in loss of life. Mr. Allen displayed considerable courage in the actions he took.
For his efforts
Derek Allen is awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery
Padraig O’Neill
On 14th October, 2012, Padraig O’Neill and his family were travelling in his van when a tourist car collided with him and caught fire on impact. Having secured the safety of his family and contacting the emergency services, he ran to the tourist car and removed a female passenger to safety. He then returned to the driver’s door and realised that the driver was trapped in the car. At this point, the bonnet of the car was engulfed in flames and the fire was progressing rapidly. Mr. O’Neill pulled the top part of the door open and broke the glass. As he was attempting to rescue the driver, Mr. O’Neill now realised that the man’s leg was trapped underneath the driving pedal. Mr. O’Neill reached in and bent the pedal using his full strength which aided the driver to release his leg and be taken from the car. Both the van and car were now on fire.
There is no doubt but for the swift actions of Mr. Padraig O’Neill that the incident may have resulted in loss of life. Mr. O’Neill displayed considerable courage in the actions he took.
For his efforts
Padraig O’Neill is awarded a Silver Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Brian O’Sullivan & Katie O’Neill
On the evening of 21st July, 2013, Brian O’Sullivan (who was 15 at the time) was at Wicklow Pier with some friends when he saw a man who was with two children struggling in the water. The two children were crying so Mr. O’Sullivan jumped into the water, swam over to the man who was now floating face down and proceeded to hold the man’s head above the water. Katie O’Neill who was a lifeguard attached to Wicklow Town Council was on duty at the time had also become aware of the situation and she also entered the water and started to swim towards Mr. O’Sullivan’s position. There were a lot of kayaks in the water at the time and the two children managed to get on to one of them. Ms. O’Neill took over the rescue from Mr. O’Sullivan. She brought the man who had been in difficulties onto another kayak and attempted to resuscitate him. The kayak was brought to the shore where two nurses who were nearby took over while Ms. O’Neill contacted the ambulance service. Subsequently, the man was brought to Tallaght Hospital where unfortunately he passed away the following day.
Brian O’Sullivan acted on instinct and did what he could within the limits of his ability, despite the fact that there were 200 people present. He was the one who took action rather than remain an onlooker. Katie O’Neill is also worthy of commendation and acted calmly and with authority bringing her skills to bear on the situation. Where it not for the actions of these two people, this incident could have resulted in loss of life.
For their efforts
Brian O’Sullivan is awarded a Silver Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Katie O’Neill is awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
National Bravery Awards 2013
On Friday, 1st November 2013, the National Bravery Awards ceremony was held at Farmleigh House in the Phoenix Park, Dublin. Award Recipients received their medals and certificates from the Ceann Comhairle, Mr. Seán Barrett, T.D.
Click here to view the 2013 photos
Sean McHale, Martin Kavanagh, Martin O’Donnell & Patrick O’Donnell
On the 25th October 1997 a major rescue was underway in an area known as “Lady’s Bay” near Belderrig in County Mayo. A boat with a family of three and another person got into difficulty when the boat overturned after being hit by a wave. All four men receiving awards today played a part in that rescue which sadly took the lives of two people, one occupant of the boat and another person who was lost trying to rescue the others. Were it not for the seamanship, skill, ingenuity and bravery of these four people more lives would have indeed been lost.
For their efforts,
Sean McHale is awarded a Certificate of Bravery
Martin Kavanagh is awarded a Certificate of Bravery
Martin O’Donnell is awarded a Certificate of Bravery
Patrick O’Donnell is awarded a Certificate of Bravery
Aideen Ryan
On the 8th May 2002 a boat with a single male occupant floated out to sea at Doran’s Point in County Mayo. In his attempt to bring the boat back into shore the man got into difficulty. On realising the seriousness of the situation Aideen Ryan entered the water and with the assistance of another passer-by she succeeded in bringing both the man and his boat safely back to shore.
For her efforts,
Aideen Ryan is awarded a Certificate of Bravery
Maurice Kelleher
On the 23rd August 2000 Maurice Kelleher came to the assistance of two men in the rescue of two young brothers aged 11 and 14 who had gotten into difficulty in the waters at Whiting Bay, Youghal, County Cork. Maurice played his part in this rescue by managing the lifebuoy to maximum effect which resulted in the two boys being brought safely to shore. But for the quick and courageous action of all involved in this rescue it is likely that both boys would have drowned. National Bravery Awards have been presented previously to two of the other people involved in this rescue and today,
For his efforts,
Maurice Kelleher is awarded a Certificate of Bravery
Yvonne Donovan
On the 24th June 2001, Yvonne Donovan came to the aid of a young man after he had been stabbed while out for the night with friends. Yvonne noticed that the victim was conscious but he couldn’t speak so in a selfless act she knelt down beside him and wrapped him in her jacket to keep him warm. She continued to comfort him and keep him conscious until the emergency services arrived. But for the intervention of Yvonne the injuries to this young man may have proved fatal.
For her efforts,
Yvonne Donovan is awarded a Certificate of Bravery
Padraig Corcoran
At 5.00 am on the 24th September 1987 Padraig Corcoran was out on Lough Ree, County Roscommon with a friend shooting duck when the boat they were in got stuck in long reeds and hit the silt river bed. The men got out of the boat to pull the boat along. Unfortunately, one of their guns accidently discharged shooting through the side of the boat and maiming Padraig’s friend in the upper thigh.
Padraig managed to get his friend back into the boat and lay him down at the bottom of the boat. Realising that his friend was losing a lot of blood from the wound he found twine and managed to create a tourniquet easing the loss of blood to a trickle. He then managed to get the boat afloat by dragging it into deeper waters allowing him to charge the engine and return to shore where assistance was received from two others.
Because of the injuries received and the subsequent surgeries that were carried out on this man there is no doubt but for the actions of Padraig Corcoran this man would have lost his life.
For his efforts,
Padraig Corcoran is awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Michael Carroll
On the 25th October 1998 Michael Carroll entered the water to rescue a woman who had gotten into difficulty in the Castletown River at Georges Quay, Dundalk, Co. Louth. By the time the emergency services arrived Mr. Carroll was supporting the woman against one of the dock supports. At the time the river was in full tidal flood and just beginning to ebb which resulted in a strong current at the quayside. In addition the weather was particularly cold and miserable. It is felt that the action taken by Mr. Carroll was particularly courageous when one considers the difficult conditions that existed at that time. As result of Mr. Carroll’s brave deed the woman was brought to safety.
For his efforts,
Michael Carroll is awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Elizabeth Barrett
In July 1999, Elizabeth Barrett was then a Scout Leader with the Skerries Unit who were camping along with other scouting units in Lough Key, near Boyle in County Roscommon.
One of the other Scout Leaders from another Unit waded into Louth Key and, as she did, the sands below began to shift. As she couldn’t swim she lost her footing and fell into the water. The scene was unfolding in front of many young members who were obviously stricken by the sight of one of their leaders struggling in the water. Elizabeth Barrett took control of the situation and after ensuring that the youngsters were safe and calm she swam the distance into the lake and rescued her colleague towing her back to the safety of dry land. But for the swift actions of Elizabeth this event could have resulted in a much more serious outcome.
For her efforts,
Elizabeth Barrett is awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Garda John Reilly
At 11.50 pm on 8th August 2011, Garda John Reilly and a colleague responded to a call to go to Horse Lane, Drogheda, County Louth where there was a report of a woman standing close to the water’s edge along the embankment. Two other Gardaí also attended the scene. Garda Reilly immediately requested one of his colleagues to distract the woman while he lowered himself, with assistance from another colleague, to the water’s edge. From there he engaged the woman in conversation until the Coastguard personnel arrived. At that point the woman threw herself into the fast flowing river followed closely by Garda Reilly who managed to hold onto her and bring her to the river bank where she received first-aid before being removed to hospital.
There is no doubt but for the swift actions of Garda Reilly, the incident may have resulted in the loss of life. Garda Reilly demonstrated an unselfish determination to preserve the life of the woman, showing little regard for his own safety.
For his efforts,
Garda John Reilly is awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery.
Garda James Hanley
At 8.00 pm on 13th January 2013 Garda James Hanley and a colleague responded to a 999 call indicating that a woman had jumped into the River Fergus in Ennis, County Clare. When they arrived to the scene they found the woman hanging onto a life buoy in the river. As she was unresponsive to their calls Garda Hanley climbed the river boundary wall and waded out to her. The woman was conscious but very frightened and weak. Garda Hanley managed to keep the woman’s head above water and continued to reassure her until he was able to pull her out of the water with the assistance of his colleague and some onlookers. The woman was treated by paramedics and removed to hospital where she made a full recovery.
There is no doubt but for the courageous action of Garda James Hanley entering the river, especially in difficult conditions as it was cold and there was a strong current, this incident may have resulted in a loss of life.
For his efforts,
Garda James Hanley is awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery.
Garda Padraig McWeeney
At 5.45 am on 1st August 2010, Garda Padraig McWeeney and Garda James Rowan responded to a call that a woman had fallen into the water at Tarmonbarry, County Roscommon. The Gardaí arrived at the scene and saw the woman in great distress in the water. They noticed a small boat nearby and attempted to untie it to no avail with a view to getting it out to her. Garda Rowan, without any thought to his own personal safety and fully clothed, entered the water and made his way over to where the woman had last been seen. Garda McWeeney threw a lifebuoy in their direction and then entered the water himself. It took both Gardaí, with some difficulty and great effort, to get the woman to shore where they were are to successfully resuscitate her.
If not for the prompt and brave actions of Garda James Rowan and Garda Padraig McWeeney on that early morning in question there is little doubt that this woman would have lost her life and drowned.
For their efforts,
Garda Padraig Weeney is awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery
Garda James Rowan is awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery
Garda Joseph Hayes
At 6.30 am on 6th June 2012 Garda Joseph Hayes was on duty with colleagues in the Dock Road area of Limerick City when they noticed a woman standing by the River Shannon. The Gardaí were concerned for her welfare and stopped to talk to her.
The woman appeared to be in an irrational state and seemed to be intoxicated, and while every effort was made to persuade her to step away from the edge of the river, she jumped in. Garda Hayes immediately reacted and followed the woman into the river. He quickly swam to her assistance and brought her back to the quayside where, with the help of his colleagues, she was removed from the water and taken by ambulance to hospital.
Garda Hayes’ actions in this instance are to be highly commended especially when one considers the natural elements that he had to overcome. The River Shannon is tidal and at that time of the year, it can reach six metres. At the time the tide was coming in and the force and swell of the river was made worse by the heavy rain that had previously fallen. The currents in such conditions are treacherous and Garda Hayes faced a real risk to his own life in saving this woman.
For his efforts,
Garda Joseph Hayes is awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery.
Padraic Manning
On 27th July 2007, Padraic Manning was sitting on the pier at Dingle, County Kerry where he was visiting from his native Connemara when he noticed a mother and her three children walking along the quayside heading towards a funfair. One of the children broke away and ran towards a boat. Failing to see the gap between the boat and the harbour wall the child plunged into the sea. As the mother, who could not swim, began to scream and look for help, Padraic responded and with little thought for his own safety he dived in after the child. Padraic Manning caught hold of the child and managed to bring her back towards the ladder at the edge of the pier, where with some assistance from the crowd that had gathered, he was able to climb back to safety with the young child in his arms.
Padraic Manning did not hesitate in placing his own life at risk, especially when one considers the close proximity of moored boats in the harbour, the quay wall and the currents of the sea in the area. There, but for his bravery, could have been a very tragic accident.
For his efforts,
Padraic Manning is awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery.
John O’Flynn
At 11.15 pm on 25th February, 2011, John O’Flynn was walking along the Christy Ring Bridge over the River Lee in Cork City with a group of friends when they noticed that there was a man in the river at Lavitts Quay. Without consideration of the risk to himself he climbed down the ladder at the side of the river and lowered himself into the freezing cold water. He continued swimming out across the river until he reached the man. He took hold of the man and managed to get him back to the water’s edge where he held onto him until the Fire Brigade arrived a short time later.
There is little doubt that the man would have died on that night if John O’Flynn had not taken the courageous decision to enter the water and rescue him.
For his efforts,
John O’Flynn is awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery.
Arthur Duff
In the late hours of 5th September 2007 Arthur Duff was at his home in the North Strand area of Dublin when he was disturbed by the noise of people outside his home. Through his window he observed a couple and when the noise suddenly stopped he once again went to the window where he saw the couple were now face-down in the Royal Canal which runs by his house.
Without hesitating Mr. Duff went to the assistance of the couple and noticing a boy on his bicycle he called him to raise the alarm and call the emergency services. Arthur Duff jumped into the water and managed to bring the man to the water’s edge and get him out of the canal with the assistance of two Gardaí who had arrived on the scene. Arthur Duff then returned to the water to retrieve the woman and again he was successful in bringing her to the canal edge where the Gardaí were able to assist in removing her from the canal. Both people were given CPR at the canal edge by the Gardaí before being brought to hospital where both were treated. Sadly the woman later died in the Mater Hospital.
Arthur Duff, who at his own personal risk jumped into the canal to rescue the couple showed immense bravery and courage in the actions that he took.
For his efforts,
Arthur Duff is awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery.
Cillian Mahon and Ryane Twomey
In the late hours of 17th August 2011, Cillian Mahon and Ryane Twomey were celebrating their Leaving Certificate results when they noticed a fire in an apartment block in Patrick Street area of Fermoy, County Cork.
They managed to kick open the main entrance door to the apartment complex and without much thought for their own personal safety they entered the building. The two teenagers managed to fight their way into the smoke-filled premises and locate and drag one man outside to safety. At this point the man they had just rescued informed them that there was another person in the burning building. Cillian Mahon alerted the emergency services while Ryane Twomey returned into the building using his tee-shirt to shield his mouth and nose from the smoke filled building. Ryane Twomey managed to bring the second person out of the building to safety as the Gardaí and emergency services arrived. Thankfully, no one was injured in this incident.
There is no doubt but for the swift actions of Cillian Mahon and Ryane Twomey that this incident could have resulted in the loss of life. Both young men displayed considerable courage in the actions they took which resulted in the successful rescue of two people from this burning building.
For their efforts,
Ryane Twomey is awarded a Silver Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Cillian Mahon is awarded a Silver Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
David McCormack
On the evening of Sunday, 14th August 2011, David McCormack was at home in Kildare when he heard the sound of glass breaking outside. When he went to investigate he noticed smoke coming from the windows of his neighbour Patrick Gibney’s house and his neighbour at one of the upstairs windows in a distressed state. David immediately ran to the house and managed to kick-open the front door of the house. On entering the house the hallway was black and visibility was extremely poor as smoke continued to billow out from the downstairs rooms. David continued through the darkness up the stairs to where he had last seen his neighbour. He located Patrick Gibney on the floor and managed to get him to his feet and pull him down the stairs to where the emergency services were waiting. Mr. Gibney was brought to hospital and was treated for smoke inhalation.
There is no doubt that but for the selfless actions of David McCormack and the bravery and courage that he showed in entering the house this incident could have had a tragic ending with the possible loss of life.
For his efforts,
David McCormack is awarded a Silver Medal and a Certificate of Bravery.
On Friday, 16th November 2012, the National Bravery Awards ceremony was held in t he Ballroom of Farmleigh House in the Phoenix Park. Award Recipients received their medals and certificates from the Ceann Comhairle, Mr. Seán Barrett, T.D. Members of the National Bravery Council who attended the ceremony were the Cathaoirleach, Senator Paddy Burke; the Chairman of the Irish Red Cross, Mr. David O’Callaghan; the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Naoise O’Muirí; President of the Association of County and City Councils, Councillor Hilary Quinlan, and the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána, Mr. Martin Callinan
The MC for the ceremony was the Head of Communications at the Houses of the Oireachtas, Mark Mulqueen and the music was provided by members of the Garda Band
Click here to view the 2012 photos
Garda Shaun Brosnan, Garda John Hennessy, Garda Mary Lonergan and Noel Wall
At 11.00 pm on the 4th November 2010, Noel and Mary Wall were disturbed by a caller to their home near Clonmel. The caller alerted them to the fact that a neighbouring house was on fire. Mary contacted the emergency services while Noel went to the burning house. There, with a neighbour, he heard coughing and a muffled response coming from one of the back bedrooms.
Gardaí John Hennessy, Shaun Brosnan and Mary Lonergan from Clonmel Station arrived at the scene to discover that the front of the house was engulfed in flames and smoke was billowing from the house. They were informed that there was a person in the house and Garda Hennessy decided to enter the house via a rear window with the help of Garda Brosnan. The conditions were extremely difficult for Garda Hennessy. He found the bedroom was completely filled with smoke and he had little or no visibility. In addition, the room was very hot, with ash falling from the ceiling and he had difficulty breathing. He continued until he found the man who was slumped, unconscious, by the side of his bed. Garda Hennessy was forced to leave the house to get some air but returned with Garda Brosnan to the aid of the man. By now, the conditions inside the house had significantly deteriorated with flames spreading into the room and there was no visibility. The two Gardaí managed to locate the man and carry him to the window where Garda Lonergan and Noel Wall were waiting to assist in getting him to safety. As Garda Hennessy and Garda Brosnan were leaving the house a portion of the ceiling fell in.
Garda John Hennessy and Garda Shaun Brosnan, without fear for their personal safety and with great courage put their own lives in danger to rescue a man from his burning home. The assistance of Garda Mary Lonergan and Noel Wall certainly added to the positive outcome of this incident.
For their efforts:
Garda John Hennessy is awarded a Silver Medal and a Certificate of Bravery
Garda Shaun Brosnan is awarded a Silver Medal and a Certificate of Bravery
Garda Mary Lonergan is awarded a Certificate of Bravery
Noel Wall is awarded a Certificate of Bravery
Garda James Conneely, Garda Trevor Keating and Rory O’Connor
On 9th September, 2009 an individual came to the attention of the Gardai in Sligo Town where he was wandering around in a confused and incoherent state. Gardai observed the man making his way across a footbridge of the Garavogue River and jumping into the river. The Gardai came to his assistance by throwing him ring buoys that he made no effort to grab.
The man was swiftly swept down the river by the strong current and it was estimated that he would have been swept out to sea within minutes. Garda Trevor Keating entered the river and attempted to rescue this person, but because of the strong current was unable to reach him. Garda Keating got out of the river and made his way by foot along the river bank. Further down the river Garda James Conneely along with Mr. Rory O’Connor, a trained life guard, entered the river in a small boat they had untied by the rivers’ edge. With only one oar, Garda Conneely successfully rowed the boat to the middle of the river where he and Mr. O’Connor successfully intercepted the person, who was at this stage unconscious and face down in the water. Mr. O’Connor applied CPR while Garda Conneely tried to row the boat to safety which was proving to be impossible due to the lack of a second oar and the ferocious current that was raging. At this stage, Garda Keating re-entered the water, grabbed the boat and assisted Garda Conneely in getting the boat ashore, where he too assisted with the CPR.
The individual was taken by the emergency services to Sligo General Hospital where he made a full recovery.
Garda Keating, Garda Conneely and Mr. O’Connor displayed exceptional courage in entering the water to save this person. But for their efforts there is little doubt that this incident could have resulted in a far more serious outcome.
For their efforts:
Garda Trevor Keating is awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery
Garda James Conneely is awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery
Rory O’Connor is awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery
Frank McManamon and Pearse Ward
In the early hours of 28th June 2009, a woman was at the Central Bank Plaza on Dublin’s Dame Street when she was approached by a man seeking a cigarette. This man appeared to be under the influence of drink or drugs. He started to aggressively scream and kick at the woman.
Friends, Pearse Ward and Frank McManamon noticed the fracas and approached the woman to enquire on her safety. They also approached the man asking him to leave her alone. The man walked away but within moments both men heard a bottle being broken and saw the man coming towards them in an aggressive manner. The attacker struck Pearse Ward in the face with the broken bottle resulting in serious facial injuries. Mr. McManamon tackled the individual from behind and a violent struggle ensued. Both men managed to restrain the individual until the Gardai arrived but not before Mr. McManamon was also injured.
But for the actions of Pearse Ward and Frank McManamon, who displayed exceptional courage, the woman could have suffered a worse fate. This incident involved considerable personal risk to men.
For their efforts:
Pearse Ward is awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery
Frank McManamon is awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery
Martin Whitmore
On 19th April 2011, off duty paramedic Martin Whitmore was at The Quay in Graiguenamanagh, County Kilkenny where he noticed a car been driven towards the slipway of the River Barrow. At that time the river’s water level was high as there had been heavy rain some time previously. Mr. Whitmore heard the engine revving before he witnessed the car being driven at speed towards the slipway and entering the water.
The car was rapidly sinking and Mr. Whitmore immediately jumped into the water from the river wall, swimming to the car. He was able to open the car door and tried to remove the occupant from the car but she was holding fast to the steering wheel. At this point the car, the occupant and Mr. Whitmore were underwater, making the rescue more difficult.
Due to the period of time that lapsed and his difficulty in getting the occupant out of the car, Mr. Whitmore had to return to the surface of the water. He then dived back underwater, found the car and successfully pulled the woman clear of the car and to the surface. He managed to swim the woman to the river bank where he used his paramedic skills to treat her.
But for the efforts of Martin Whitmore there is little doubt that this incident could have resulted in a far more serious way.
For his efforts:
Martin Whitmore is awarded a Silver Medal and a Certificate of Bravery
Garda Tommy Fay, Garda Thomas McKenna and Sean Sharkey
On the evening of 20th March 2011, Garda Tom McKenna and Garda Tommy Fay responded to a call at Lough Ramor, on the Lakeside Manor area of Virginia, County Cavan. On arrival at the scene they noticed an unmanned motor boat that was powered and on the lake. The two Gardai spoke with a young boy and a man who informed them that his 14 year old son had fallen from his boat and that he was in the water. In the distance, Garda McKenna could see the teen’s head bobbing in the water. Garda McKenna felt that the teenager’s life was in real danger and he entered the water. He swam in extremely cold and treacherous conditions out the 300 yards.
In the meantime Garda Tommy Fay located a boat and with two local men, one of them being Sean Sharkey, rowed out to Garda McKenna’s assistance. They managed to get the distressed youth on board the boat and returned him to shore where the paramedics were waiting.
There is no doubt that if it was not for the bravery of Garda Tom McKenna assisted by Garda Tommy Fay and Sean Sharkey this incident may have resulted in a terrible tragedy.
For their efforts:
Garda Tom McKenna is awarded a Silver Medal and a Certificate of Bravery
Garda Tommy Fay is awarded a Certificate of Bravery
Sean Sharkey is awarded a Certificate of Bravery
Eric Grundy and Gareth Nathan
Shortly before midnight on the 18th December 2011 Gardai at Pearse Street Garda Station were alerted that a person had jumped into the Grand Canal Basin at Hanover Quay. When two Gardai arrived at the Grand Canal Basin they witnessed Eric Grundy and Gareth Nathan together with two other passers-by rescuing a woman from the water.
Eric Grundy and Gareth Nathan, who are amateur photographers, were out on a night shoot when they noticed that a woman had entered the water. The woman remained unresponsive to the calls of Eric Grundy while Gareth Nathan approached the occupants of a van parked close by seeking out anything to assist in getting the woman out of the water. In the meantime Eric Grundy jumped into the deep water as the woman was getting more submerged in the water. He swam to the woman and managed to put his arms under her and swam with her back towards the quayside. On reaching the quayside he was unable to get the woman out of the water so swam to a nearby boat where he held himself and the woman tight to a rope. Gareth Nathan and another person returned to the quayside and threw a lifebuoy to Eric Grundy. Eric managed to get the lifebuoy under the woman and swam her back to the quayside where Mr. Nathan assisted in getting her out of the cold December water. Both Mr. Grundy and the woman were admitted to hospital suffering from hypothermia.
There is little doubt but for the swift actions of Eric Grundy and Gareth Nathan the incident in question could have resulted in the loss of life. In particular, Eric Grundy put his own life at risk and displayed exceptional courage in the actions he took.
For their efforts:
Eric Grundy is awarded a Silver Medal and a Certificate of Bravery
Gareth Nathan is awarded a Certificate of Bravery
National Bravery Awards 2011
On Friday, 25 November the 2011 a National Bravery Awards ceremony was held in the Ballroom of Farmleigh House in the Phoenix Park. Award recipients received their medals and certificates from the Ceann Comhairle, Mr Seán Barrett, T.D. Also on the dais was the Cathaoirleach, Senator Paddy Burke and representing the Garda Commissioner was Deputy Commissioner Nacie Rice
The MC for the ceremony was the Head of Communications at the Houses of the Oireachtas, Mark Mulqueen and music was provided by members of the Garda Band.
Click here to view photos from the 2011 ceremony
Address by An Cheann Comhairle
Press Release
On Christmas Night 2001 Padraig Sheahan heard a woman screaming for help outside his house. This woman was being dragged along the road by a male who was in possession of a knife and threatening the woman with the knife. Neither person was known to Padraig. Padraig intervened and confronted the attacker while the woman made her escape into Padraig’s house. The attacker then smashed the front window of Padraig’s house to gain access but was prevented by Padraig. Padraig managed to subdue the man until the emergency services arrived. Padraig received cuts to his face and arms and a fractured nose.
Padraig Sheehan put himself in grave danger by confronting this attacker. There is no doubt that this incident could have had a more serious outcome.
For his efforts:
Padraig Sheahan is awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery
On the 7th August 2004, the Gardaí responded to an emergency call where a woman had entered the water at Doorly Park, Sligo.
The condition of the water at the time was dark and its depth was not discernible however the woman’s body could be seen in the water. Detective Garda Cullen entered nonetheless and managed to retrieve the woman. By this time, Garda Mark Keogh and Garda Dermot O’Connell arrived at the scene and both entered the water to assist in the rescue. The lady was safely brought to shore and was treated in hospital where she made a full recovery.
Mark Keogh, a former member of An Garda Síochána, is honoured today for his role in this rescue. His former colleagues have previously received their awards.
For his efforts:
Mark Keogh is awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery.
This award will be accepted on Marks behalf by his father JP Keogh.
JP Keogh receives a bronze National Bravery Award on behalf of his son Mark Keogh
On St. Patrick’s Day 2003, Garda Margaret Purcell responded to an emergency call where a woman had entered the water at Cappa Pier, Kilrush, County Clare. On arrival at the scene, and without due regard for her own safety, Garda Purcell entered the water and found a woman lying face down. With the assistance of a member of the public Garda Purcell was able to bring this woman to safety and she later made a full recovery in hospital.
The selfless efforts of Garda Purcell led in no small way to the saving of this person’s life.
For her efforts:
Garda Margaret Purcell is awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery.
Garda Margaret Purcell receives her National Bravery Award
On 8th March 2009 a car ferry was crossing between Passage West and Carrigloe on the River Lee. As it approached Carrigloe Terminal the first car on the ferry suddenly drove forward on to the ramp and drove into the river. There were two men in the car.
At this time John Geary was sitting in the kitchen of his home when he observed through a window a commotion on the river. He suspected there was someone in the water. Without regard for his own safety, he rushed out and launched a small dinghy. He noticed someone in difficulties in the water and rowed over to him. When John reached the man, he could see that he was in a state of panic. He calmed the man down, manoeuvred him to the stern of the dingy and persuaded him to hang on while he rowed the boat ashore to where the emergency services took command of the situation. John then went back out to search for the second man who was still in the water. Unfortunately, despite an extensive search carried out by Navy, RNLI and fishing boats in the area this second person was never found.
Mr. Geary displayed exceptional courage and quick thinking when he rushed into the water to rescue the occupants of the car. Unfortunately all efforts to save the second occupant of the car failed but if not for Mr. Geary’s quick actions there may have been a second fatality.
For his efforts:
John Geary is awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery
John Geary receives his National Bravery Award
Mary Donaghy receives a posthumous National Bravery Award on behalf of her son, Anthony
In the early hours of 22nd May, 1995, Anthony Donaghy, now deceased, made a call to the Dungloe Fire Brigade reporting a fire on board the fishing vessel Niamh Aine and that he suspected there was crew onboard.
Dungloe Fire Service arrived on the scene within 11 minutes. At which time the fishing vessel was on fire with flames shooting about 15 feet into the sky. Entry was impossible from the wheelhouse and galley areas due to the intensity of the flames and smoke. It was decided that a 2 man Breathing Apparatus team, consisting of Fire Fighters, Brendan Greene and Patrick Boyle, would try to carry out a search of the vessel. The team’s task was made extremely difficult by the strong wind and thick smoke. However, after several attempts they entered the last hatch where they found two fishermen.
By this time Gweedore Fire Brigade had arrived on the scene and they assisted the team by helping to contain the fire and assist with the rescue. The two-man team were able to drag the first casualty out of the escape hatch onto the shelter deck and then up the final hatch onto the deck at the stern of the fishing vessel. They then courageously returned and carried out the same procedure on the second casualty.
Both Brendan Greene and Patrick Boyle without fear for their personal safety put their own lives in danger to rescue the crew of the Niamh Aine. Due to the quick actions of Anthony Donaghy in raising the alarm the emergency services were able to rescue the crew without any loss of life.
For their efforts:
Anthony Donaghy RIP is posthumously awarded a Certificate of Bravery which will be presented today to his mother, Mary Donaghy
Brendan Greene and Patrick Boyle
Brendan Greene is awarded a Silver Medal and a Certificate of Bravery
Patrick Boyle is awarded a Silver Medal and a Certificate of Bravery
In the early hours of 24th December, 2007, Stephen O’Neill witnessed a man jumping into the River Liffey from the Boardwalk on Bachelors Walk. He saw a man in the river hanging from the beams under the boardwalk. Stephen threw a lifebuoy it to this person who tried in vain to swim to the buoy. When the man went under the water for a second time Stephen jumped in and grabbed hold of him. At this stage this person pulled them both under the water but Stephen managed to place the life ring over the victim. Meanwhile, another life buoy was thrown to the man and he had also taken hold of this. Additional help arrived and the person was brought safely from the water and Stephen climbed out from the river.
There is little doubt but that for the swift actions of Stephen O’Neill the incident in question could have resulted in the loss of life. Stephen put his own life at risk and displayed exceptional courage in the actions he took.
For his efforts:
Stephen O’Neill is awarded a Silver Medal and a Certificate of Bravery
Stephen O’Neill receives his National Bravery Award
On 17th July, 2002 Garda Linda O’Donnell, who was off-duty at the time, was walking with her family at Ashe Quay, Fermoy, County Cork. She was approached by a man and woman who informed her that a woman had jumped into the river.
Garda O’Donnell climbed over the river wall, swam out to the woman and brought her to safety with the help of her husband.
But for the efforts of Garda O’Donnell there is little doubt that this incident could have resulted in a far more serious way.
For her efforts:
Garda Linda O’Donnell is awarded a Silver Medal and a Certificate of Bravery.
Garda Linda O’Donnell receives her National Bravery Award
On the 21st November 2004, former Garda Sergeant Con Horan and three Garda colleagues responded to a report that a young man had entered the River Shannon at Clancy Strand, Limerick. When the young man was located at the scene one of the Gardaí threw a life buoy to him but he was unresponsive. Despite strong currents on the river Con Horan swam out to the young man and with the assistance of his colleague brought the young man to safety at the rivers edge. Former Sergeant Horan administered CPR and First Aid to the man who after treatment later made a full recovery in hospital.
There is little doubt but for the brave actions of Con Horan this young man could have died. Mr. Horan is honoured here today. His former colleagues have previously received their awards
For his efforts:
Con Horan is awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery.
Con Horan receives his National Bravery Award
On the evening of 8th July, 2009 two boys, Shane Clarke and Benas Vaitkunas, got into difficulties when a raft they were on capsized on Swellen Lake, County Cavan and floated away. Benas could not swim and started to panic. Shane grabbed him with one arm and talked to him, but Benas kept struggling. Meanwhile, Daniel Ivers noticed what had happened and entered the lake. He swam to the boys and noticed that Shane was unconscious under the water. Daniel took hold of Shane and brought him to the waters edge. Alimzhan Nabiulin, who lived nearby ran towards the lake. He saw Daniel bringing Shane onto the side of the lake. He then saw Benas in the lake and entered the water. Upon reaching Benas he realised that he was also unconscious and brought him to the lake’s edge. He handed Benas to two other men who were passing by, as Benas was starting to regain consciousness. Alimzhan went and assisted Daniel in administering CPR to Shane. The two boys were then brought to hospital where they recovered.
There is no doubt that Shane Clarke, Daniel Ivers and Alimzhan Nabiulin displayed considerable courage in the actions they took. Each individual in their own way contributed to the saving of the lives of two young men.
For their efforts:
Daniel Ivers is awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery
Alimzhan Nabiulin is awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery
Shane Clarke is awarded a Certificate of Bravery
Shane Clarke, Daniel Ivers and Alimzhan Nabiulun (l to r) receive their National Bravery Awards
At 8.30 pm on the 6th July, 2008, a man entered the Avoca River at the Riverwalk, in Arklow, County Wicklow. The river was swollen and fast flowing following three days of heavy rain. Despite this, Richard Coates entered the river and swam to where the individual was. Richard then brought him to a raised bank where both could stand waist deep in the water. The rescued individual tried to break free from Mr. Coates and return to the water. It was not possible for both men to wade back to shore and the life belt on the riverbank was unable to reach them. At this time, Sergeant Gabriel Plower, Arklow Garda Station, dived into the water and swam out to where the two men were stranded and he brought the victim back to shore.
There is no doubt that but for the swift actions of Richard Coates and Sergeant Plower that this incident may have resulted in the loss of life.
For their efforts:
Richard Coates is awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery
Sergeant Gabriel Plower is awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery
Richard Coates and Sgt. Gabriel Plower receive their bronze National Bravery Awards
On the 2nd August, 2010 Justin Sheerin entered the River Shannon at Honan’s Quay, Limerick to rescue a friend who was in difficulties. Justin was able to hold on to his friend until help arrived. At the time the river was at high tide, fast flowing and the currents were very strong.
There is no doubt but for the swift actions of Justin this incident may have resulted in the loss of a life. Justin displayed exceptional courage and put his own life at risk by jumping into the river and pulling his friend to safety.
For his efforts:
Justin Sheerin is awarded a Certificate of Bravery
Justin Sheerin receives his National Bravery Award
On Friday, 2nd April 2010, Garda Eileen Murphy and Garda Kevin Mooney were on duty in Mullingar when they were informed by a colleague from Mullingar Garda Station that a call was received from a person in a distressed state on the Dublin Bridge.
When they arrived there they were unable to locate the individual. So they searched the area and eventually found a man on his back in the canal. A struggle ensued and with assistance Garda Mooney and Garda Murphy managed to bring the victim to the bank of the canal.
Garda Kevin Mooney and Garda Eileen Murphy displayed exceptional courage in entering the water to save this person.
For their efforts:
Garda Kevin Mooney is awarded a Certificate of Bravery
Garda Eileen Murphy is awarded a Certificate of Bravery
Garda Eileen Murphy and Garda Kevin Mooney receive their National Bravery Awards
National Bravery Awards 2010
Photos taken during the ceremony
Garda Edel Convey was on duty with her colleague Garda Niall Doody on the Lifford Road along the River Fergus in County Clare on the 4th April 2008 when they noticed a young woman by the river. Arriving back at the area a very short time later, they noticed that the young woman was gone. They immediately checked the area and saw her in the river with the current dragging her under. Garda Convey obtained the life buoy and threw it to her colleague who had entered the river. He was having difficulties getting the lifebuoy around the woman so Garda Convey pulled the rope of the lifebuoy and managed to drag them both in towards the wall of the river. Additional help arrived and Garda Doody and the woman were brought safely from the water.
For her efforts:
Garda Edel Convey is awarded a Certificate of Bravery
Patricia and Noel McTague are honoured today with certificates for their roles in dealing with a fire at Harold’s Cross, Dublin four years ago. On January 29th 2006, Noel and Patricia McTague were out walking on Harold’s Cross Road, when Noel noticed flames coming from a shop. He rang for the emergency services while Patricia alerted the residents who lived in flats above the shop. An explosion occurred injuring them both. As fire engulfed the premises, the tenants of the flats managed to escape the burning building. Thanks to the timely intervention of Patricia and Noel McTague all residents who were in their flats at the time escaped uninjured.
For their efforts:
Patricia and Noel McTague are both awarded Certificates of Bravery.
Garda James Wade is awarded a certificate in recognition of his role in a rescue at Youghal Beach three years ago. Garda Wade and his colleague were called to an incident at Strand Palace Apartments in Youghal in the early hours of 26th October 2007. While assisting a woman to retrieve her property which had been removed from her apartment the woman walked towards the nearby beach trying to locater her handbag. She walked into the sea and was hit by a wave which resulted in her being taken under the water. Garda Wade instructed his colleague to shine the torch towards the direction that the lady was last seen as it was a dark night and visibility was poor. Garda Wade entered the water fully clothed and located the woman and succeeded in rescuing her and bringing her to safety thus preventing certain drowning. The beach at Youghal Harbour has been the subject of numerous fatalities over the years.
For his efforts:
Garda James Wade is awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Garda Janet O’Neill and Garda Helen McSweeney are awarded certificates in recognition of their roles in dealing with a fire in 2001. Gardai Janet O’Neill and Helen McSweeney were on mobile patrol in Waterford City on the 15th July 2001 when they noticed that a block of apartments was on fire on O’Connell Street. After they radioed the fire brigade, they began to raise the alarm by banging on apartment doors. They managed to alert the occupants and as a result of their quick thinking no one was seriously injured in the fire. Due to the brave actions of these two Gardaí the lives of thirteen people were saved.
For their efforts:
Garda Helen McSweeney and Garda Janet O’Neill are both awarded Certificates of Bravery.
In the early hours of 17th May 2004, Gardai John O’Reilly and Enda Hughes were on patrol in the area of Newry Bridge in Dundalk, County Louth when they noticed a young woman sitting on the wall by the bridge. Fearing for her safety, they approached her to offer assistance but as they moved towards her, she lunged into the water. Garda Hughes, without regard for his own safety, entered the water and waded through to her. The young woman appeared to be unconscious and was being pulled under by the current. Garda Hughes grabbed her and pulled her towards him and with the assistance of Garda O’Reilly they pulled the woman to safety and looked after her until medical assistance arrived.
For their efforts:Garda John O’Reilly is awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Garda Enda Hughes is posthumously awarded a Certificate of Bravery which will be presented today to his father, Patrick Hughes.
Garda John O’Reilly receives his bravery award. Patrick Hughes receives a posthumous bravery award on behalf of his son Enda.
This Award will not be presented today however it will be appropriate to read it into the record
In August 2006 Kieran Stevenson was holidaying on the Shannon-Erne Canal in Ballinamore, County Leitrim. On the 12th August he was watching two men working on a lock. The mechanism failed on the lock and one of the men was struck on the head and fell into the water. Seeing that the man was lying face down in the water, Kieran dived in, grabbed the injured man and held his head above the water. Two other onlookers assisted Kieran in bringing the man to shore safely. But for the exceptional courage and efforts of Kieran Stevenson the life of this man could have been lost.
For his efforts:
Kieran Stevenson is awarded a Bronze Award and a Certificate of Bravery. Unfortunately, Mr. Stevenson cannot be with us today.
This award will be made at a later date
Garda Nigel McInaw is awarded a bronze medal for rescuing a woman from the Boyne River five years ago. Garda McInaw received a call on the morning of 17th May 2005 informing him that a woman was about to jump into the River Boyne at St. Mary’s Bridge in Drogheda, County Louth. By the time he arrived the woman was in the water. He dropped the life buoy to her and engaged in conversation with her but she lost her grip and slipped into the water. Garda McInaw abseiled down the life ring rope and grabbed the girl and held her above the water until help arrived. Thankfully, the woman made a full recovery. Garda McInaw suffered severe rope burns on both his hands and he continued to receive treatment for his wounds for several months. This was an act of great courage on the part of Garda McInaw.
For his efforts:
Garda Nigel McInaw is awarded a Bronze Award and a Certificate of Bravery.
On 23rd December 2005 Stephen Earles was walking down Rosbrien Road in Limerick when he noticed a house on fire. Stephen immediately tried to gain access to the house by breaking the glass of the front door. He managed to force open the hall door and found an elderly man lying unconscious in the hallway. He brought the man out of the house and called the emergency services for assistance. The elderly man subsequently regained consciousness and was treated for smoke inhalation. There is no doubt but for the swift actions of Mr. Earles on this occasion this elderly man would have lost of his life.
For his efforts:
Stephen Earles is awarded a Bronze Award and a Certificate of Bravery.
Garda Niall Doody was on duty with his colleague Garda Edel Coney, who, earlier received a Certificate of Bravery, on the Lifford Road along the River Fergus in County Clare on the 4th April 2008 when they noticed a young woman by the river. Arriving back at the area a very short time later, they noticed that the young woman was gone. They immediately checked the area and saw her in the river with the current dragging her under. Garda Doody entered the river and swam out to the woman. His colleague threw him the lifebuoy and he struggled to get the lifebuoy around the woman. He managed to grip the lifebuoy and woman and tried in vain to bring the woman into the wall of the river. Garda Doody was 15 minutes in the water with the woman keeping her afloat until the emergency services arrived when both Garda Doody and the woman were brought safely from the water.
For his efforts:
Garda Niall Doody is awarded a Bronze Award and a Certificate of Bravery.
Station Officer and Fire Fighter, Drew Doherty is awarded a bronze medal for his part in a water rescue at Scotch Quay in Waterford City in 2006. In the early hours of 21st July 2006 Drew was called to a scene at Scotch Quay in Waterford where a young woman had gotten into difficulty in the river. Several attempts were made to throw the life buoy to her but to no avail. Drew, showing total disregard for his own safety, entered the water and swam until he reached the girl, who was struggling. He managed to put the lifebuoy around her and brought her to safety.
For his efforts:
Station Officer/Fire Fighter Drew Doherty is awarded a Bronze Award and a Certificate of Bravery.
In April 1999, Sean Moloney and Gerard Byrnes (now deceased), were out separately on the Black Bridge in Plassey, Limerick. They were alerted to a man drowning in the River Shannon. Sean Moloney located the man who was clinging to an upturned boat and dived in, Gerard Byrnes followed him soon after. Both men brought the man safely to the bank using the boat.
For their efforts:
Mr. Sean Moloney is awarded a Bronze Award and a Certificate of Bravery. Unfortunately, Mr. Moloney cannot be with us today.
Mr. Gerard Byrnes is posthumously awarded a Bronze Award and a Certificate of Bravery.
Both awards will be made at a later date.
Michael Bracken is awarded a Bonze Medal for his part in rescuing a person from the River Lee in Cork City in 2005. Michael was driving along Camden Quay in Cork City when he saw three youths and a man at the railings beside the river. He suspected one of the boys was about the jump into the river. As he approached the boys, one of them jumped into the water. Michael descended the quay ladder, entered the water, waded out with the lifebuoy to the youth and managed to bring the youth back to the ladder. He secured the youth to the ladder and held onto the boy until the emergency services arrived.
For his efforts:
Mr. Michael Bracken is awarded a Bronze Award and a Certificate of Bravery.
Cherie Eustace is awarded a Silver Medal for her part in rescuing her grandfather from a house fire years ago. In the early hours of 24th July 2005, a fire started in the flat that Cherie Eustace shared with her Grandparents, at Bishop Street, Dublin. While her Grandmother was able to escape through the front door, Cherie went upstairs to her Grandfather. Smoke filled the house very quickly and access through the front door was no longer possible. Cherie stayed with her Grandfather and managed to bring him to a safe location in the house while continuing to shout for help through a window. The emergency services arrived and rescued Cherie and her grandfather. Due to severe smoke inhalation during this incident Cherie spent about a month in hospital after the fire and to this day still attends hospital to improve her speech and lunch capacity.
For her efforts:
Ms. Cherie Eustace is awarded a Silver Award and a Certificate of Bravery.
John Shanahan receives a silver medal for his role in saving a woman from the River Suir. On the morning of 8th September 1988, John Shanahan, an Emergency Medical Technican was on duty travelling across Rice Bridge in Waterford when he was informed that there was a woman in the River Suir. John located the woman, jumped into the river and swam over to her. Despite the water conditions and the prevailing current, he succeeded in bringing the woman back to the bank and administered first aid. The woman survived thanks for the quick thinking and actions of John Shanahan.
For his efforts:
Mr. John Shanahan is awarded a Silver Award and a Certificate of Bravery.
On the 12th March 2007, at around 5 pm David McGowan was walking along the river path in Easkey Village when a neighbour informed him that he suspected that there was a man attempting to jump into the river. David saw that the man had got into the water and was being carried out by the full flood water. He quickly ran down the steps of the river and swam to the man. Even with the extreme water conditions that prevailed at the time Mr. McGowan managed to get this man to bank and stayed with him until the the Gardaí and emergency services arrived.
For his efforts:
Mr. David McGowan is awarded a Silver Award and a Certificate of Bravery.
Conor Doherty and Ryan Hamill are awarded Silver Medals for displaying outstanding bravery for their part in the rescue of three children at Tullan Strand, Bundoran, County Donegal. Conor and Ryan were skateboarding at Ryan’s home at Tullan Strand on the 20th August 2007 when they noticed three young children (a girl aged 12, and two boys aged 10 & 8) in difficulty in rough seas at Tullan Strand. Without hesitation Conor and Ryan ran down the cliffs and across the beach and entered the sea without any concern for their own safety. Swimming in this area of the strand is forbidden because of the rip currents and large waves. Conor Doherty managed to get the young boys out of the water, while Ryan went out further to rescue the young girl. They managed to get all three children to the shore safely. Mr. Doherty and Mr. Ryan displayed exceptional courage in the actions that they took.
For their efforts:
Mr. Conor Doherty is awarded a Silver Award and a Certificate of Bravery.
Mr. Ryan Hamill is awarded a Silver Award and Certificate of Bravery. I undertand that Mr. Hamill is unable to be with us today.
Mr. Thomas Falconer – an off duty fire fighter, was driving on the morning of September 12, 1999, when he noticed a house fire at Mayor’s Walk, Waterford. On arrival at the fire site, Mr. Falconer informed the Gardaí who were present of his profession and his intention to enter the burning house to search for the occupants. He entered the house and crawling through thick smoke and using his hands, discovered a person lying face down and unconscious on the floor. On his own, he pulled the person to safety. But for the swift actions of Thomas Falconer, who displayed exceptional courage during this difficult rescue, the victim would have lost her life.
For their efforts:
Mr. Thomas Falconer is awarded a Gold Award and a Certificate of Bravery.
On the Morning of 26th July, 1989, Paddy Sean Fogarty arrived at Inny Strand, Waterville, County Kerry and saw his friend, Fr Willie Murphy, in difficulty in the water. Despite the treacherous conditions on the day – waves were breaking and the swell was powerful and that particular area is known for its dangerous undercurrents – Paddy Sean immediately got into the water and swam to Fr Murphy’s aid. Paddy Sean Fogarty tried in vain to bring his friend to the shore, but he had become entangled in some rope in the water making it impossible against the power of the waves and swell of the sea. Help arrived but Fr Willie Murphy was pulled from the water and pronounced dead at the scene. Sadly Paddy Sean Fogarty lost his life trying to save that of his friend.
For his efforts:
Mr. Paddy Sean Fogarty is posthumously awarded a Gold Award and a Certificate of Bravery. Here to accept this award, on behalf of their late father are Trish Horgan, Julie Carey and John Fogarty.
2000 – 2009
On 10th December 1997 Fire Fighter Michéal O’Hara and Gabriel McSharry attempted to rescue a woman from the Owenmore River at Manarhamilton, Co. Leitrim.
Fire Fighter Michéal O’Hara and Gabriel McSharry were awarded Certificates.
Vincent Reynolds and Niall Byrne
On the 17th May 1998 six young men went swimming in Strandmill Beach, Sligo. Unfortunately some of them got into difficulty. Vincent Reynolds and Niall Byrne rescued one youth and attempted to rescue three others.
Vincent Reynolds and Niall Byrne were both awarded a Silver medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Garda Joseph Everard, Maire Sheehy and John Pringle
On the 16th may 1998 a gunman walked into a First Holy Communion Service in St. Joseph’s Church, Ballymun, Dublin 9 and shot a man and his son. Garda Joseph Everard was the arresting officer and Maire Sheehy and John Pringle who were on the staff of the school maintained calm and ushered people to safety.
Garda Everard, Maire Sheehy and Principal John Pringle were all awarded Certificates of Bravery.
Anthony O’Malley
On the 21st August 1970 Anthony O’Malley and 4 friends went fishing. While out near Creevey Pier, Co. Donegal, the boat hit a wave and washed onto a rock. All men were thrown from the boat into the Sea. Anthony O’Malley managed to help the others back onto the rock using a rope before being rescued.
Anthony O’Malley was awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Garda Ciaran McCarthy
On the 19th May 1997 Garda Ciaran McCarthy rescued a woman from the River Liffey, Dublin
Garda Ciaran McCarthy was awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Garda James Reidy and Dominic Howell
On the 28th November 1997 at about 6.30am Garda James Reidy was on foot patrol when he was informed by a member of the public that a woman was in the River Liffey at Burgh Quay. When he got to the scene a Mr. Dominic Howell had already entered the water to assist the woman. Soon Mr. Howell was getting into difficulty himself so Garda Reidy immediately climbed down the ladder and took hold of the woman. Mr. Howell was able to regain his composure and was able to make his own way to safety. Garda Reidy then assisted the woman to safety.
Garda James Reidy and Mr. Dominic Howell were awarded Silver Medals and Certificates of Bravery.
Garda Martin McCabe
On the 3rd February 1999 Garda Martin McCabe received a call that a woman was in the Garravogue River, Sligo. When he arrived at the scene Martin Conlon and Basil Harte were there. They offered their assistance and brought the woman to safety.
Garda Martin McCabe, Martin Conlon and Basil Harte were awarded Certificates of Bravery.
Fiona Donovan and Susan Synott
On the 27th July 1995 a Youth Group travelled to Dungannon Beach in New Ross, Co. Wexford. Some of the children entered the water with their Youth Leader but all got into difficulty. Fiona Donovan, a beach guard who was on duty entered the water along with Susan Synott, a Trained Life Guard and together they rescued three children.
Fiona Donovan and Susan Synott were awarded Silver Medals and Certificates of Bravery
Garda John Heavey
On the 11th February 1998 Garda John Heavey was on Duty in Drogheda Garda Station when a woman came in and said that a man was in the Boyne River. He immediately went to the scene. He entered the water and brought the man to the waters edge where he attempted to resuscitate him.
Garda John Heavey was awarded a Silver Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Garda Michael Power
On 21st February 1998 Cahir Garda Station received a call to say that a woman was in the River Suir, Co. Tipperary. Garda Michael Power, who was in the patrol car went to the scene. He then entered the water and brought the woman to safety.
Garda Michael Power was awarded a Silver Medal and certificate of Bravery.
Garda Derek O’Donoghue
On the 6th June 1998 Garda Derek O’Donoghue Rescued a man from the River Boyne, Drogheda, Co. Louth who was in difficulty.
Garda Derek O’Donoghue was awarded a Silver Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Sergeant Cyril Meehan, Garda Seamus Ronan, Garda Karen O’Brien and Mr. Noel Hearne
On the 7th June 1998 on Rice Bridge, Waterford, Gardai Cyril Meehan, Seamus Ronan and Karen O’Brien were informed by Mr. Noel Hearne that a man intended to endanger his life by jumping from the Bridge. All four of these people assisted in ensuring the safety of this man.
Sergeant Cyril Meehan, Garda Seamus Ronan, Garda Karen O’Brien and Mr. Noel Hearne were awarded Certifcates of Bravery.
Ronan Buckley
On the evening of 4th February 1996 Anglesea Street Garda Station received a telephone call that a man had jumped into the River Lee. At this same time Ronan Buckley was walking in the area and after seeing the man, jumped into the water with a life buoy. He managed to bring the man to safety.
Ronan Buckley was awarded a Bronze medal and Certificate of Bravery
Aidan Maloney
On Christmas Eve 1997 Aidan Maloney of saw a car going off Seafield Pier, in Quilty, Co. Clare, and entered the water and rescued the driver and brought him to safety.
Aidan Maloney was awarded a Silver medal and Certificate of Bravery
Garda Colm Nelan
On the evening of 30th April 1999 Garda Colm Nelan of Waterford Garda Station rescued a man who was in difficulty in the River Suire, Waterford.
Garda Colm Nelan was awarded a Bronze medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Andrew Carmody
On the 22nd November 1998 Garda Andrew Carmody assisted in the attempted rescue of a woman who had fallen into the water from at the Cross Guns Bridge at the Royal Canal in Dublin.
Garda Andrew Carmody was awarded a Bronze medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Stephen Tonra and Damien Murray
On the afternoon of 19th September 1999 Stephen Tonra and Damien Murray from Boyle Co. Roscommon were walking by the River Boyle when they saw a man in the water hanging onto a tree branch. Both men got into the water to rescue him. The man made a full recovery.
Stephen Tonra and Damien Murray was awarded Certificates of Bravery.
Garda Mark Watters
On 16th July 1999 at 11.50pm Garda Mark Watters, while off duty, entered the watter at Grand Canal, Baggot Street, Dublin and rescued a man who was in difficulty.
Garda Mark Watters was awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Garda Darragh Condon
On the evening of 12th February 1999 Garda Darragh Condon rescued a man from the River Fergus, Ennis Co. Clare.
Garda Darrah Condon was awarded a Silver Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Garda Des McEntee
On 7th August 1997 Garda Des McEntee rescued a man who had gone swimming but who got into difficulty in the Annah Lake, Butlersbridge in Co. Cavan.
Garda Des McEntee was awarded a Silver Medal and Certificate of Bravery
Garda Joseph Rowley
In the early hours of November 5th 1999 Garda Joseph Rowley rescued a youth who had in fact entered the water to rescue his friend.
Garda Joseph Rowley was awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery
Glen Monaghan
On 28th July 1999 Glen Monaghan rescued a man from Peter’s Lake at Swan Park in Monaghan Town.
Glen Monaghan was awarded a Silver Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Paddy Diffley
On 6th June 1999 at approx 8.00pm Paddy Diffley went to the assistance of a man who got into difficulty in the River Shannon at Tarmonbarry Village in Co. Roscommon.
Paddy Diffley was awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
David Wolverson
On 30th April 2000 David Wolverson rescued a woman from the River Liffey who had gotten into difficulty.
David Wolverson was awarded a Silver Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Garda Declan Dennehy
On 29th April 2000 at approx 1.00 am Garda Declan Dennehy rescued a man from drowning in the River Slaney in Co. Wexford.
Garda Declan Dennehy was awarded a Silver Medal and Certificate of Bravery
Garda Helen McSweeney
On 18th May 2000 Garda Helen McSweeney rescued a man from St. John’s River at Railway Square, Waterford.
Garda Helen McSweeney was awarded a Silver Medal and Certificate of Bravery
Siobhan O’Connell
On 22nd July 2000 Siobhan O’Connell rescued a man from the water at Ballydwane Cove, Stradbally, Co. Waterford.
Ms. Siobhan O’Connell was awarded a Silver Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Fire Officers David Garvey, Michael Shanely, Brendan Henry, Kevin McLoughlin, Martin McCaffery and Jim Melly
On 1st July 2000 Fire Officers David Garvey, Michael Shanely, Brendan Henry, Kevin McLoughlin, Martin McCaffery and Jim Melly of Sligo Fire Station were dispatched to an traffic incident at Crossboy on the Dromhair Road, Co. Sligo. They proceeded to rescue the Driver from his overturned truck in very dangerous conditions.
Fire Officer David Garvey was awarded a Silver Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Fire Officers Michael Shanely, Brendan Henry, Kevin McLoughlin, Martin McCaffery and Jim Melly were awarded Bronze Medals and Certificates of Bravery.
Conor McHugh
On 18th September 1998 Conor McHugh (17) in the rescuing of a friend who had gotten into difficulty in the Ashford River, Cong, Co. Mayo. Conor tragically lost his life.
Conor McHugh was awarded a Memorial Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Gardai Cathal Daly, Stephen Hogan, Colin Furlong and Student Gardai Kieran Lynch and Brigid-Marie Hartnett
At around midnight on 8th November 1999 Gardai Cathal Daly, Stephen Hogan, Colin Furlong and Student Gardai Kieran Lynch and Brigid-Marie Hartnett were off duty and were nearby to a scene where Gardai had been called. Two men had got into difficulty in the River Nore in Co. Waterford. These officers assisted in the safe rescue of the men.
Gardai Cathal Daly, Stephen Hogan, and Colin Furlong and Student Gardai Kieran Lynch and Brigid-Marie Hartnett were awarded Certificates of Bravery.
Anthony Cusack
On 23rd January 2000 Mr. Anthony Cusack rescued a woman from the Abbey River, Limerick.
Anthony Cusack was awarded a Silver Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Eugene Houlihan
On 5th March 2000 Eugene Houlihan attempted to rescue a woman and two children from a car that had plunged into the waters at Tarrea Pier, Ballindeereen, Co. Galway.
Eugene Houlihan was awarded a Silver Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Christopher Dobbins
On 1st June 1999 Mr. Christopher Dobbins, then 16 years old, rescued a young child from the River Fergus at Cloughleigh, Ennis, Co. Clare.
Christopher Dobbins was awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Gardai John Fawl, Michael Burke and Aidan Sweeney
On 3rd April 2000 Gardai John Fawl, Michael Burke and Aidan Sweeney rescued a man who was attempting suicide at the Cliffs of Moher, Lahinch, Co. Clare.
Gardai John Fawl, Michael Burke and Aidan Sweeney were awarded Certificates of Bravery.
Sgt. Sean Farrell and Garda Eamon Gallagher
On 11th October 2000 Sgt. Sean Farrell and Garda Eamon Gallagher rescued a woman who had got into difficulty in the River Boyne, Navan, Co. Meath.
Sgt. Sean Farrell and Garda Eamon Gallagher were awarded Certificates of Bravery.
Sgt Michael Flanagan, D/Garda Denise Shaw, Mr. Bill Taylor and Mr. David Ward
On 8th September 1999 Sgt Michael Flanagan, D/Garda Denise Shaw, Bill Taylor and David Ward rescued a woman from the waters on Killiney Beach, Co. Dublin.
Sgt Michael Flanagan, D/Garda Denise Shaw, Bill Taylor and David Ward were awarded Certificates of Bravery.
D/Garda James Kelly and Maureen Kelly
On 3rd November 2000 Off-Duty D/Garda James Kelly and his wife Maureen Kelly were out driving along Sullivans Quay, River Lee, Cork when they seen a Male and Female being swept down the river. They brought the two to safety.
D/Garda James Kelly and Maureen Kelly were awarded Certificates of Bravery.
Garda Thomas Kennedy
On 25th July 2000 Garda Thomas Kennedy rescued a young girl from the sea at Bullock Harbour, Dalkey, Co. Dublin
Garda Thomas Kennedy was awarded a Silver Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Garda Paul Ryan and Garda Daniel Coholan
On 2nd April 2000 Garda Paul Ryan and Garda Daniel Coholan rescued a youth from drowning at Cooperage, Canal Bank, Corbally, Co. Limerick.
Garda Paul Ryan and Daniel Coholan were awarded Certificates of Bravery.
Sgt. Raymond Shanagher and Garda Niall Fetherston
On 12th November 2000 Sgt. Raymond Shanagher and Garda Niall Fetherston rescued a man that had accidently fallen into the River Boyle, in Boyle, Co. Roscommon.
Sgt. Raymond Shanagher and Garda Niall Fetherston were awarded Certificates of Bravery.
1990 – 1999
In October, 1986, David Ahern (who at the time was 12 years old) entered the River Lee at Blackrock Castle, Cork to rescue a young boy who was in difficulties in the water.
David Ahern was awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Volunteer Firemen William McLoughlan, Thomas Morrissey and Patrick Coffey
On 31st October, 1986, Volunteer Fireman William McLoughlin, Volunteer Fireman Thomas Morrissey and Volunteer Fireman Patrick Coffey entered a burning house on Main Street, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford to rescue two children from the fire.
Fireman McLoughlin, Fireman Morrissey and Fireman Coffey were each awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Anthony Carville, Orla Shevlin and Kieran Duffy
On 31st October, 1990, Anthony Carville, Orla Shevlin and Kieran Duffy assisted in the rescue of a woman who was in difficulties in Lough Muckro, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan.
Anthony Carville was awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery, Orla Shevlin was awarded a Certificate of Bravery and Kieran Duffy was awarded a Letter of Commendation.
Johnny Vaughan
On 22nd July, 1990, Johnny Vaughan (who was aged 15 at the time) entered the sea at Lahinch Beach, Co. Clare in an attempt to rescue his two siblings who were in difficulties in the water.
Johnny Vaughan was awarded a Silver Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Sgt. Martin Pepper
On 3rd April, 1990, Sgt. Martin Pepper entered a burning house on Oxmanstown Road, Stoneybatter, Dublin 7 to rescue a woman and her three children from the fire.
Sgt. Martin Pepper was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
William Malone, Anthony Malone and Sean Lahiffe
On 28th June, 1990, William Malone, Anthony Malone and Sean Lahiffe entered the sea at Spanish Point, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare in an attempt two young girls and a man who was in difficulties in the water. (The two girls were successfully rescued, but the man unfortunately died)
William Malone, Anthony Malone and Sean Lahiffe were each awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Vincent Baldwin
On 25th July, 1990, Vincent Baldwin entered a burning house in Elm Park, Dundalk, Co. Louth to rescue a woman from the fire.
Vincent Baldwin was awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
John Brinn and D/Garda Matthew Melvin
On 9th January, 1991, John Brinn and D/Garda Matthew Melvin entered the River Nanny, Tuam, Co. Galway to rescue a man who had crashed his car into the water.
John Brinn and D/Garda Matthew Melvin were each awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Private Patrick Fagan and Private James Kelly
On 16th July, 1988, Private Patrick Fagan and Private James Kelly assisted in the evacuation of elderly passengers from a single decker bus that was on fire at Ballough, Lusk, Co. Dublin.
Private Patrick Fagan and Private James Kelly were each awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Garda John McMahon
On 27th January, 1990, Garda John McMahon sacrificed his life in order to save a youth from being run over by a car at Mortarstown, Co. Carlow.
Garda John McMahon was awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
John Clarke
On 10th August, 1990, John Clarke entered the River Boyne at the Bridge of Peace in Drogheda, Co. Louth to rescue a man who was in difficulties in the water.
John Clarke was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
D/Garda Con Teehan and Garda Thomas Mitchell
On 18th March, 1991, D/Garda Con Teehan and Garda Thomas Mitchell entered a burning building on New Bride Street, Dublin 8 to rescue two people from the fire.
D/Garda Con Teehan and GardaThomas Mitchell were each awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
John Philbin
On 11th November, 1990, John Philbin entered a burning house at Seacrest, Galway to rescue two women from the fire
John Philbin was awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery
Kenneth Reilly
On 1st April, 1991, Kenneth Reilly entered the River Boyne in Slane, Co. Meath to rescue a woman who was in difficulties in the water.
Kenneth Reilly was awarded a Silver Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Joseph Walsh and William McNamara
On 23rd April, 1991, Joseph Walsh assisted William McNamara in the rescuing a young woman and baby from a burning house at Avenue De Rennes, Mahon, Blackrock, Cork.
William McNamara was awarded a Certificate of Bravery and Joseph Walsh was awarded a Letter of Commendation.
Corporal Eoin Port and Garda Michael Whelan
On 28th May, 1991, Corporal Eoin Porter and Garda Michael Whelan entered the River Liffey at Arran Quay, Dublin to rescue a man who was in difficulties in the water.
Corporal Eoin Porter and Garda Michael Whelan were each awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Linda McTigue,Martin Carroll, Derek Feerick and Brian McCormack
On 4th April, 1991, Linda McTigue, Martin Carroll, Derek Feerick and Brian McCormack assisted in the rescuing of a woman who was in difficulties in the River Robe, Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo.
Linda McTigue was awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery,
Martin Carroll and Derek Feerick were each awarded a Certificate of Bravery and Brian McCormack was awarded a Letter of Commendation.
John Callanan
On 6th April, 1990, John Callanan rescued two men who were in difficulties in the River Lee at Blackrock, Cork.
John Callanan was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
David Benton, Jim Griffin and Darren Taylor
On 10th July, 1991, David Benton, Jim Griffin and Darren Taylor entered the sea at Hook View, Dunmore East, Co. Waterford to rescue a man who was in difficulties in the water.
David Benton, Jim Griffin and Darren Taylor were each awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Sean Costelloe, Stephen McDonagh and Thomas Crowe
On 10th August, 1990, Sean Costelloe, Stephen McDonagh and Thomas Crowe entered the sea at Fanore Beach, Co. Clare to rescue four people who were in difficulties in the water.
Sean Costelloe and Stephen McDonagh were each awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery and Thomas Crowe was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
John Barnacle
On 24th September, 1991, John Barnacle in a helicopter assisted in the rescuing of two people who were in difficulties in the sea North East of Dunquin, Co. Kerry.
John Barnacle was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Garda Michael Brennan
On 24th October, 1991, Garda Michael Brennan entered the River Liffey at Bachelors Walk, Dublin to rescue a man who was in difficulties in the water.
Garda Michael Brennan was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Jim Whelan, Colin Fines, Derry Desmond, Tony Lawler, Declan Doyle, Ken McKenna, Paul Hutton and Jim Kennedy
On 19th February, 1990, Jim Whelan, Colin Fines, Derry Desmond, Tony Lawler, Declan Doyle, Ken McKenna, Paul Hutton and Jim Kennedy assisted in the attempted rescue of a woman who had jumped off the B&I Ferry “Leinster” near Kish, Dublin.
Jim Whelan, Colin Fines, Derry Desmond, Tony Lawler, Declan Doyle, Ken McKenna, Paul Hutton and Jim Kennedy were each awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Coy Sergeant John Phelan
On 18th February, 1989, Coy. Sergeant John Phelan entered the River Liffey at Bachelors Walk, Dublin to rescue a woman who was in difficulties in the water.
Coy. Sergeant John Phelan was awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
William Lupton and Reg Doyle
On 9th December, 1990, William Lupton and Reg Doyle entered a burning house in Connolly Gardens, Inchicore, Dublin 8 to rescue a woman from a fire.
William Lupton and Reg Doyle were each awarded a Silver Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Sgt. JJ Redmond and Garda Dominic Bolger
On 10th August, 1991, Sgt. J.J. Redmond and Garda Dominic Bolger entered the River Barrow at New Ross, Co. Wexford to apprehend a youth who was drunk and had jumped into the water.
Sgt. J.J. Redmond was awarded a Certificate of Bravery and Garda Dominc Bolger was awarded a Letter of Commendation.
Sgt. Joseph O’Brien, Garda Kevin Lynch and Garda Patrick Dolan
On 17th November, 1991, Sgt. Joseph O’Brien, Garda Kevin Lynch and Garda Patrick Dolan entered the River Fergus near Clonard, Ennis, Co. Clare to rescue a man who was in difficulties in the water.
Garda Patrick Dolan was awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery and Sgt. Joseph O’Brien and Garda Kevin Lynch were each awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
1980 – 1989
David Condren, Fairview, Dublin 3
At about 8.15pm on 4th September, 1980, David Condren was driving along the South Quays towards the city centre. He saw a large group of people gathered by the Liffey and, when he got out of his car to investigate, he saw a man struggling in the river. Another man jumped into the water and lifted the drowning man’s head above the water. The drowning man struggled, however, and it was difficult for the other man to control him. Mr. Condren then entered the water. A rope was thrown to him and he tied it around the man’s waist. He then pulled the man to a ladder on the river wall and the man was pulled to safety. A fire brigade ambulance arrived and the man was brought to hospital.
David Condren was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Garda Michael Tighe, Dundrum Garda Station, Dublin
On the morning of 14th October, 1980, a woman put her 2-year-old son into her car which was parked in front of her house in Sandyford. She then returned to her house to collect her handbag. While driving by, Garda Michael Tighe noticed smoke coming from a house ahead of him. On reaching the house, he saw a car on fire. The car was enveloped in smoke and flames were coming from under the bonnet. He managed to prise open the front door and take the child out of the car. Then, while the mother phoned the fire brigade, Garda Tighe, with the help of some of the neighbours, brought the fire under control.
Garda Michael Tighe was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Martin Corcoran, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin
On 23rd June, 1980, a shore fishing competition was held at the Harbour, Balbriggan. There were a number of onlookers present and after some time a splash was heard and someone shouted that there was a boy in the water. Martin Corcoran immediately jumped into the water. Mr. Corcoran grabbed the child and also caught hold of a loose chain which was hanging over the wall. The people on the bank then helped them from the water.
Martin Corcoran was awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery.
Dan Donnelly, Blackrock, Co. Cork
At 7.45pm on 22nd January, 1981, a car entered the River Lee at the Marina, Cork. There was one person in the car; a woman. Mr. Dan Donnelly was driving nearby and he was flagged down by some people who had seen what happened. He dived into the water and swam to the car which was half submerged in the water. He shouted at the woman and banged on the window. She did not respond for some time but she eventually rolled down the window a little. He forced the glass down further and grabbed her arm. However, he had to release his grip as the car nose-dived and sank. Mr. Donnelly dived twice and tried to open the door but could not. On his third dive he failed to locate the car. The car was taken from the river at 10.40pm and the woman’s body was recovered from it.
Dan Donnelly was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
John Charters, Townsend Street, Dublin; Thomas G. Doherty, Ballymun, Dublin 11; Martin Duffy, Lucan, Co. Dublin and Brendan Brown, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10
Between 10.00pm and 11.00pm on 28th September, 1980, a man was seen floating in the River Liffey at Arran Quay. Thomas Doherty was lowered into the river by means of a rope which was held by people standing at the quay wall. While he was being lowered, he heard a splash and saw another man stuck in the mud about 10 feet from the quay wall. This man, John Charters, had dived in from the river wall when the tide was out and died from a broken neck. Mr. Doherty went out to the man in the middle of the river and brought him to the quay wall. Two other men, Martin Duffy and Brendan Brown, were lowered into the water and they brought Mr. Charters’ body to the quay wall.
John Charters was awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery and Thomas G. Doherty, Martin Duffy and Brendan Brown were each awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Captain Sean Oakes, Carrigrohane, Co. Cork
On 31st July, 1980, a man went fishing for mackerel at the ‘Blue Pool’, Doonbeg, Co. Clare. He went to the lower ledge of the cliffs to assemble his fishing road and, while he was doing so, a huge wave broke on the rocks and washed him out to sea. Two men were fishing nearby and they threw a lifebuoy to him, but the breeze swept it away from the man’s reach. The men then ran to find a telephone and they alerted the Gardaí. An Irish Helicopters Ltd. detachment at Shannon Airport were requested to assist in the rescue. They departed from Shannon at 3.50pm and arrived over the area fifteen minutes later. They flew over the cliff and down to the water. They spotted the man in the water and threw a lifejacket to him but to no avail. They lowered a life raft and flew away to allow the man to get near it but he was unable to as the wind blew it away from him. They then flew over the life raft and tried to blow it towards the man but the life raft was overturned and the man was too weak to pull himself onto it. Captain Oakes was then lowered by rope into the water. The rope was cut and Captain Oakes swam to the man. He climbed onto the life raft but the helicopter caused the life raft to somersault and Captain Oakes was thrown off it. He landed in the water quite near to the drowning man. He then got hold of the man and they both went inside the life raft. Captain Oakes climbed out of the raft and turned it upright. The Air Corps arrived a short time later and the man was rescued and taken to hospital.
Martin Corcoran was awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery.
Jim Hannon, Westport, Co. Mayo
At approximately 4.00pm on 10th September, 1980, a man was teaching his wife to drive on the road along Westport Quay. It appears that she put her foot on the accelerator instead of the brake and the car glanced off the wall of a store at the quay side, then raced forwards, glanced off a parked car and plunged into the sea. The car floated momentarily and the husband and wife succeeded in escaping from the car before it sank. Mr. Jim Hannon heard that a car had gone over the quay wall and he ran to help, grabbing a spare wheel on the way. He threw the wheel in the direction of the woman but it did not reach her. He then entered the water. He threw a rope to the man but he was unable to catch hold of it. Mr. Hannon then waded out and caught hold of the man and brought him to the ladder at the quay wall where some other people pulled him to safety. He then waded out to the woman and brought her to safety also.
Jim Hannon was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Garda Patrick Begley, Mary Street Garda Station, Limerick
At 1.30pm on 15th January, 1981, Garda Patrick Begley was on duty when he saw a woman in the River Shannon at Honan’s Quay, Limerick. He threw a lifebuoy to her but she didn’t take it and appeared semi-conscious. He then entered the water. He swam to the woman but she had gone under the water. He succeeded in bringing her to the surface and brought her to the quayside. Some people dropped a rope to him but he was unable to put it around the woman as the coldness of the water had affected his hands. He was finding it difficult to keep a hold of the woman and she struggled out of his grasp but he managed to retrieve her. The fire brigade arrived and, with the aid of a safety harness, brought the woman to safety.
Garda Patrick Begley was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Dr. Niall Webb, Sandycove, Co. Dublin
At 11.30pm on 14th October, 1980, Dr. Niall Webb, the honorary medical adviser at Dun Laoghaire Lifeboat Station, was summoned with the rest of the lifeboat crew to remove an injured seaman from the Norweigian bulk carrier ‘Blix’. The weather was overcast and blustery and the sea was rough. The lifeboat met the ‘Blix’ at about 2.00am. The wind was force 5 to 6 and there was a heavy swell, giving waves of 18 feet. The pilot ladder was lowered down the starboard side of the ‘Blix’ and Dr. Webb jumped from the bow of the lifeboat to the ladder. He then climbed 30 feet up to the deck. Once on board, he attended to the injured man, who had broken his leg and a rib. Then the seaman was transferred to a lifeboat. It proved very difficult for the doctor to return to the lifeboat. Several attempts were made and eventually Dr. Webb managed to jump onto the lifeboat’s deck. The lifeboat arrived back in Dun Laoghaire soon after 3.00am and the injured man was transferred to hospital.
Dr. Niall Webb was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Sean Moriarty, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick
At 11.00am on 27th November, 1980, a 17-year-old man entered the Probation Office at the Department of Justice, Roxboro Road, Limerick, where he spoke to two of the Probation Officers. The man produced a rifle and led the two women to a reception office on the ground floor. Later another Probation Officer entered the office and all three were held at gunpoint. They phoned another Probation Officer in Dublin and the man complained to her that he had received summonses and he had only committed one of the crimes with which he was charged. The Gardaí went to the scene and spoke to the man on the intercom system from outside the premises. The man repeated his demands. At about 11.30am, Sean Moriarty, Senior Probation Officer, arrived at the office. He went into the office and the man immediately trained his rifle on Mr. Moriarty. Mr. Moriarty offered himself as a hostage instead of the three women. After some discussion, the man agreed to let two of the hostages go. The man’s mother arrived at 12.00 and she persuaded him to let in a Detective Inspector who was outside. He agreed at this stage to release the third woman hostage. Mr. Moriarty and the Detective Inspector continued to negotiate with the man, advising him to give up. The man kept the gun pointed alternately at Mr. Moriarty and the Detective Inspector. After some negotiation, the man agreed to leave the office, requesting his mother and the Detective Inspector to go outside the door. He then directed Mr. Moriarty to the door of the building, keeping the gun against his back. They stopped at the door and the barrel of the rifle appeared forward of Mr. Moriarty by his side at which point both Mr. Moriarty and the Detective Inspector grabbed the gun, which the man released without a struggle. He was then arrested.
Sean Moriarty was awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery.
Frank Denner, Gurranabraher, Cork; Declan Cronin, College Road, Cork and Don McCarthy, Blackrock, Cork
At 10.30pm on 16th November, 1980, a woman threw herself into the River Lee at Sullivan’s Quay, Cork. Don McCarthy was walking with his girlfriend and a friend and, when he saw a woman in the river, he jumped in. He caught hold of the woman and headed for the bank but got into difficulties himself. He lost hold of the woman when he was only a few feet from the bank. Three Gardaí arrived at this point. One of them was preparing to jump in to help Mr. McCarthy when Frank Denner dived into the river and caught him. One of the Gardaí threw a lifebuoy to Mr. Denner and he used this to aid him in bringing Mr. McCarthy to safety. Mr. Declan Cronin then jumped into the water and he caught hold of the woman and brought her to the quay wall. The Gardaí assisted them from the river.
Frank Denner, Declan Cronin and Don McCarthy were each awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Derek McCarthy, Orwell Gardens, Dublin 6
On 19th April, 1981, a 10-year-old girl and her brother, aged 7 years, went for a walk along the bank of the River Dodder with their cousin Derek McCarthy, aged 12 years. The younger boy lost his footing at one point and fell into the river. Derek McCarthy looked for help but there was none around. He found a stick and climbed onto the branch of a tree which was over-hanging the river. With the aid of the stick he pushed the boy to the side of the river. When he was near the bank, he grabbed him and pulled him out of the water. The boy was unconscious at this stage. He was brought to hospital and recovered.
Derek McCarthy was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
David McKeague, Ramelton, Co. Donegal
At about 7.20pm on 2nd June, 1981, a man waded into the River Lennon at Ramelton. When he was out of his depth, he got into difficulties and was swept downstream by the current. A 12-year-old boy had seen him go into the river and he raised the alarm. David McKeague immediately went to the scene, jumped in and caught hold of the man. He managed to catch hold of a rope which was attached to the parapet wall but it broke and he had to let go of the man. At this point, a lifebelt was thrown in and he managed to regain his hold on the man. Another man jumped into the water and assisted Mr. McKeague in removing the man from the water.
David McKeague was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Garda Philip Tivnan, Julianstown, Co. Meath; Barbara, Tallaght, Co. Dublin; Joseph Greenan, Bettystown, Co. Meath and Gary Lynch, Bettystown, Co. Meath
On 13th July, 1981, three youths from Belfast went out into the sea off Bettystown, Co. Meath, in a rubber dinghy. A number of people on the beach noticed that the dinghy was in difficulty and the Gardaí were telephoned. Garda Tivnan received the call and he drove towards the beach. A Mr. Fagan saw the youths in difficulty and he informed his wife, Barbara, who ran to the shore. Mr. Fagan also told Gary Lynch who also went to the shore. Joseph Greenan was also informed and he went to get his speedboat. The three youths, meanwhile, had abandoned their dinghy and two of them had decided to swim to shore as the third was not a good swimmer and would wait on the dinghy. Mrs. Fagan swam out to them and got a hold of one of the youths. Garda Tivnan swam out behind her and he grabbed the other youth and they brought them both back to shore. On shore, Garda Tivnan learned that there was a third youth and he swam out to him. On the way, he became aware of a motor boat behind him, with Joseph Greenan and Gary Lynch inside, and he got into it and pointed out where the youth was. They reached the youth and put him in the boat. The youth was by now unconscious and did not appear to be breathing. Garda Tivnan gave the youth artificial respiration and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation until he was taken into the ambulance on the shore. All three youths were brought to hospital and recovered.
Garda Philip Tivnan and Barbara Fagan were each awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery and Joseph Greenan and Gary Lynch were each awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Ann Holligan and Eugene Dempsey, Athy, Co. Kildare and William Morgan, Maganey, Co. Kildare
On 16th July, 1981, as part of a festival being held in Athy, Co. Kildare, there was a rope crossing the River Barrow. A man was attempting to cross the river on this rope and fell in. The man’s brother-in-law, William Morgan, went to his assistance. He caught the man around the neck the second time he came up but, after struggling with him for some time, Mr. Morgan himself got into difficulties. The man’s brother, Eugene Dempsey, then jumped in but the man panicked and broke his hold. Miss Ann Holligan also dived in to help. For a few minutes, they could not find the man as the water was too mucky. Both Eugene Dempsey and Ann Holligan managed to catch hold of him and they brought him to the river bank.
Ann Holligan, Eugene Dempsey and William Morgan were each awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Garda John Lally, Tuam, Co. Galway
At approximately 8.30am on 4th May, 1981, a house on Barrack Street, Tuam, caught fire. The father went across the road to get help and the mother went upstairs to get the children, who were sleeping. The father returned immediately but was unable to get up the stairs which were blazing. The fire brigade and Garda Lally arrived on the scene at the same time. A ladder was put up to a rear window but without breathing apparatus the fire brigade members considered it too dangerous to enter the house. Garda Lally climbed up the ladder and entered the house. He handed out four children but was unable to locate the mother’s body. Her body was later removed by members of the fire brigade. On arrival at hospital, the mother and her four children were dead. Later another child, who was alive, was found and taken to hospital.
Garda John Lally was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Detective Garda William Craven, Dublin Castle
At about 1.00am on 19th February, 1981, Detective Garda William Craven and another Garda were on patrol when they received a report that a man had fallen into the River Liffey at Chancery Street Bridge. They drove to the scene and saw a man in the water holding on to a lifebuoy, the rope of which was held by a person on the bridge. The fire brigade arrived and two firemen were lowered in an attempt to rescue the man but the man slipped out of their grasp and was swept away with the current. At this stage, Detective Garda Craven ran along the quays and when he was ahead of the man in the water, he jumped in. He swam out to the centre of the river and caught the man. The fire brigade then hauled the man out of the water. Detective Garda Craven was able to swim to a nearby ladder and climb out. The rescued man was brought to hospital but attempts to revive him failed.
Detective Garda William Craven was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Kathleen Maughan, Christchurch Place, Dublin 8
On 27th July, 1981, a man fell into the River Liffey at O’Connell Bridge. Kathleen Maughan, aged 13 years, went to the scene when she heard people shouting. She jumped into the river, caught hold of the drowning man and brought him to the steps on the quay wall where they were both assisted by one of the onlookers.
Kathleen Maughan was awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery.
Patrick Connors, Athlone, Co. Westmeath
At about 10.45pm on 5th April, 1981, a woman was seen jumping into the River Shannon at Harvey’s Quay, Limerick. Two men rushed to the scene. One of them threw a lifebuoy to her. She caught hold of it but in her panic did not hold onto it. The other man went to a nearby telephone and summoned assistance. Mr. Patrick Connors was passing by and he saw what was happening. He entered the water with a lifebuoy and caught hold of the woman. He put her onto the lifebuoy and they were pulled to the quay wall and helped out of the water.
Patrick Connors was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
James O’Sullivan, Model Farm Road, Cork
On 17th February, 1980, Mr. James O’Sullivan was approached by an unknown boy and asked if he would help his companion out of the pit in a nearby quarry. Mr. O’Sullivan rushed to the quarry and saw the boy’s companion sinking in the mud and sand, some 60 feet below. He ran home to get a rope and ran back to the quarry. He threw the rope to the boy but was unable to pull him out as the suction was too great. He then went into the pit and started to loosen the mud around his waist. He tried to free the boy for at least an hour. Eventually, the boy was free and Mr. O’Sullivan threw him to the edge. Mr. O’Sullivan then became stuck himself. A crowd had gathered by this time and one of the people contacted the fire brigade who freed Mr. O’Sullivan.
James O’Sullivan was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Garda Sergeant John Murray, Garda Michael O’Sullivan and Denis Deasy
On 7th August, 1981, a man escaped from Garda custody at the Courthouse, Cork. He was not seen again by the Gardaí until shortly after midnight when two Gardaí spotted him on St. Patrick’s Quay. The Gardaí approached him but he jumped into the river. He swam until he was under Brian Boru Bridge. A crowd had gathered on both sides of the river and, in a further act of bravado and gesture of defiance, the man stood up on one of the supports, stripped, and dived back into the river and swam downstream. At this stage, Garda Sergeant John Murray, with the assistance of Garda Michael O’Sullivan and Denis Deasy, commandeered a small fibreglass punt. They set out after the man. They tried to keep the stern towards the man so that he could not sink them but despite this he managed to rock the boat dangerously from time to time. After about 20 minutes, Sergeant Murray saw that the man was weakening and was in fact starting to drown. Mr. Deasy then caught hold of him and held onto him until a larger craft arrived. They then brought him ashore.
Garda Sergeant John Murray, Garda Michael O’Sullivan and Denis Deasy were each awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
George Jeffries, Naval Base, Haulbowline, Co. Cork
At 10.30pm on 2nd August, 1978, as the launch ‘David F’ was pulling away from Cobh, a shout of ‘help’ was heard from the water in the vicinity of the promenade pier. With the aid of a searchlight, a person was seen floating in the water. Chief Petty Officer George Jeffries, who was on board as a passenger, dived into the water and, with the aid of a lifebuoy, brought the man alongside the launce. The crew helped them aboard.
George Jeffries was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Edward Hayes, Ballybought Street, Kilkenny
On the night of 24th December, 1978, a 23-year-old man fell into the River Nore at Canal Walk, Kilkenny. Mr. Edward Hayes came to the scene and he dived into the water and was swept downstream by the strong current. However, he was able to recover and he swam to the drowning man and brought him to the side of the river where they were helped out by members of the fire brigade.
Edward Hayes was awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery.
Michael Enright, Naas, Co, Kildare
At about 9.00pm on 5th April, 1979, Mr. Michael Enright was walking near the canal at Naas. A young girl informed him that her 4-year-old brother had fallen into the canal. Mr. Enright ran to the spot but could only see bubbles rising to the surface. He waded into the water until it was up to his chin. Just then the boy rose and Mr. Enright caught hold of him. He started to pull the boy to the bank but they became entangled in barbed wire which was concealed in the murky water and had to wade out again. He eventually managed to bring the boy to the bank where he applied artificial respiration and the boy recovered.
Michael Enright was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
James Francis Corrigan, Achill Sound, Co. Mayo
At about 2.30pm on 15th August, 1979, a yawl race was organised to take place at Achill Sound. One of the boats was passing underneath a bridge when the mast got caught and the boat capsized, throwing the four occupants into the water. Two of the occupants swam ashore and another held onto the capsized boat until he was rescued but the fourth was swept seawards in a strong current. One of the spectators on the bridge, James Corrigan, jumped into the sea below to rescue him. After a swim of 100 yards, he reached the drowning man, who had gone under twice at this stage. Both men were then rescued by a local punt and taken ashore. The man was then removed to hospital by ambulance.
James Francis Corrigan was awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery.
James Nation, Blackrock, Cork
On the evening of 25th May, 1979, an elderly widow was in her upstairs bedroom when she heard the crackling of paper burning. She went downstairs to investigate but could not enter the kitchen because of the dense smoke. She started to go back upstairs for her money. James Nation was driving by when he saw smoke coming from the house. He parked his car and called out to see if anyone was inside. When the woman answered, he burst in the door and felt around the floor for her. He found her on the stairs and pulled her outside. She then was removed to hospital.
James Nation was awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery.
William McKeever, Ballybrack, Co. Dublin
Shortly after 3.00pm on 30th July, 1978, two girls went for a swim in the sea at Brittas Bay, Co. Wicklow. After about 15 minutes, they found themselves out of their depth about 200 yards from the shore and started to panic. One of the girls tried to bring the other back to shore but was unsuccessful. She swam towards the shore for assistance. Mr. McKeever was swimming nearby and he went to help her and supported her for a short time. He got into difficulties also and drifted away form her. Other rescuers arrived and helped them from the shore but Mr. McKeever could not be revived and tragically died.
William McKeever was awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery.
Patrick Brendan Forde, Raheny, Dublin 5
On 31st August, 1979, Patrick Forde was walking along Sir John Rogerson’s Quay when he saw a man throw himself into the River Liffey. He dived into the water, swam to the man and held his face up from the water. The man struggled with Mr. Forde but he managed to force the man’s arms through a lifebelt which was thrown to him by two men from the quayside. He brought the man to the steps on the quayside. The two men on the bank and Mr. Forde tried to bring the man to the top of th quay wall but in the struggle they all fell into the river. At this stage, the fire brigade arrived and threw a rope to them. Mr. Forde tied a rope around the man and he was pulled out of the water.
Patrick Brendan Forde was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Ronald P. O’Driscoll, Bantry, Co. Cork
On 15th September, 1979, some men were engaged in building a helicopter landing pad on the Bull Rock Lighthouse. As the helicopter arrived with concrete one of the workmen slipped and was blown over the edge of the platform. As he was falling, Ronald O’Driscoll managed to catch hold of him until he got a grip of a safety rope. He then climbed down the scaffolding at the side of the platform and assisted the man back to the top of the platform. Mr. O’Driscoll’s action prevented the man from falling 200 feet to the sea below.
Ronald P. O’Driscoll was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Fiona Kenneally and Karen Kelly, John’s Hill, Waterford; Declan Nash, Dunmore East, Co. Waterford and Sean Hennessy, Ferrybank, Waterford
On the afternoon of 20th July, 1979, three teenage girls put to sea in a small boat from Counsellor’s Strand, Dunmore East. When the boat had gone out 300 yards, it filled up with water and overturned, throwing the three girls clear. Fiona Kenneally and Declan Nash, aged 17 and 18 years respectively, were climbing a hill when they heard screams for help. They ran down the hill and dived into the sea. They swam out to the girls and brought two of them back to shore. Karen Kelly, aged 17 years, swam out and caught hold of the third girl. On the way back to shore, she was met by Sean Hennessy who brought them ashore in his boat.
Fiona Kenneally, Karen Kelly, Declan Nash and Sean Hennessy were each awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Matthew Ryan, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway
On the evening of 18th May, 1980, a man went out driving with his wife, their 2-year-old son and some other relatives. They stopped in the Angler’s Rest in Carrigohane, Co. Cork, and bought some drinks. After a quarter of an hour, they noticed that the young boy was missing and, at the same time, there was a shout that there was a child in the River Lee. Matthew Ryan, who was nearby, jumped into the river and brought the child safely to shore.
Matthew Ryan was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
1970 – 1979
Hugh Kelly, Strabane, Co. Tyrone
At about 3.00pm on 8th August, 1976, a woman went for a paddle at Ballyliffin Strand, Co. Donegal, accompanied by her sister, brother-in-law and their three children. Without warning a massive freak wave enveloped the party, knocking the woman off her feet and sweeping her out to sea. The rest of the party raised the alarm and Mr. Kelly, who was on the beach at the time, reacted quickly and swam out approximately 100 yards to the drowning woman. He managed to grab her and bring her to safety. The woman was given artificial respiration and then removed to hospital.
Hugh Kelly was awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery.
John Cousins, Skreen Road, Dublin 7
At about 4.45pm on 16th November, 1977, John Cousins was driving along Usher’s Quay when he noticed two men running along the Liffey wall. When he got out of his car to investigate, he saw a woman struggling in the water. Two men were standing on a ladder leading to the water and they were extending a lifebuoy to the woman. Mr. Cousins decided to dive into the river and he was able to swim out to the woman and catch hold of her. He grabbed the lifebuoy and put it around her. He then towed the woman to safety and she was removed to hospital.
John Cousins was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Joseph Kenny, Cobh, Co. Cork
At approximately 8.10pm on 30th December, 1977, Joseph Kenny and his brother were passing the junction of Lavitt’s Quay and Patrick’s Bridge when they noticed people looking into the River Lee. They went to the wall and saw a body in the river. Mr. Keaney jumped into the water and swam to the man but he sank and did not reappear. Mr. Keaney made more dives in an attempt to locate the body but, because of the darkness and the density of the water, the rescue attempt had to be abandoned. The body of the man was recovered at a later stage.
Joseph Kenny was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Jack Stewart, Belturbet, Co. Cavan
At approximately 8.00pm on 10th July, 1977, a man was attempting to board a cabin cruiser, which was berthed on the River Erne at Belturbet, when he slipped and fell into the river. Mr. Jack Stewart heard the splash and went to investigate. When he saw the man in distress, he immediately jumped in to rescue him. He used his left hand to hold on to a dinghy which was attached to the cabin cruiser while supporting the drowning man with his free hand. A number of people gathered to assist and a rubber hose was thrown out to Mr. Stewart. He tied it around the man’s chest and the man was brought to safety. The man was taken to hospital where he recovered.
Jack Stewart was awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery.
Michael Kilmurray, Athlone, Co. Westmeath
On 18th February, 1977, at about 1.30pm, three young girls were walking on a bank of clay running parallel to a drain adjacent to the River Shannon. The drain was about 9 feet deep at the time. One of the girls lost her footing and another one of the girls attempted to grab her but instead lost her balance and fell into the drain. Michael Kilmurray, aged 15 years, was in an upstairs bedroom in his house when he heard the screams and saw somebody in the water. He dashed out of the house and into the water. He had to run 40 yards through the water to where the girls were. He jumped in and managed to pull the drowning girl out of the water to safety. Michael’s father arrived on the scene and applied mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. The girl was removed to hospital where she recovered.
Michael Kilmurray was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Raymond R. Conway, Limekiln Farm Estate, Dublin 12
At about 11.30am on 19th January, 1978, Raymond Conway and another man were on duty in the Lighthouse at the East Pier, Dun Laoghaire when they noticed a body in the water. Mr. Conway grabbed a lifebelt and both men ran to the scene to discover a woman in distress. Mr. Conway went into the water while the other man held the other end of the lifebelt. When the woman was safely secured, she was dragged to safety. She was then taken to hospital.
Raymond R. Conway was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Brian Siggins, William Street, Galway; William Flaherty, Claddagh Quay, Galway and Nora Flaherty, The Claddagh, Galway
At about 4.00pm on 28th January, 1978, a man’s hat was blown from his head and into the Claddagh Basin. Another man made an effort to retrieve the hat and in so doing he fell into the water. Nora Flaherty ran to the bank to help him and threw out her coat for him to grab onto but it failed to reach him. She then flagged down a passing motorist. Brian Siggins stopped his car and went to the railings. He leaned out and tried to reach the man. Meanwhile, William Flaherty arrived on the scene and together with Nora Flaherty linked hands with Mr. Siggins who again reached out to the man in the water. Mr. Siggins caught hold of him but then fell in himself as the others failed to maintain their grip on him. William Flaherty untied a small boat which was nearby and went out to the two men. He assisted both men into the boat and took them to safety.
Brian Siggins, William Flaherty and Nora Flaherty were each awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Garda Thomas Garvey and Garda Noel Thomson, Bridewell Garda Station, Dublin 7
At 10.30am on 9th March, 1978, Garda Garvey and Garda Thomson were in their patrol car when they were directed to go to Queen Street Bridge. On arrival at Arran Quay, they saw a large crowd at the quay wall and an unconscious man in the water being supported by a lifebuoy. Garda Garvey climbed down the steps into the Liffey while Garda Thomson radioed for an ambulance. Garda Garvey swam out to the man and felt for a pulse but there was none. He then swam to the wall with the man and the man was removed from the water with the assistance of Garda Thomson and others on the quay. Garda Thomson administered mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and the man recovered.
Garda Thomas Garvey and Garda Noel Thomson were each awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Patrick Moynihan, Schull, Co. Cork
On 30th November, 1977, at about 2.00pm, two young men, aged 19 and 23 years, drove to a place in Dunmanus Bay to retrieve a fishing marker buoy from the rocks at the base of the cliff there. They saw a buoy floating next to the cliffs but, on climbing down, they discovered it was not the buoy they had come to get. One of the man went to get their buoy and when he returned, they decided to get the other buoy as well. In attempting to retrieve this buoy from the water, one of the men fell in and got into difficulties. Patrick Moynihan was on a fishing boat nearby and when he saw the man fall into the water, he directed the boat towards him. He was unable to get nearer than 200 yards or so owing to submerged rocks so he dived in and swam towards the man. The body sank and disappeared, however. On reaching the area, there was no trace of the body. The body was recovered later that evening.
Patrick Moynihan was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Michael Doran, Derek McDonald and Tony Reddy, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10; Harry Byrne, Coolock, Dublin 5; Gerry Kelly, Drimnagh, Dublin 12 and Noel Coffey, Ardee Street, Dublin 8
At about 1.10pm on 19th April, 1978, a fire occurred at a Clothing Manufacturers on Merchant’s Quay, Dublin 8. Many of the staff were having lunch on the third floor when the fire started. Most of the staff got out but 23 girls were trapped. Windows were opened or smashed in an effort to escape, but because there were steel grids affixed to the walls outside, they could not climb out. The fire escape was covered in heavy smoke. Mr. Michael Doran was working next door to the clothing factory and he alerted the manager. All the phones in the building were out of order so Mr. Doran went to a church to phone the fire brigade. The smoke was too dense to get in the front of the building so some men went to the back and with the use of ladders got onto the roof of a shed at the rear of the factory. Present at the time were Derek McDonald, Tony Reddy, Harry Byrne, Gerald Kelly and Noel Coffey. They were joined by Michael Doran, who had brought a steel bar with him. He used the bar to dig at the concrete around the steel grids. Another bar was obtained and they succeeded in prising one grid far enough out from the wall to enable the people trapped inside to escape. The fire brigade then arrived and brought the victims to safety.
Michael Doran, Derek McDonald, Tony Reddy, Harry Byrne, Gerry Kelly and Noel Coffey were each awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Sergeant William King, Army G.H.Q., East Wall, Dublin
At about 9.00am on 19th November, 1977, Sergeant King was in his home when he noticed smoke coming from the downstairs window of a house across the road. He ran to the house. He broke a window on the ground floor and was attempting to get in when he heard a call for help from the bedroom window overhead. It was the voice of a 75-year-old woman trapped in the bedroom. Also in the house was a 33-year-old woman and her 5-year-old son. The father was not at home at the time. Sergeant King ran next door and got a ladder which was lying in the front garden. He placed the ladder against the front of the house and climbed into the bedroom. He took the woman out to the ladder and started climbing down. By this stage, the glass in the downstairs window was breaking from the heat and the flames were spreading menacingly towards the base of the ladder. Sergeant King tilted the woman off the side of the ladder and people who were gathered below broke her fall. He then assisted the younger woman down the ladder and her fall was likewise broken as she jumped to the ground. Sergeant King tried to search for the boy in the back bedroom but the smoke forced him back. There was much confusion as to where the child actually was in the house. Sergeant King was trying to enter the house from the rear when the fire brigade arrived. They eventually located the child on the ground floor. The child was taken to hospital where he died later that evening.
Sergeant William King was awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery.
Detective Garda Matthew Francis Treacy, Dun Laoghaire Garda Station, Co. Dublin
At approximately 12.15am on 28th March, 1978, D/Garda Treacy and another Garda were patrolling in a car when they received a report that a woman had jumped into the sea at the East Pier. They went to the scene along with another Garda. D/Garda Treacy took hold of a lifebelt and jumped into the water while the other Gardaí held the rope attached to the lifebelt. He swam out to the woman and they were both pulled to the steps at the pier. The woman was then removed to hospital.
Detective Garda Matthew Francis Treacy was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Finbarr O’Keefe, Ballymacthomas, Cork
At 5.00pm on 15th April, 1978, Finbarr O’Keefe was told that there was a woman in the River Lee. He immediately ran to the spot and jumped into the river. He swam about 90 feet before reaching the woman, who was faced downwards in the water. He turned her over and brought her towards a slipway on the quayside. Another man waded out and assisted Mr. O’Keefe in bringing the woman to the slipway steps.
Finbarr O’Keefe was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Garda Eugene Holland, Rathmines Garda Station, Dublin
At 10.20pm on 11th April, 1978, Garda Holland was on duty in Leinster Road, Rathmines, when he noticed flames rising up from the front of a three-storey house. He pushed open the door and entered the hallway where he was driven back by clouds of black smoke and overcome by fumes. He could see a figure to the left of the hallway. He shouted to the person but, getting no response, he rushed inside again and pulled an elderly woman outside. The woman was in a shocked state and told the Garda that her husband was still inside. Garda Holland re-entered the house and, as he walked down the hallway, he fell over the body of an unconscious man lying on the floor. Garda Holland was choking with smoke at this stage and he ran to the door for air. He returned a few moments later and managed to drag the man outside. The man and the woman were then taken to hospital.
Garda Eugene Holland was awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery.
Thomas Costello, Henry Street, Roscommon
At about 12.30am on 17th June, 1978, Mr. Thomas Costello was walking towards his house when he got the smell of smoke from the one-storey house of a neighbour. He could see smoke pouring from the rear of the house. He knew the attic was used as a bedroom and so he broke a window, got into the house and made his way towards the stairs. He climbed the stairs and found his neighbour, an elderly woman of 72 years, lying on the floor. There was no window in the attic, which was filled with smoke and flames. He dragged her down the stairs but was unable to open the front door. Some men broke down the door and pulled them onto the street. Mr. Costello immediately passed out due to smoke inhalation. A Garda arrived on the scene and he applied mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on the woman. A doctor arrived after about 20 minutes and he pronounced the woman dead. Mr. Costello was taken to hospital and detained overnight.
Thomas Costello was awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery.
Garda John McDonald, Rosslare, Co. Wexford; Philip Cowman, St. John’s Road, Wexford and William O’Driscoll, Dunmanway, Co. Cork
At 2.45pm on 12th February, 1978, the M.V. St. Patrick was docked at Rosslare Pier. It was snowing heavily at the time. The bad weather meant that it was not possible to place a gangway and passengers were required to leave the ship via the car ramp. A party of 39 boys and 6 teachers disembarked. The teachers and the boys became separated and one boy, aged 14 years, slipped and fell into the water between the ship and the pier. Garda John McDonald and another Garda were on the pier. They were alerted and rushed to where the boy had fallen in. Garda McDonald grabbed a lifebelt as he ran and he lowered it to the boy. The boy grasped the lifebelt and Garda McDonald held him there until he was rescued. Able Seaman William O’Driscoll heard the shouting and he jumped from the ship to the pier. At the same time, Chief Officer Philip Cowman climbed down to the youth and, with the assistance of Mr. O’Driscoll, helped him onto the ship’s belting. They edged him along the belting for 12 feet to a ladder and the boy was then pulled onto the pier.
Garda John McDonald, Philip Cowman and William O’Driscoll were each awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Brendan McAuliffe, Dublin Hill, Cork
At about 4.00pm on 26th July, 1978, Brendan McAuliffe and a friend were informed that a woman was drowning at Long Strand, Ownahincha, Rosscarbery, Co. Roscommon. Mr. McAuliffe, who was a lifeguard, got a lifebelt from the lifeguard’s hut and headed for the strand. On arrival at the strand, Mr. McAuliffe was given a rough indication of the woman’s position who was now about 400 yards out and drifting. Conditions were difficult to effect a rescue, with rough seas and high waves. Mr. McAuliffe instructed some people to go to the cliff-top overlooking the strand so they could give him directions once he was in the water and he told his friend to go for the lifeboat. He entered the water and once he was 400 yards out, the people on the cliff-top directed him to the woman. He gave her the lifebelt and told her the lifeboat was on its way. The lifeboat’s engine had cut out, however. Mr. McAuliffe and the woman both got into difficulties but they managed to move in towards the shore where they were pulled to safety by some locals and Gardaí. Both the lifeguard and the woman were removed to hospital.
Brendan McAuliffe was awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery.
Sergeant Michael F. Kavanagh, Kevin Street Garda Station, Dublin 8; Liam Parkes, Drumcondra, Dublin 9 and Anthony Locke, Drimnagh, Dublin 12
At about noon on 16th December, 1977, a gas leak developed in Newport Street, Dublin 8, when workmen using a mechanical digger came in contact with a gas pipe below the road surface. Work was stopped and the workers knocked on the doors of houses to warn the occupants. No reply was received from one of the houses so a ladder was procured and put up to the bedroom window. Anthony Locke climbed up and saw a man lying in bed. He called out but there was no reply. Sgt. Michael Kavanagh was patrolling in the area at the time and when he was alerted he went to the house. The Sergeant, accompanied by Anthony Locke and Liam Parkes, entered the house through the back door. They went upstairs and got a strong smell of gas in the bedroom. They carried the man downstairs and placed him outside on the path. Feeling dizzy from the gas, they began to wander around and had to be assisted. The man was taken to hospital where he was found to be dead. Sergeant Kavanagh, Mr. Locke and Mr. Parkes were also taken to hospital and given medical attention but they were later discharged.
Sergeant Michael F. Kavanagh, Liam Parkes and Anthony Locke were each awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Garda Thomas Joseph Tormey, Garda Thomas Lavin and Gerry Irwin, Ballymote, Co. Sligo
At about noon on 30th May, 1978, a fire broke out in the bedroom of a house in Ballymote. The Gardaí were alerted and, while Garda Tormey rang the fire brigade, Garda Lavin went to the house. Gerry Irwin was at the house when he arrived. The occupant of the house was an 80-year-old woman who lived alone. They broke down the front door and made their way upstairs. The corridor was filled with thick black smoke and neither Garda Lavin nor Mr. Irwin were able to make progress along the corridor. Mr. Irwin could see the woman lying on the floor. As they were retreating from the fire, Garda Tormey came up the stairs. He managed to get as far as the bedroom but he couldn’t see the woman. He was about to give up when he heard her moaning and he then pulled her out of the room. The room erupted into flames and Garda Tormey lost hold of the woman. He lost his sense of direction but the sound of Garda Lavin’s voice helped him find his way out. The woman was taken to hospital where she died from her injuries.
Garda Thomas Joseph Tormey was awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery and Garda Thomas Lavin and Gerry Irwin were each awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Patrick Keogh, Ballymun, Dublin 11
At 8.30pm on 26th October, 1978, Patrick Keogh, while travelling on a bus along Usher’s Quay, Dublin, saw a young woman standing on the Liffey wall. He jumped from the bus and rushed to the woman. As he did so, she threw herself into the river. He then dived into the water and succeeded in taking the woman back towards the wall. Two lifebuoys were dropped to him and he used these to keep the woman and himself afloat until the fire brigade arrived. The woman was taken to hospital where she made a complete recovery.
Patrick Keogh was awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery.
Garda Michael B. J. Whelan, Henry Street Garda Station, Limerick
At 1.45am on 9th October, 1977, two Gardaí were on foot patrol at Sarsfield Bridge when they heard cries for help coming from the River Shannon near the Limerick Boat Club. They radioed for emergency serviced and Garda assistance and Garda Whelan was one of those who drove to the scene. On arrival, he could not see anyone in the river but he could hear a voice. He entered the water, taking a lifebelt with him, and swam in the direction of the voice. It was too dark to see anything. Garda Whelan called out to the person but he got no answer. He searched the area and after 20 or 30 minutes in the water, he gave up the rescue attempt and returned to the quayside.
Garda Michael B. J. Whelan was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Garda John Kelleher, Henry Street Garda Station, Limerick
At 1.50am on 10th September, 1978, the Gardaí at Henry Street Station were informed that a girl had fallen into the River Shannon in the vicinity of Harvey’s Quay. All available Gardaí rushed to the scene. Garda John Kelleher was one of the first to arrive and he was shown the spot where the girl had fallen in. He could not see a body, only the soles of a pair of shoes floating on the top of the water. He entered the water and swam out to the shoes. A spotlight from a patrol car on the quayside gave Garda Kelleher enough light to dive and recover the body. A lifebuoy was thrown to him and he used this in getting the body to the ladder on the quayside. Artificial respiration was administered on the bank. The body was then taken to hospital and was pronounced dead on arrival.
Garda John Kelleher was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Patricia Tooher, Bantry, Co. Cork
At approximately 10.40pm on 7th January, 1979, at Seafield, Bantry, a passing motorist saw a man fall through a break in the seawall. The driver got a rope from his car and threw it to the man but he did not react in any way. He then stopped another motorist to assist him. Patricia Tooher was a passenger in this car and, on seeing the man in the water, she dived in and swam out to him. She towed him back to the slipway and commenced artificial respiration. The man was conveyed to hospital where he subsequently died.
Patricia Tooher was awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery.
Ronald Wood, Killaloe, Co. Clare
On 25th June, 1979, a house in Killaloe caught fire. The fire started in the sitting room which was occupied by a 14-month-old boy at the time. His mother had left the room for a short time and when she returned, she found the room on fire and clouds of smoke coming from it. One of the neighbours, Ronald Wood, was alerted and he tried to enter the house but was beaten back by smoke and heat. He went home and returned with two wet towels and again tried to enter the house but was beaten back. He then crawled into the house and managed to locate the child and bring him to safety.
Ronald Wood was awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery.
Sergeant Anthony Sexton, Quin Garda Station, Co. Clare; Patrick Dinan, Ennis, Co. Clare; Michael Reidy, Ennis, Co. Clare and John Horkan, Quin, Co. Clare
At about 12.30pm on 27th May, 1976, Sergeant Sexton was in his home in Quin when he was notified by telephone that there were children trapped in a fire in a nearby house. He rushed to the scene. By this time, John Horkan had placed a ladder under one of the upstairs windows and had helped the parents to bring four of their six children to safety. Another ladder was placed under the room where the remaining two children were trapped and the father and another man climbed up this ladder and began throwing buckets of water into the room. Sergeant Sexton then arrived. He forced open the front door and climbed the stairs. Despite the dense smoke, he located the two children, who were unconscious, and brought them onto the landing. He brought one of the children down the stairs and met Patrick Dinan and Michael Reidy, members of the local fire brigade. Both firemen climbed the stairs and Patrick Dinan carried down the second child. Sergeant Sexton successfully applied artificial respiration to both children who were removed to hospital by ambulance.
Sergeant Anthony Sexton was awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery and Patrick Dinan, Michael Reidy and John Horkan were each awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Richard Bolger, Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny
On 28th August, 1976, a 5-year-old boy fell into the River Barrow near Murphy’s Mill, Tinnahinch, Graiguenamanagh. The alarm was raised and Richard Bolger ran to the river where he saw the boy about 4 yards out lying in about 6 feet of water. He jumped in, swam to the boy and brought him to the bank.
Richard Bolger was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Cameron Heaton, Lisnagry, Co. Limerick
At about 6.15pm on 15th July, 1976, a man got into difficulties while swimming in the sea at Barley Cove, Goleen, Co. Cork. He was seen by Mr. Cameron Heaton, who went out about 50 yards into the water with a lifebuoy. The man caught hold of the lifebuoy and Mr. Heaton began to bring him towards the shore. Two other men assisted Mr. Heaton in the last stages of the rescue and helped him bring the man to safety.
Cameron Heaton was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Sub-Station Officer Patrick McMahon, Limerick Fire Brigade
At about 11.30pm on 20th December, 1976, a car with three occupants fell about 12 feet into the Wet Dock, Limerick. The car sank quickly and shortly afterwards a fire brigade crew arrived. One of the occupants of the car managed to float to the surface. Efforts were made to reach him with a lifebuoy, but these were unsuccessful. Patrick Murphy then entered the water with a rope tied to his waist. He brought a lifebuoy to the man, who was in a hysterical condition. The man grabbed the lifebuoy and pulled Mr. McMahon under for a moment, but Mr. McMahon managed to calm him down and towed him to the quay wall. The two men were lifted out of the water and taken to hospital.
Sub-Station Officer Patrick McMahon was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Brendan J. Daly, Bantry, Co. Cork
At about 5.30pm on 22nd August, 1976, a man was bathing at Barley Cove Beach, Goleen, Co. Cork, when he found himself being carried out to sea by a strong ebb tide. Brendan Daly obtained a lifebelt and swam towards the man. A man on the beach was holding onto the line attached to the lifebelt but when this became tangled he was forced to let it go. Brendan Daly swam about a quarter of a mile to reach the man and got him to put an arm through the lifebelt before towing him to safety.
Brendan J. Daly was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Garda John Mullins, Sligo
Smoke was seen coming from a ground floor flat in Old Market Street, Sligo, at about 5.30pm on 17th December, 1976, and Garda Mullins ran to the scene. He saw that one of the rooms was on fire and he broke a glass panel to open the front door. He tried to go inside but was driven back by thick smoke and intense heat. Someone then told Garda Mullin that a 78-year-old woman occupied a flat on the first floor. He went up the stairs to the flat. He found the woman in the room immediately above the fire. There were no flames in the room but it was full of smoke. He brought the woman to the window and called for a ladder. One was placed under the window and they climbed down. The body of a woman was later removed from the ground floor flat by members of the fire brigade.
Garda John Mullins was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Michael Dunne, St. Teresa’s Terrace, Kilkenny
At about 2.30pm on 23rd June, 1976, Mr. Michael Dunne was in his garden beside the River Nore when he heard a splash in the river. He went to investigate and saw a man lying face downwards in the water about 12 feet out from the bank. He jumped into the river but had considerable difficulty in swimming out due to a heavy growth of weeds. He used a rake to pull the man towards him and was able to bring him to the bank. The rescued man appeared to be unconscious but he came to after a few minutes. He was taken to hospital where he recovered.
Michael Dunne was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Garda John J. Ryan, Tuam Garda Station, Co. Galway
At about 4.30pm on 22nd March, 1977, Garda John Ryan was alerted that two brothers, aged 9 and 6 years, were in difficulty in the River Nanny at Tuam. He ran to the riverside and saw the two children bobbing up and down together in the middle of the river. He jumped fully clothed into the river and went out to the centre. He caught the two boys around the waist and with some difficulty brought them to the bank. One of the boys was unconscious when taken from the water but when Garda Ryan applied artificial respiration he came round.
Garda John J. Ryan was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Owen G. Moran, Trim, Co. Meath
At about 11.00am on 6th May, 1977, Mr. Owen Moran heard that a child had fallen into the River Boyne near Watergate Street Bridge, Trim. He ran to the river and saw a young boy floating downstream. He jumped into the river and caught hold of the child. A man on the bank used a long stick to assist Mr. Moran and the child from the water.
Owen G. Moran was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Garda Michael B. J. Whelan and Garda Patrick A. Kinneen, Henry Steet Garda Station, Limerick
At approximately 11.15pm on 28th December, 1976, Gardaí Whelan and Kinneen were on patrol in Limerick City at Honan’s Quay. They were informed that there was a young woman in the River Shannon. The woman was holding onto a lifebelt which had been thrown to her by one of the onlookers who was holding onto the rope attached to it. Garda Whelan climbed down a ladder in the quay wall which was close to the woman and drew the woman towards himself. Garda Kinneen then came down the ladder and both Gardaí tried unsuccessfully to lift the woman on to the ladder. They remained in the water for about 6 minutes more supporting the woman all the time. A fire brigade crew then arrived and they assisted all three people out of the water.
Garda Michael B. J. Whelan and Garda Patrick A. Kinneen were each awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Catherine Sheridan, Killargue P.O., Co. Leitrim
At about 12.30pm on 2nd July, 1977, a fire broke out in the kitchen of the Sheridan home in Carrickoghill, Co. Leitrim. Mr. Sheridan, 83 years of age and totally invalided, was in a bed in a room above the kitchen and his wife, Catherine, aged 76 years, was resting in another upstairs room. Catherine Sheridan noticed smoke coming up through the floorboards and went onto the landing where she saw that the stairway was full of smoke. She went into her husband’s room, broke the window and took her husband out of bed. She then tied two sheets together, attached one end to a leg of the bed and lowered herself 12 feet to the ground. Mrs. Sheridan then ran half a mile to alert neighbours who rushed to the burning house. The neighbours extinguished the fire with buckets of water and used ladders to get Mr. Sheridan out through the window.
Catherine Sheridan was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Sergeant Matthew Shanley, Greystones Garda Station, Co. Wicklow
At approximately 4.00pm on 27th February, 1977, a 13-year-old boy fell into the sea from rocks he was climbing beside Cliff Road, Greystones. He went under the water a couple of times but managed to grab onto a ledge at water level. The matter was reported to Greystones Garda Station and Sergeant Shanley went to the scene, bringing with him a length of rope. He descended the rocks until he was almost directly over the boy and 20 feet above him. He then climbed down the almost vertical rock face until he got within 10 feet of the boy. He made a loop on one end of the rope and threw it to the boy. The boy put it around his waist and Sergeant Shanley drew the boy towards him. He flung the other end of the rope up to three men on the rocks overhead and they assisted him in hauling the boy to safety.
Sergeant Matthew Shanley was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Garda Edward Kirby, Shandon Garda Station, Cork; Patrick Dunne, Watercourse Road Fire Station, Cork and William O’Driscoll, Churchfield Gardens, Cork
At 10.50pm on 15th September, 1977, Garda Kirby was notified that a man had jumped into the River Lee. He rushed to the scene and saw the man some 60 feet out in the river. He threw a lifebelt but the man was unable to reach it. He then entered the water, bringing a lifebelt with him. He kept the man afloat with the lifebelt but was unable to go towards the quay as the current was carrying them downstream. At this stage, Patrick Dunne entered the water and he helped Garda Kirby in keeping the man afloat. After about 10 minutes, William O’Driscoll descended a ladder on the quayside and threw a lifebelt to them. Mr. O’Driscoll then helped them to the quayside. The rescued man was removed to hospital.
Garda Edward Kirby, Patrick Dunne and William O’Driscoll were each awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Garda John Lawton, Tramore Garda Station, Co. Waterford and Paul McGill, Tramore, Co. Waterford
At about 4.40pm on 22nd April, 1977, Paul McGill and his 17-year-old brother-in-law were walking along the clifftops at Westown, Tramore, when the youth fell down about 200 feet of vertical cliff. Paul McGill asked some men who were nearby to get help. He then descended the cliffs to where the fallen youth was lying. Garda John Lawton then arrived on the scene. He began to go down the cliff, instructing onlookers to hold the end of a grappling iron he had brought with him while he descended to a ledge about a quarter of the way down the cliff face, holding the rope attached to the grappling iron. The onlookers threw the grappling iron to him and he attached it to a rock and descended. About halfway down the cliff the rope snapped and Garda Lawton slipped to the ledge below where Paul McGill caught him. They then waited with the youth until the lifeboat arrived. Garda Lawton applied artificial respiration to the youth who was unconscious and bleeding from the back of the head but the doctor from the lifeboat pronounced the youth dead.
Garda John Lawton and Paul McGill were each awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Fireman John Smith, Ceanannus Mór, Co. Meath
At 8.00am on 15th May, 1975, John Smith was on his way to work at the Fire Station in Kells, Co. Meath, when he noticed a fire in the ground floor of a public house in Farrell Street. On hearing from an onlooker that the owner was trapped inside, Mr. Smith entered the building and made his way upstairs. He found the owner lying unconscious and badly injured on the floor. He brought the man to the ground floor but was unable to get him out into the street as the entire ground floor was by then in flames. He dragged the injured man down to the basement and, with the help of neighbours, managed to lift him outside.
Fireman John Smith was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
John O’Donoghue, Douglas, Cork
At about 6.45am on 22nd August, 1975, John O’Donoghue was driving a bus along Merchant’s Quay on the River Lee in Cork when he saw a woman frantically waving her arms and looking into the river. He stopped the bus and ran to the quay wall, where he saw a woman floating downstream in the water. He immediately jumped in and swam to the woman. A lifebuoy was thrown and he placed it under the woman and brought her to steps on the quayside. The rescued woman was then taken away in an ambulance.
John O’Donoghue was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Malcolm Foster, Ballydavid, Co. Kerry; David Stokes, Ballydavid, Co. Kerry and William Granville, Ballyferriter, Co. Kerry
At 2.15am on 14th October, 1977, a radio message informed the Garda Síochána in Tralee that some crew members of a ship grounded in Smerwick Harbour, Ballydavid, were being sent ashore for medical treatment. They were being brought ashore by a lifeboat. At 5.15am a further message was received stating that the lifeboat was in difficulties and that a second lifeboat had left to assist the first one. At the request of the Gardaí, Malcolm Foster, accompanied by two crew members, David Stokes and William Granville, put to sea at about 6.00am to go to the lifeboat crew’s assistance. After travelling about 4 miles in rough seas under driving rain and in semi-darkness they came upon the first lifeboat. It had capsized and 8 men were clinging to it. Mr. Foster and his crew pulled these men on board and later found and rescued the crew of the second lifeboat. They returned to shore at Ballydavid Pier at 8.00am. Eleven men were rescued and the body of a twelfth who had drowned before the arrival of Mr. Foster and his crew was also recovered.
Malcolm Foster, David Stokes and William Granville were each awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery.
Garda Declan O’Hora, Bridewell Garda Station, Dublin 7
At about 5.15pm on 1st July, 1974, Garda Declan O’Hora was on patrol along the Royal Canal when he heard children calling for help. He went to investigate and saw a young boy floating face downwards in the canal. He immediately jumped into the water, swam to the child and brought him to the bank. The boy was removed to hospital where he recovered.
Garda Declan O’Hora was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Sergeant C.K. Cahalane, Gorey Garda Station, Co. Wexford and Christopher Lundy, Bluebell, Dublin 12
At about 5.00pm on 24th June, 1975, three people, two women and a man, were bathing at the North Beach, Courtown Harbour, Co. Wexford. One of the women felt herself being pulled out to sea and when her companions tried to help her, they too got into difficulty. Sergeant C.K. Cahalane went into the water to help them and he brought one of the women to shallow water. Christopher Lundy had also entered the water and he went to the same woman, who clung on to him and almost pulled him under. He stayed with her until other people arrived and then he swam out to the man. Sergeant Cahalane managed to rescue the other women. Christopher Lundy went out to the man and brought his body to the shore. Artificial respiration was applied but the man failed to recover.
Sergeant C.K. Cahalane and Christopher Lundy were each awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Garda John Kilmartin, Milford Garda Station, Co. Donegal
At about 3.30pm on 20th July, 1975, a woman was sitting alone at the entrance to a tent at Cartronlathan, Inverin, Co. Galway. She was changing a gas cylinder on a stove when it exploded, spilling its contents all over the tent. The gas spread quickly and the tent caught fire. The woman moved back into the tent to escape the flames and found herself trapped. Garda John Kilmartin heard the explosion and he ran to the tent. He made a hole in the tent and tried to remove the woman from the flames but she had become entangled in a rope. He loosened the rope and carried her outside. Her clothes were alight and he extinguished the flames with his hands. The woman was taken to hospital for treatment.
Garda John Kilmartin was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Private George Kilmartin, Custume Barracks, Athlone, Co. Westmeath
At about 3.30pm on 8th June, 1975, a 12-year-old boy and his sister, aged 6 years, were bathing at Hodson’s Bay, Lough Ree. When the children fell into a deep hole and disappeared from view, their parents ran down and went into the lake. Another member of the family, a 7-year-old girl, followed them into the water. All of them got into difficulty. Private George Kilmartin was walking nearby and he ran to the lakeside. First of all, Private Kilmartin swam out and rescued the two girls. Then he returned and brought the mother to safety. By this time, the father had recovered and he rescued the third child.
Private George Kilmartin was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Raymond Foster, Findlater Street, Dublin 7 and Anthony Murray, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin
At about 7.00pm on 3rd May, 1975, Raymond Foster and Anthony Murray were passengers on a bus crossing Butt Bridge when they noticed people gathering near the wall of the River Liffey. They left the bus and went to the bridge. They could see a man floating in the river so they climbed down a ladder attached to the quay wall. As the man drew level with the ladder they jumped into the water. Anthony Murray turned him over and Raymond Foster applied mouth-to-nose resuscitation. They brought him to the ladder and supported him while Raymond Foster continued the artificial respiration. With the arrival of the ambulance, all three were assisted to the quayside and the rescued man was taken to hospital.
Raymond Foster and Anthony Murray were each awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Patrick Small, Granard, Co. Longford and John Hilliard, Walkinstown Park, Dublin 12
At about 3.30pm on 12th October, 1975, a man parked his car in the car park attached to Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, and entered the hospital. He left his mother sitting in the front passenger seat. After a short time the car caught fire. Patrick Small was in the car park and when he noticed smoke coming from the car he went up to it. He was joined by John Hilliard. There was severe heat and the inside of the car was ablaze. Mr. Hilliard broke one of the windows and Mr. Small opened the door beside the woman. He used his jacket to quench flames around the woman. Both men took her out of the car and she was carried into the hospital. Mr. Small then put out the fire with a fire extinguisher. The woman died a few days later from injuries she received in the fire.
Patrick Small and John Hilliard were each awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Patrick Mullaney and Patrick Killalea, Boyle, Co. Roscommon
A woman was driving towards Boyle on 24th August, 1974, when her car went out of control. It crashed into a fence and the woman was knocked unconscious. The vehicle overturned and smoke began to rise from the front. Patrick Mullanet and Patrick Killalea were in the vicinity and they went to help. The car was lying on its roof and full of smoke. The doors would not open and the men attempted to turn it over but they were unable to do so. Mr. Mullaney broke two of the car windows and both men removed the woman from the car. The woman had only been carried a short distance when the car exploded. She was removed to hospital where she made a complete recovery.
Patrick Mullaney and Patrick Killalea were each awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery.
John Wade, Buncrana, Co. Donegal and Patrick Mooney, Liverpool, England
At about noon on 24th April, 1976, John Wade saw a woman leap from Buncrana Pier into the sea. He dived in and grasped the woman but she began to struggle. He brought her on to a ledge running underneath the pier. Patrick Mooney was lowered into the rope by rope to assist Mr. Wade. They had to restrain the woman from going back into the sea. A boat arrived after about half an hour and the woman was removed to hospital.
John Wade was awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery and Patrick Mooney was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Private James A. Kelly, Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin 6
At about 6.50pm on 29th June, 1976, two men were bathing in the River Liffey at Athgarvan, Co. Kildare, when one of them fell into a deep hole. His companion went to help him and he too fell into the hole. Both men were non-swimmers. When Private James Kelly was told that there were men in difficulty, he entered the water. He dived into the hole and located one of the men. He brought him to safety. Private Kelly then returned for the second man but he could not find him. Onlookers on the bank directed him to the right part of the river and he was able to find the second man. Artificial respiration was applied to the two men. The first man to be rescued recovered but the second man did not respond.
Private James A. Kelly was awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery.
Anthony Morris, Santry, Dublin 9 and Brian Conroy, Sandycove, Co. Dublin
On 22nd August, 1976, a family went on an outing to Lough Owel, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. At about 3.00pm a member of the family, a girl aged 9 years, went out on the lake in a rubber dinghy and drifted into deep water. When she realised she was unable to return to shore, she panicked and left the dinghy. Her father, a non-swimmer, walked out to her but he also got into difficulty. Anthony Morris and Brian Conroy were also at the lake and they dived into the water. They swam about 200 yards out to the father and daughter and succeeded in bringing them safely to the lakeside.
Anthony Morris and Brian Conroy were each awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Citations from the 29th Annual Report of Comhairle na Míre Gaile, for the year ended 31st December, 1975
Joseph Jeiter, Dromahair, Co. Leitrim
At anout 1.00pm on 4th November, 1972, a man and his nephew were fishing for eels on Corrigeencor Lake, Dromahair when their boat overturned and they were thrown into the water. The nephew held on to the upturned boat but his uncle struggled for a short time in the water and then disappeared. A local farmer saw that he was in trouble and alerted Joseph Jeiter. First Mr. Jeiter tied a rope around his waist and attached the other end of the rope to a car tube. He then swam out to the man in the water and instructed him to place the car tube over his head. He then swam to shore while towing the other man to safety.
Joseph Jeiter was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Jeremiah O Sullivan, Glanmire Road, Cork
At about 8.00pm on 22nd May, 1963, a woman was driving a car which went out of control at the Marina, Cork, and careered down the embankment into the River Lee. The car somersaulted twice and landed in an upright position. Then it began to sink slowly. Three members of the Lee Rowing Club took to the river and began to row towards the car. Jeremiah O’Sullivan and another man were on the bank and they swam out to the car. They attempted to open the car doors but could not. A lifebuoy with a rope attached was thrown to them. They fastened it to the rear bumper of the car and a man on the bank tied the other end to a tree, thus keeping the car afloat. The three rowers then arrived and one of their oars was used to break the rear window. The woman was then pulled from the car and helped onto the boat. She was removed to hospital where she recovered.
Jeremiah O Sullivan was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Robert Dickinson, Ballybay, Co. Monaghan
On 3rd June, 1973, Aer Lingus flight A.580 left Dublin for Palma at 12.55pm. At 1.50pm the passengers were informed that an emergency landing would have to be made at Cardiff Airport because of mechanical trouble. A Garda was on board and when he noticed that the stewardesses were very worried he asked them what was happening. They told him that they had been informed that there was a bomb on the plane. The Garda explained this to Robert Dickinson and asked him to assist in evacuating the airport when it landed. The passengers had become aware of the situation by the time they landed at Cardiff and were panicking. Robert Dickinson and the Garda positioned themselves at the exits to help passengers from the aircraft. The Ground Rescue Crew did not approach the plane; apparently the bomb was due to explode. Because of this, passengers were scrambling onto the wings and jumping to the ground. During this, the Garda and Robert Dickinson were standing by the exits assisting people from the aeroplane. They were the last people to leave the aeroplane having made sure that everyone had been evacuated. The Garda in question, Garda Austin Barrett, had already been awarded a Certificate and as a result Robert Dickinson was also recommended for an award.
Robert Dickinson was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Jarlath Gibbons and Kevin Scott, Tallaght, Co. Dublin
At about 2.30pm on 15th August, 1974, a 14-year-old boy was trying to bring another youth, aged 19 years, across a deep pool at Bohernabreena Bridge when they got into difficulties. Jarlath Gibbons, aged 15 years, and Kevin Scott, aged 14 years, were at the edge of the pool and they swam to their assistance. The 14-year-old was able to reach the bank but the other youth was a non-swimmer and started to panic. Jarlath Gibbons and Kevin Scott tried to rescue him but he pulled them under twice. The youth did not resurface after the second time. The two youths remained in the water, diving to try and locate the youth but they could not find him. The body of the young man was later recovered from the pool.
Jarlath Gibbons and Kevin Scott were each awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Deirdre Butler, Inchicore, Dublin 8
On 6th August, 1974, an 8-year-old boy was playing on the bank of the Grand Canal when he lost his footing and slid down the bank into the water. His playmates began to shout for help and their cries brought Deirdre Butler to the canal. She dived into the water and swam towards the child. The water was very muddy and it was difficult to locate the child but, with help from people on the bank, she found him and brought him to the bank. Miss Butler applied artificial respiration and the boy began to show signs of recovery after a while. He was then brought to hospital for further treatment.
Deirdre Butler was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Garda Noel Fox, Blanchardstown Garda Station, Co. Dublin
On 18th April. 1974, a 5-year-old boy fell into the River Inny at Finea Bridge, Co. Westmeath. An attempt to launch a boat and rescue the boy failed owing to the fast-flowing river. Garda Noel Fox was driving in the vicinity and the sight of people gathering on the bank attracted him to the river. Once he saw the child in the water, he immediately jumped in. He succeeded in grasping the child and taking him to the river bank.
Garda Noel Fox was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
John Allen, Ringsend, Dublin 4
On 16th December, 1973, the Annual Liffey Canoe Race was held. The older canoeists began at Chapelizod and the younger competitors at Islandbridge. Due to deteriorating weather conditions, the organisers decided to end the race at Ringsend but the older competitors failed to overtake the younger group before they entered Dublin Bay. Three boys, two aged fourteen years and one aged fifteen years, were leading the race when their boats were struck by a sudden squall and they were thrown into the water. They were in the water for about half an hour before John Allen arrived. He instructed the youths to hold on to the stern rope of his canoe and to keep kicking their legs. One of the boys had lapsed into unconsciousness, however. Another boy started to lose his grip and John Allen jumped in to assist him. He gave him mouth-to-mouth resuscitation in the water and the youth recovered. A rescue boat then arrived and the boys were put on it. Despite artificial respiration two of the youths were dead on admission to hospital. The boy who John Allen had to give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to was the only one to survive.
John Allen was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
John Cowman, Walkinstown, Dublin 12
At about 4.30pm on 23rd June, 1974, a 16-year-old boy was swimming at the Silver Strand, Wicklow, when he was caught in a strong ebb tide current and swept out to sea. John Cowman was on the beach at the time and he swam out to the youth. He succeeded in bringing him to safety.
John Cowman was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Sean Wynne, Arigna, Co. Leitrim
At 11.30pm on 6th January, 1974, a car occupied by six youths failed to negotiate a bend at Blackrock, near Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim, and crashed through a fence, falling into the Lough Allen Canal. The rear of the vehicle became entangled in the branches of a tree so the car did not sink completely. Four of the youths managed to get out but the two occupants sitting in the front were trapped. Sean Wynne was passing nearby and he jumped into the canal. He kept the heads of the trapped passengers over the water level until the Fire Brigade arrived.
Sean Wynne was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
John Kenny, Drogheda, Co. Louth
At 4.00am on 22nd September, 1974, a serious fire broke out on the ground floor of the Kenny residence in Drogheda. At the time, Mr. and Mrs. Kenny were sleeping in the ground floor bedroom along with their baby daughter and their three other daughters and four sons were asleep upstairs. John Kenny, aged 16 years, awoke to find his room full of smoke. He roused his brothers and sisters. He helped the younger children out through a window on to the flat roof of the kitchen. He then ran around to the front of the house and woke his parents. Finally, he ran to the rear of the house with a ladder and rescued his brothers and sisters from the kitchen roof.
John Kenny was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Aubrey Halley and Liam Malone, Fire Officers, Drogheda Fire Service
At about 1.15am on 21st May, 1971, a serious fire occurred in a house in Drogheda. The parents and two of their children managed to escape but two children, a boy and a girl, were left inside. Attempts by members of the family to rescue the children proved unsuccessful. Shortly afterwards, Drogheda Fire Brigade arrived and Fire Officers Halley and Malone entered the house wearing breathing apparatus. They found the children and carried them outside to safety. Unfortunately, the girl later died as a result of injuries received in the fire.
Aubrey Halley and Liam Malone were each awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
T.P. Kennedy and J.P. Murphy, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin
At about 5.30pm on 26th December, 1974, a woman was walking along the East Pier, Dun Laoghaire, when she was blown into the sea. Timothy Kennedy and John Murphy, the two Lightkeepers on duty, ran to the woman’s assistance. Mr. Kennedy threw a lifebuoy to the woman but she was unable to grasp it. Mr. Murphy then entered the water while his companion held the rope. He was unable to reach the woman as he could not keep his footing. Mr. Kennedy then entered the water also, giving the rope to two women who were on the quay. The two Lightkeepers managed to catch hold of the woman and bring her to safety.
T.P. Kennedy and J.P. Murphy were each awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Garda William P. Doyle, Kinsale Garda Station, Co. Cork and Garda James Crockett, Bandon Garda Station, Co. Cork
At 4.30pm on 10th May, 1974, a woman reported that her son, aged 25 years, was missing and she feared for his safety. Garda Doyle and Garda Crockett went to search for the man along the coastline. They saw him walking over the rocks and when he disappeared from view they climbed down the rock face in search of him. Shortly afterwards, Garda Doyle saw a body, apparently lifeless, in the water and he waded out to him. He was a non-swimmer, however, and could not catch hold of the body. Garda Crockett then joined his colleague in the water and they took the body to the nearby rocks. When Garda Crockett gave artificial respiration, the man began to respond. He was then taken to hospital.
Garda William P. Doyle and Garda James Crockett were each awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
David Sheedy, Mallow, Co. Cork
At about 8.00pm on 24th April, 1974, a 5-year-old boy was playing at Anderson’s Quay, Cork, when he fell into the River Lee. David Sheedy was walking nearby and he dived into the water and swam to the child. He caught the young boy and brought him to the quayside where he was taken from the water.
John Kenny was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Gerald Faulkner, Oughterard, Co. Galway
At 3.00am on 16th September, 1973, two Gardaí were chasing a man in the Shantalla area of Galway. The Gardaí requested Mr. Gerald Faukner to drive them in pursuit of the fleeing man and Mr. Faulkner agreed to oblige the Gardaí. When the fugitive had been overtaken, the Gardaí tried to apprehend him but he jumped into the nearby canal. He was unable to swim across the canal and got into difficulties. Gerald Faulkner joined the Gardaí on the bank. He held on to the support of a protective railing which was on the bank and, with his legs submerged in the water, reached out and grasped one of the drowning man’s hands. He pulled him towards the bank and the Gardaí assisted him in taking him from the river.
Gerald Faulkner was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
John Hamilton, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford
On 17th July, 1974, two boys, aged 11 and 12 years, went paddling in the sea at Dungarvan with an inflated tractor tube. They were using a paddling stick to move along and had travelled about 200 yards when they discovered that the tide was pulling them seawards. John Hamilton saw the boys in difficulty and he ran to the water’s edge and swam out to them. He brought one of the boys to the shore and then went out for the second one. A man threw a lifebuoy out to them and helped to pull Mr. Hamilton and the second boy ashore.
John Hamilton was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Mark O’Brien, Dolphin’s Barn, Dublin 8
At about 6.45pm on 12th May, 1975, Mark O’Brien was walking over the canal bridge at Dolphin’s Barn when his attention was drawn to the body of a child lying at the bottom of the canal. He ran to the bank and dived into the water. He swam out to the centre of the canal, caught hold of the child and brought him to the canal bank. The child was unconscious and was brought to hospital where he recovered.
Mark O’Brien was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Martin Kelly, Cootehill, Co. Cavan
At 4.30pm on 9th June, 1975, a number of people were bathing in the Dromore River when Martin Kelly made cries for help and saw a boy disappearing under the water. He dived into the water and swam to the spot where the child had gone under. He dived twice before he found the child lying on the river bed. He grasped the child and brought him to the bank. Artificial respiration was applied and the boy revived.
Martin Kelly was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Daniel O’Leary, Blackrock, Cork
At about 11.00pm on 7th March, 1975, Daniel O’Leary noticed smoke coming from the windows and roof of a house belonging to an elderly widow. He broke in the door of the house. He could hear cries for help coming from the bedroom where the woman was trapped. When he entered the bedroom, he found the woman near to suffocation. He caught her and brought her to his own home, which was across the street. The woman made a complete recovery in hospital.
Daniel O’Leary was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Kevin O’Reilly, Passage West, Co. Cork
At about 7.00pm on 17th June, 1975, a man was fishing from the pier at Monkstown, Co. Cork, when he stumbled and fell into the water of Cork Harbour. He was a non-swimmer and soon disappeared under the surface of the water. Kevin O’Reilly witnessed the accident and he immediately jumped into the water. He managed to bring the man to the pier and they were assisted from the water.
Kevin O’Reilly was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Esther Mullins, David Murphy, James Byrne and James Phelan, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny
At about 2.00pm on 2nd May, 1975, Esther Mullins was alerted that a young boy had fallen into the River Nore at Thomastown. She waded out into the water but her efforts to reach the child were unsuccessful. The fast-flowing current swept her off her feet and began to carry her downstream. David Murphy and James Byrne arrived on the bank at this point. They both entered the water and brought Mrs. Mullins to safety. She had lost consciousness but she recovered after treatment. Meanwhile, James Phelan had seen the child in the water and he went out to him and brought him to the bank. Mr. Phelan attempted artificial respiration and further attempts were made in hospital but without success.
Esther Mullins was awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery and David Murphy, James Byrne and James Phelan were each awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Thomas A. Joyce, Inishere, Aran Islands, Co. Galway
At 11.30am on 4th May, 1973, three lighthouse keepers, including Thomas Joyce, were engaged in transporting crates of plaster board on the carriage of the cliff incline railway at Inishtearaght Lighthouse off the Kerry coast. One of the men overbalanced and fell head over heels down the cliff rail incline. Joyce stepped out and grabbed the man as he fell. This almost stopped the man at a level of 83 feet below the carriage. Both men fell on downwards and luckily came to rest about 133 feet vertically below the carriage and about 145 feet down the incline. Had it not been for Mr. Joyce’s action, there is no doubt that the man would have continued to fall down the smooth concrete railway and would have been killed on striking the concrete wall at the bottom of the rock.
Thomas A. Joyce was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Garda Austin Barrett, Bridewell Station, Cork
On 3rd June, 1973, Aer Lingus flight A.580 left Dublin for Palma at 12.55pm. At 1.50pm the passengers were informed that an emergency landing would have to be made at Cardiff Airport because of mechanical trouble. The stewardesses seemed very worried and Garda Barrett, a passenger on the plane, suspected something more serious. He identified himself to a crew member who informed him that they had been told that there was a bomb on the plane. This news spread to the other passengers and panic had gripped them by the time the plane landed at Cardiff. When the plane landed, Garda Barrett positioned himself at one of the exits to help the other passengers from the plane. The Ground Rescue Crew at Cardiff did not approach the plane; apparently the bomb was due to explode. Because of this, passengers were panicking and were scrambling onto the wings and jumping to the ground. During all this, Garda Barrett was calming people down and assisting them onto the wings.
Garda Austin Barrett was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Michael Sadler, Mary Street, Cork
On 9th June, 1973, at about 3.00pm, a woman fell into the River Lee at Fr. Matthew Quay, Cork. Michael Sadler was walking nearby when he saw a crowd at the quay wall. On seeing the woman in the water, he jumped in and held on to her. With the help of a lifebuoy he succeeded in bringing the drowning woman to safety.
Michael Sadler was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Eileen Lynch, Ballyheelan, Co. Cavan and Anthony Scanlon, Blanchardstown, Co. Dublin
At 3.30pm on 20th March, 1973, a man was seen falling into the River Liffey from O’Connell Bridge. He did not try to swim and drifted downstream under the bridge. Both Miss Lynch and Mr. Scanlon entered the river, from different points, and swam to the man. A lifebuoy was thrown and they placed it around the drowning man. All three were then hauled to safety on the arrival of a rescue squad.
Eileen Lynch and Anthony Scanlon were each awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
John Heaney, Glaslough, Co. Monaghan
On 22nd June, 1973, two Gardaí went sailing on Castle Leslie Lake, Glaslough. One of the Gardaí went for a swim. He swam underwater for a few moments and surfaced over 40 yards from the boat. The Garda in the boat tried to steer it towards the Garda in the water but he was not skilled at sailing and was unable to do so. He shouted for help and John Heaney, who was on the shore, ran to an old boat and sailed it towards the Garda. He calmed the man in the water by speaking to him and instructed him on how to enter the boat without capsizing it.
John Heaney was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Thomas Goggins, Youghal, Co. Cork
On 10th June, 1973, Thomas Goggins and two other men were fishing at Green’s Quay, Youghal. At about 12.45pm they saw an Anglia car go over the wall into the sea. The three men ran to the spot. Mr. Goggins tied a fishing line around his waist, jumped into the sea and swam towards the car. He tried to open the driver’s door but failed as half the car was by this time underwater. He attempted to break the rear window but without success. The car then turned over and sank. The car was taken from the water after about half an hour and the owner was found to be dead.
Thomas Goggins was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Peter Dyson, Huddersfield, Yorkshire, England
At 7.00pm on 29th July, 1973, a 13-year-old boy went for a swim in the River Blackwater. He was accompanied by five other youths. Shortly after entering the water, he was swept out towards the middle of the river by a strong current. His companions on the bank shouted to Peter Dyson, aged 16 years, who was swimming nearby. Dyson swam to the boy who grabbed hold of him and pulled him under. Dyson was able to get control of the situation and he brought the boy to the bank.
Peter Dyson was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Denis O’Brien, Douglas Road, Cork
At 3.00pm on 11th April, 1973, a Garda who was on duty at Parnell Bridge, Cork, observed a woman in the River Lee. He threw her a lifebelt. She grabbed the lifebelt but as the Garda was pulling her in she released her grip and started to sink again. Denis O’Brien then jumped into the water, swam out to the woman and brought her to safety.
Denis O’Brien was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Patrick Finbarr O’Connell, Blarney, Co. Cork
On 19th July, 1972, a man went for a swim in a pool on the River Shournagh, near Blarney. He was accompanied by five of his children, their ages ranging from 8 to 14 years. He was teaching his 11-year-old daughter to swim by moving along the pool with her and holding her chin while he was on the bank. His hand slipped from underneath his daughter’s chin and as a result she grabbed her father by the legs and pulled him into the pool. She kept a grip on his legs so he could not get afloat or help his daughter. Mr. O’Connell was nearby and when he was informed of the incident he went to the pool and dived into the water. He rescued both father and daughter. The daughter was by then unconscious and the father was in a semi-conscious state. Both of them were taken to hospital for treatment.
Patrick Finbarr O’Connell was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Francis P. White, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14
At 9.00am on 20th March, 1973, Francis White was driving to work along Grand Parade towards Leeson Street Bridge. As he stopped at the traffic lights, he noticed the high level and turbulent condition of the canal lock to his left. He also saw an elderly lady lean over the edge of the lock and fall into the water. He immediately got out of his car and dived into the water. She was being carried away but Mr. White managed to catch her and bring her to the lock wall. An onlooker came to his assistance and pulled them both onto the bank.
Francis P. White was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Stanley Bates, Worcestershire, England
In April, 1971, Mr. Stanley Bates was fishing on the Owenmore River at Grange Harbour, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon. A woman was searching for her 2-year-old son. She saw him standing on the steps of the pier some distance away. She then saw him fall into the water. Mr. Bates, who was on the other side of the river, also saw this happen and he dived into the water and swam towards the child. He managed to reach the child and bring him to the bank. Mr. Bates then applied artificial respiration and the child recovered.
Stanley Bates was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Gerald J. Donnelly, Rathfarnham; Alan Browne, Dublin; Edward Dalton, Terenure; George Cardiff, Inchicore; Michael Kennedy, Tallaght; James D. Hudson, Delgany, Co. Wicklow; Michael Brady, Terenure; James Kennedy, Templeogue; Daniel Bergin, Drimnagh and Patrick Crehan, Terenure
At about 9.50am on 26th April, 1973, at St. James’s Gate Brewery, Gerald Donnelly, Alan Browne and Edward Dalton were hosing water into an underground tunnel in order to dissipate carbon dioxide gas which had escaped into the tunnel. The tunnel was 290 feet long, 5 feet high and 3 feet 9 inches wide. Four pipes extended along the eastern wall of the tunnel. The Plant Engineer was inside the tunnel and wearing a breathing apparatus. The three men could see his light coming towards them and then it disappeared. They heard moaning and knew he was in trouble. The three men, with Donnelly in the lead, went down the tunnel to the man but were overcome by the gas and collapsed. George Cardiff and John Hudson then entered the tunnel and rescued Edward Dalton, who was nearest to them. They attempted to go into the tunnel again but could not reach the men because of the gas. Cardiff was joined by Michael Kennedy. They obtained a twin cylinder oxygen set for protection. The connecting hoses were not long enough to reach the men so Michael Brady carried the oxygen unit behind them. In this way they rescued Alan Browne. Cardiff was then joined by James Kennedy and using the same oxygen unit they reached Gerald Donnelly but were overcome by the gas and unable to rescue him. A last attempt was made by Cardiff and Patrick Crehan, with Daniel Bergin carrying the oxygen unit behind them. They ran out of oxygen, however, and had to retreat. The rescue operation at this point was taken over by members of the Dublin Fire Brigade Service. Gerald Donnelly and the Plant Engineer who was first to collapse were found to be dead when taken from the tunnel.
Gerald J. Donnelly was awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery and Alan Browne, Edward Dalton, George Cardiff, Michael Kennedy, James D. Hudson, Michael Brady, James Kennedy, Daniel Bergin and Patrick Crehan were each awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Thomas Nolan, Kilkee, Co. Clare
At 11.00am on 17th September, 1973, two men left the slipway at East End, Kilkee, in a two-man currach. Their purpose in putting to sea was to tow in a fish store box which was anchored about 50 yards from a boat belonging to one of the men, which was moored in the bay. As they were towing the fish store box, the currach capsized. Both men managed to cling onto the upturned craft, one man for a few minutes and the other for about 10 minutes. Thoman Nolan, who lived nearby, was alerted and he ran to his garage and got his eight-foot skiff and some rope. He went out to the upturned currach and saw a body floating face downwards in the water. He attempted mouth-to-mouth resuscitation in the water but the heavy swell rendered this unsuccessful. He tied the rope around the body and brought it back to shore. He carried out resuscitation attempts on the shore also but without success. The body of the other man was recovered two days later.
Thomas Nolan was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Kevin Page, Clontarf, Dublin 3
At 11.00am on 21st October, 1973, a man was observed standing on a flight of steps leading down to the River Liffey from Bachelor’s Walk. When a Garda went to ask him what he was doing, he jumped in the river. The Garda took hold of the nearest lifebuoy and in doing so attracted the attention of Kevin Page. Mr. Page ran to O’Connell Bridge and dived into the water. He took hold of the drowning man and, using a lifebuoy which the Garda extended to him, he was able to secure him. A unit of Dublin Fire Brigade arrived and helped them out of the water. The man later recovered in hospital.
Kevin Page was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Joseph Caheny, Pearse Road, Sligo
At 3.30pm on 16th August, 1971, two girls, aged 9 and 4 years, went for a walk around the Quays, Sligo. The younger girl slipped and fell into the water. A woman who was passing helped the girl up the steps of the quay wall but she was unable to reach the girl in the water. When Joseph Caheny was told that there was a girl in the river, he immediately dived into the water. He soon located the child and brought her to the surface. The kiss of life was given to the child as soon as she was taken from the water. The child was taken to hospital where she recovered.
Joseph Caheny was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Garda Michael J. O’Hare, Bruff Garda Station, Co. Limerick
At 12.30am on 1st December, 1973, the Gardaí at Bruff received a report that a house was on fire and that a woman, aged 76 years, was trapped inside. Garda Michael J. O’Hare, who was off duty, immediately drove to the burning house. The kitchen and bedroom of the house were on fire when Garda O’Hare arrived and local people were fighting the fire with buckets of water. Garda O’Hare attempted to enter the house a couple of times but on both occasions he was driven back by the intense heat and smoke. He then broke the bedroom window, where it was thought that the woman was, and the firefighters focussed their efforts on this room. Garda O’Hare attempted to get in the bedroom but was driven back again. The Fire Brigade arrived and went in wearing breathing apparatus. They found that the woman was not in the bedroom. Garda O’Hare entered the house again, this time with a rope tied around him, and searched for the woman. Parts of the roof began to fall and the firemen tugged on the rope and persuaded the Garda to leave the house. The woman’s body was later found in the kitchen of her home.
Garda Michael J. O’Hare was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Liam O’Toole, Signal Corps, Baldonnel and James Rice, Inchicore, Dublin
At 11.00pm on 9th December, 1973, two men fell into the River Liffey at Aston Quay. On hearing a cry for help, Liam O’Toole ran to the Liffey wall and saw the men in the water. He dived into the river and attempted to bring one of the men to a ladder on the quay wall. He could not reach the ladder because of the strong current so he swam to an iron ring which was attached to the wall. James Rice jumped into the river at this point and he assisted the two men to the iron ring. All three men were hauled to safety by a unit of Dublin Fire Brigade. Unfortunately neither O’Toole nor Rice were able to attempt the rescue of the second man who had disappeared under the water shortly after falling in.
Liam O’Toole and James Rice were each awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Garda Anthony Flood, Pearse Street Garda Station, Dublin 2 and James D. O’Connor, Donnybrook, Dublin 4
At 8.40pm on 25th February, 1974, while Garda Anthony Flood was on duty at Burgh Quay, he was informed that a man had jumped into the River Liffey. Garda Flood ran to where there are steps leading into the river and dived into the water. He then swam to the man. The man was sinking but Garda Flood managed to bring him to the surface. He then brought the man to the steps at the river wall and a unit of Dublin Fire Brigade assisted them from the water. James D. O’Connor also made an attempt to rescue the man. He tried to use a lifebuoy attached to a rope but the rope became entangled in some wharf timber. He then entered the water to free the rope. He attempted to swim to the man but the rope was too short. He swam back to the wall to ask people holding the rope to move down the wall so he could reach the man. He then discovered that the man had been rescued.
Garda Anthony Flood and James D. O’Connor were each awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Bruce Morrison, Clontarf, Dublin 3 and Patrick Corcoran, Bray. Co. Wicklow
On 16th September, 1970, two men were flying a plane at low altitude over the E.S.B. Lake at Weston, Lucan, shooting scenes for a film. The plane struck an electricity cable and crashed into Lake Weston. Bruce Morrison and Patrick Corcoran saw the occurrence and went to the river bank. The aircraft was afloat and the two occupants were standing on it. Patrick Corcoran tied a rope to his waist and he and Bruce Morrison entered the water and swam to the plane. One of the men started swimming to the far bank but he was weighed down with filming equipment and became submerged. Bruce Morrison brought him to the bank. He then swam back to the plane and helped Patrick Corcoran in bringing the other man to the bank. A helicopter then arrived and hovered overhead. The thrust of the helicopter forced Mr. Morrison and Mr. Corcoran underwater but they were helped out of the water and to safety.
Bruce Morrison and Patrick Corcoran were each awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
David Coen, Clonakilty, Co. Cork
At 3.30 pm on 4th August, 1969, three men got into difficulties while bathing at Ichydoney beach, Clonakilty. There was a strong wind and a rough sea on the day. Two of the men managed to get ashore themselves but, despite their best efforts, the third man was carried out to sea. David Coen, the lifeguard on duty, was told of the man’s plight and he swam out. When he reached the man, he was about 300 yards from the shore. Mr. Coen turned him onto his back and pulled him back to shore. The man was taken to hospital where he recovered.
David Coen was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Garda Edmund Finucane, Rathmines Garda Station, Dublin 6
At 12.40am on 27th November, 1971, three Gardaí arrived at Baggot Street Bridge where it was reported a man had fallen into the Grand Canal. They carried out a search of the canal but could not find anything. Garda Finucane arrived on the scene and after a short time the body of a man was seen lying on the bottom of the canal in about 12 feet of water. Garda Finucane jumped into the water and brought the body to the bank. Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation was attempted but was unsuccessful.
David Coen was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Denis McCarthy and John Cronin, Ovens, Co. Cork
At 5.00pm on 19th March, 1972, Denis McCarthy, John Cronin and another man drove to a gravel pit at Classis, Ovens, on motor cycles. The area of the pit is about 100 acres and there are four lakes in the pit, each about 3 acres. They proceeded to scramble about the rough surface of the pit. The third man was driving across the ford which connects the second and third lakes when his machine stalled. There was about 3 feet of water at this point, but to the left and right it was very deep and there was a strong current. The current forced the man and his cycle into the water. Both McCarthy and Cronin dived into the water. McCarthy tried to locate the man but was struggling in the current and got into difficulties. Cronin had also been searching for the man and when he saw McCarthy was in difficulties he went to help him. He tried to bring him ashore but he lost his grip and McCarthy went down. Cronin had to be helped out of the water by some men on the bank.
Denis McCarthy and John Cronin were each awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Garda Patrick O’Sullivan, Tramore Garda Station, Co. Waterford
On the evening of 10th August, 1971, two men were walking home when one of them ran towards the sea and entered the water at Tramore. Garda O’Sullivan saw the other man enter the water in search of his friend. He soon emerged, very distressed, and believing that his friend had drowned. Garda O’Sullivan swam out about 35 yards and found the man. He was drifting out to sea and apparently unconscious. He managed to pull him to the shallows. The man was removed to hospital where he was detained for some weeks.
Garda Patrick O’Sullivan was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Patrick Murphy, Martin Niland and Sergeant Desmond O’Kelly, Kilkelly, Co. Mayo
On 7th March, 1972, a fire broke out in a Garda’s house in Kilkelly while the Garda was on duty. His wife and a neighbour were in the sitting room and the three children were in bed. The woman of the house ran next door to Mr. Niland. Patrick Murphy was in Mr. Niland’s house at the time and he rushed into the burning house. The house was blazing by this time and the heat was intense. Murphy and Niland rescued two of the children, a 4-year-old girl and a 2-year-old boy. They returned upstairs to search for the baby but were overcome with fumes and had to abandon their search. Mr. Murphy left to get the fire brigade trailer while Mr. Niland placed a ladder against the house. Sergeant O’Kelly arrived at this time and he climbed and ladder and tried to enter. He was overcome and had to descend. He tried again, this time with a wet towel around his face, and this time he got in. He managed to locate the baby’s carrycot and hand it to people outside but, unfortunately, the baby was found to be dead.
Patrick Murphy, Martin Niland and Sergeant Desmond O’Kelly were each awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Garda Thomas McGrath, Timoleague Garda Station, Cork
Garda Thomas McGrath was on duty at Courtmacsherry when cries for help drew his attention to the edge of the pier. He was informed that a child had fallen into the sea. Garda McGrath jumped into the sea, swam under an old broken jetty, dived, and recovered the child.
Garda Thomas McGrath was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Michael McLoughlin, Rosses Point, Sligo and Alan Murray, Cartron Hill, Sligo
On 8th July, 1972, a 24-year-old man was lobster fishing in Sligo Bay in his new boat the ‘St. Brendan’ with his brother, aged 27 years and a boy, aged 14 years. At about 3pm, when some 250 yards off Black Rock Lighthouse, the boat was capsized by a freak wave. The three men managed to scramble ashore at the base of the lighthouse and anchor the damaged boat. It was not until 6.30pm that they were rescued by Michael McLoughlin in the fisherman’s other boat, the ‘Avena’. Mr. McLoughlin showed great courage in navigating the treacherous reefs to rescue the three men. Shortly after midnight on 9th July, 1972, a party of six men, including Michael McLoughlin, left the pier in the ‘Avena’ in an attempt to repair the ‘St. Brendan’. On the way, the bat was capsized by a huge wave. Only three of the men managed to cling onto the upturned boat. Michael McLoughlin was pulled onto the boat by one of these three men but he was washed away. They managed to manoeuvre the boat to the lighthouse. Flares were fired and sighted by the cabin cruiser ‘Chumvi’. From this cruiser, Alan Murray rowed a dinghy 300 yards through rough seas to rescue the three men.
Michael McLoughlin and Alan Murray were each awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Robert and Lily Petrie and Michael Burke, Ballina, Co. Mayo
At approximately 8.00am on 23rd July, 1972, a 70-year-old woman went, unknown to her family, to well on her farmyard for water. She did not return and was missed at about 11.00am. A search was carried out by her two sons, one of which was Robert Petrie, and the other son’s wife, Lily. She was spotted in the well and when her son went down to get her, he was overcome by gas and rendered unconscious. Robert Petrie went to get help. Lily Petrie went into the well while he was away and she was also rendered unconscious. Ladders and ropes were obtained and Robert Petrie entered the well on three separate occasions to tie the ropes around the victims and have them hauled to safety. Michael Burke also entered the well and assisted in securing ropes to the victims.
Robert Petrie, Lily Petrie and Michael Burke were each awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Patrick Mullen, Kilronan, Aran Islands
On 27th November, 1972, two fishing boats, the ‘Ard-Aluinn’ and ‘Fragrant Cloud’, were fishing for herring off Baginbun, Co. Wexford. At about 1.30am a crew member of the ‘Ard-Aluinn’ got a rope which was attached to the nets tangled in one of his legs. He jumped overboard with it to avoid injury. He was a non-swimmer and the sea was very rough. Patrick Mullen was a crew member on the ‘Fragrant Cloud’ and when the alarm was raised, he jumped into the sea and swam to the drowning man. He dived underwater when he saw the man sink but unfortunately he failed to save the man.
Patrick Mullen was awarded a Bronze Medal.
James Phelan, Fermoy, Co. Cork
At about 8pm on 22nd November, 1972, a man was observed in the River Blackwater at Fermoy Bridge. On being informed, Mr. James Phelan immediately went to the scene. He lowered himself approximately 20 feet by means of a chain to where the drowning man was and held him until the arrival of the Fire Brigade who, with James Phelan’s assistance, rescued the man.
James Phelan was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Michael O’Shea and Patrick O’Dowd, Tralee, Co. Kerry
On 12th January, 1973, an 80-year-old invalid was ill in bed in her home. Her daughter entered the room to turn off a gas heater but failed as the top of the gas cylinder became stuck. She called her father who also failed. As he removed the cylinder from the room it caught fire. The daughter left by the back door to get help. The mother went to the back kitchen. Meanwhile, the father threw a blanket on the cylinder and returned to his wife’s bedroom where he was trapped in dense smoke. Patrick O’Dowd was first on the scene and he managed to find the mother and lift her outside. Michael O’Shea could hear the father calling for help and he broke the glass of the front window and got in. Although he was almost overcome by smoke he managed to reach the father and bring him outside. The mother and the father subsequently died.
Michael O’Shea and Patrick O’Dowd were each awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Noel Stokes, Donnybrook, Dublin and Marie McKenna, Crumlin, Dublin
On 8th February, 1973, a 25-year-old man was seen to disappear over the quay wall into the River Liffey at Arran Quay. Noel Stokes and Marie McKenna, who were travelling in separate buses, dived into the water. Mr. Stokes got within 2 yards of the man before he went under. Mr. Stokes dived about 3 times in an effort to locate the man. Both he and Miss McKenna remained in the water for a short time in the hop that the man might resurface. On tiring they decided to return to the steps. Miss McKenna was able to get out of the water but Mr. Stokes was unable to do so and required a lifebuoy to get to the next set of steps and leave the water.
Noel Stokes and Marie McKenna were each awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
CERTIFICATES:
Peter Hand, Listowel, Co. Kerry
On 13th May, 1969, a man got into difficulties while swimming at Beenbawn, Dingle, Co. Kerry. He shouted for help and the man who heard his call alerted Peter Hand. Mr. Hand swam out to the man who was about 50 yards from the shore. Mr. Hand tried to push the man, who was exhausted, back to shore while at the same time avoiding nearby rocks. After a short time, another man came to his aid and they succeeded in getting the man ashore.
Eileen Coughlan, Clontarf, Dublin 3
On the afternoon of 9th July, 1970, an 18-year-old girl was on an airbed in the sea off Cruit Island, Co. Donegal, when the receding tide and a strong wind swept her out to sea. The alarm was raised and Eileen Coughlan, aged 18 years, ran down the embankment and entered the water. She swam to the girl and tried to calm her down. She told her to hold on to the airbed and kick her feet. Miss Coughlan then caught hold of the airbed and after a struggle brought the girl ashore.
James Sutherland, Ferbane, Co. Offaly
On 5th January, 1969, James Sutherland, aged 13 years, was playing on the bank of the River Brosna with his brother and another boy, aged 9 years. The 9-year-old boy slipped and fell into the river. He couldn’t swim and was carried out by the current. James Sutherland jumped into the water and held onto him while his brother ran for a lifebelt. With the aid of the lifebelt, James Sutherland brought the boy to shore.
John A. Dowling, Fairview Strand, Dublin 3
At about 11.40pm on 9th October, 1970, two Gardaí on duty heard somebody shout that a man had fallen into the Liffey at Eden Quay. They went to the quay wall where they saw a man floating in the water. They threw on a lifebuoy but the man did not attempt to catch it. A man jumped into the water at this time, but he lost sight of the drowning man and had to be helped from the water. While he was in the river another man, John Dowling, entered the water. He swam to where he had seen the drowning man go under and dived under twice in an attempt to catch him. He succeeded but was unable to hold him. He continued to search for some time but failed to locate the man again. The body of the deceased man was taken from the river a few days later.
Dr. Louis Courtney, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary
On the night of 15th/16th August, 1970, a 20-year-old man was asleep in his houseboat which was moored at Goose Island, 70 yards across Lough Derg. He was awakened by a strong gale and when he realised his houseboat was in danger, he decided to seek help. He waved his shirt for some time and let off a flare. A number of people had gathered on the quayside and were considering launching a boat. The local Garda Sergeant considered it too dangerous to launch a boat or for anyone to swim across. Meanwhile, Dr. Louis Courtney started swimming towards the houseboat. When he was nearing it, the youth threw a lifebelt and pulled him aboard. Dr. Courtney succeeded in bringing him ashore in a rowing boat.
Donal and Nicola Robertson, Cheshire, England; Roy John Page, Clapton, England and Noel Waddy, Goleen, Co. Cork
At about midday on 3rd September, 1970, a husband and wife got into difficulties while swimming at Barley Cove, Goleen. Their cries for help were heard by holidaymakers on the beach and Roy John age, an elderly man, immediately plunged into the sea. He became exhausted before he could reach them but he shouted encouragement. Mrs. Nicola Robertson then swam out to them. She was followed by her husband, Donal, who brought a lifebelt which they succeeded in putting on the woman in the water. They managed to pull her ashore with the help of Noel Waddy. Mr. Waddy returned into the sea to search for the husband and after about 45 minutes he found the body. Artificial respiration was applied but without success.
Joseph Byrne and Garda John Mullins, Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow
On 15th October, 1970, a 19-year-old man who was working at the bottom of a 40-foot well shaft was overcome by gelignite fumes. A local Fire Brigade Officer, who had descended the shaft, tied a rope around him but he was also overcome by fumes and collapsed. Garda John Mullins was called to the scene and he entered the well. He was overcome by fumes after descending about 20 feet and had to return to the surface. He was then lowered in with a rope around his body but he was overcome by fumes again and was hauled to the surface in an unconscious condition. Further cylinders of oxygen were obtained and a local man, Joseph Byrne, volunteered to enter. He managed to tie a rope around the Fire Brigade Officer and all three men were hauled to the surface. The two men at the bottom were found to be dead. Joseph Byrne was unconscious and was detained in hospital for a lengthy period afterwards.
Garda Michael B. McGann, Gort, Co. Galway
On 4th December, 1970, there was a fire in a licensed premises on Church Street, Gort. Garda Michael B. McGann was on patrol and he rushed to the scene. There was a woman shouting that a 2-year-old boy was trapped in the kitchen. Garda McGann went through the hallway into the kitchen. On opening the door, he was met with a burst of thick black smoke and the kitchen ceiling was in flames. He crawled across the floor and managed to locate the child and take him to safety.
Cyril McCormack, Donnybrook, Dublin 4 and Garda James Patrick Tymond, Edenderry, Co. Offaly
On 4th July, 1970, a man was driving in the direction of Edenderry with three passengers: his 8-year-old son, a 14-year-old boy and a woman aged 37 years. When crossing George’s Bridge, over the Grand Canal, the car toppled into the canal. The driver succeeded in getting out of the car and grabbing onto a plank which was floating in the water. His cries for help were heard by a passer-by who stopped a car being driven by Cyril McCormack. Mr. McCormack dived into the river and rescued the driver. He then re-entered the water and dived towards the car and succeeded in rescuing the 14-year-old boy. He made several attempts to rescue the other occupants but was unable to do so as they were caught under the seats. Garda Tymond then arrived on the scene and they succeeded in getting the other two people to the canal bank. Both were found to be dead however.
John Lomasney, Crosshaven, Co. Cork
At about 6.00pm on 29th January, 1971, a child was noticed floating in the water just off the pier at Crosshaven. When John Lomasney came on the scene he dived into the water, grabbed the child and headed back to the pier. The child subsequently recovered.
Denis Fitzgerald, Gurranebraher, Co. Cork
At about noon on 17th March, 1971, a 23-year-old woman jumped into the River Lee at North Mall, Cork. Denis Fitzgerald, who was passing by, jumped in after her. A Garda threw in a rope and assisted Mr. Fitzgerald in taking the woman out of the water.
Michael Lannigan, Chapel Avenue, Kilkenny
On 13th March, 1971, a man went to visit a couple who lived in a flat on Rose Inn Street, Kilkenny. He had left his motorcycle in the hallway. The motorcycle went on fire, filling the hallway with smoke. The husband and wife managed to get out of the flat but the other man was trapped inside. Michael Lannigan then came on the scene and he rushed through the flames into the hallway, grabbed the man and pulled him on to the street. The man died the following day, however, as a result of burns he received.
Michele Duffin, Greystones, Co. Wicklow
On the afternoon of 5th June, 1971, four youths went out to sea in a small boat from Greystones Harbour. It was very stormy and the sea was quite rough. Just as the boat passed the mouth of the Harbour, it overturned and the four youths were thrown into the water. One of them was wearing a lifejacket and was picked up by a boat. The other three youths were holding onto the upturned boat and their rescue was prevented by the state of the sea. Michele Duffin, aged 15 years, who was on the strand at the time, obtained a rope and swam out to them. The rope was not long enough but another rope was thrown to her and she joined the youths. She tied one end of the rope to the upturned boat and all four were pulled ashore to safety.
Nicholas Wagner, Cross Douglas Road, Cork
In August 1970, a family with five children was on holiday at Guileen, Whitegate, Co. Cork. On the evening of 16th August, three of the children, boys aged 10, 9 and 5 years decided to go bathing. Nicholas Wagner, who was nearby, noticed that they were in difficulties and went to their aid. He rescued the two older boys and handed them to their uncle, who was on the beach. The youngest boy had been swept out about 20 yards into deep water and Mr. Wagner had to make numerous attempts to reach him. Eventually, he was able to catch the child by the legs and bring him to safety.
John Nagle, Kildysart, Co. Clare
At about 5pm on 6th September, 1971, a 2-year-old boy fell into the sea. His mother saw the incident and shouted for help. Three youths, who were 300 yards away from the scene, heard the shout and came to the spot. One of them, John Nagle, aged 15 years, dived into the sea and swam out to the child. He succeeded in bringing the child safely ashore.
Edward Caulfield, Mayfield, Cork
At about 4pm on 5th June, 1971, a man fell from Parnell Bridge, Cork into the Lee. Edward Caulfield was driving by at the time and he saw the incident. He stopped the car and dived into the river. He got hold of the man and shouted to his father-in-law, who had been in the car with him, to get a spare tyre. They tyre was thrown to him and he put the man on this and succeeded in getting him to the wall. Someone then threw down a lifebelt and the two men were lifted out of the water.
Harvey O’Keefe, Templeogue, Co. Dublin
At about 5.30pm on 21st August, 1971, an 11-year-old girl was playing with other children at Morriscastle Beach, Co. Wexford. None of them could swim. She was playing with a beach ball in the water and, unknown to herself, was carried out of her depth. She screamed for help and Harvey O’Keefe, aged 14 years, swam out to the girl, bringing a lifebuoy with him. He took hold of her but she struggled with him. He then struck her on the stomach and winded her, after which he succeeded in getting her on a nearby sandbank. He then put the lifebuoy on her and swam back to shore.
CERTIFICATES:
Eric Thomas Offer, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin
At about 11.30pm on 15th June, 1969, two men decided to moor two punts in Dun Laoghaire Harbour. One of the punts had an engine and towed the other punt behind it. One of the men got up and walked to the front of the punt which had an engine on it. He stumbled, fell overboard and the punt sank. He tried to get in the other punt, but that also capsized and both men were thrown into the water. One of the men tied the other to a boat and went for help. He contacted Eric Offer at the clubhouse and they both went to the quay and went out in a dinghy. While they were trying to locate the man tied to the boat, the other man, by now exhausted, fell into the water. Eric Offer managed to drag him into the dinghy and then went to the other man and helped him aboard also. The combined weight of the three men caused the dinghy to sink so Eric Offer climbed onto a motorboat and was able to take the other two men aboard.
Garda John Sheehy, Ballincollig, Co. Cork
At 5.30pm on 18th September, 1969, a 14-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl were swimming at the Men’s Strand, Ballybunion. After about 15 minutes, they decided to come ashore because of the undercurrent in the sea. They could not swim because of the waves and the strong current so they tried walking. The girl was finding it difficult to make progress so the boy went to her aid. They were both forced outwards by the undercurrent, however. An onlooker alerted the lifeguard and he swam out to the boy and, by using a lifebelt, managed to bring him back to shore. Garda Sheehy, meanwhile, had swum out to the girl and brought her ashore.
Robert Forster, Larne, Co. Antrim
On 5th April, 1969, a party of six teachers and sixteen pupils of St. Comhghall’s Secondary School, Larne, left Carrick-on-Shannon on a boating holiday in three cabin cruisers. At Athlone they were joined by a brother of one of the teachers, aged 18 years. On 11th April, as the boating party approached the Albert Lock at Lake Nonóg on the Shannon, the teacher’s brother fell overboard. A lifebelt was thrown but he failed to catch it. Mr. Robert Forster then dived in and brought the youth from under the water. The youth struggled, however, and they were both dragged under and drowned.
Lesley Andrea Henry, Donaghadee, Co. Down
At about 2.30pm on 18th July, 1969, a 13-year-old girl and her two sisters went swimming at Silver Strand, Wicklow. It was a wet day and the sea was very choppy. The girl was swept around the rocks and got into difficulties. Lesley Henry, aged 14 years, was swimming nearby and she went to help but was driven against the rocks by the waves. She then lost sight of the drowning girl. When she reappeared, Lesley tried to reach her but was again driven against the rocks. She made a further rescue attempt but was by now exhausted and was forced to abandon the rescue. A 13-year-old girl on the shore made an attempt to go out to the drowning girl but she was unable to reach her. The body of the girl was later recovered.
Rev. Michael A. Courtney, Tynagh, Co. Galway
At 7.50pm on 31st August, 1969, an 18-year-old boy went sailing on Lough Derg. He was unaccompanied. When he was about 300 yards from the shore, he leaned backwards endeavouring to balance the boat in the wind. His toe strap attached to the coat snapped and he fell in. A gust of wind overturned the boat and it sank. He shouted for help and the alarm was raised. Fr. Courtney ran to a boat which had an outboard engine and, accompanied by another man, went to the spot where the youth had sank. He dived into the lake. On the second attempt Fr. Courtney located the youth and succeeded in getting him into the boat. The youth was brought to hospital, where he recovered after treatment.
Francis Millar, Glasgow, Scotland
On 15th July, 1969, Mr. Francis Millar lost his life while attempting to rescue three children from drowning at Strandhill, Co. Sligo. The children, aged between 9 and 12 years, were paddling in the sea outside the safety area when the current and tidal backwash swept them out to sea. The lifeguard and Mr. Millar went to their assistance. The lifeguard rescued one of the girls but had considerable difficulty in getting back to shore. As a result, he was unable to enter the sea again when Mr. Millar got into difficulties. Eventually he attempted a rescue but Mr. Millar was dead when he brought him ashore. The other two children were rescued by persons on the beach.
Philip Jeremiah Kearney, Carrigohane, Co. Cork
At 8.00pm on 20th May, 1970, two sisters went to the Kearney home in Carrigohane. They wanted to try a new camera and they asked Mr. Kearney’s son, Philip, aged 10 years, to help them to get a canoe into the river as they wanted him to photograph them together in the canoe. The two girls were in the canoe and Philip was standing on the jetty with the camera when the canoe overturned. The girls were non-swimmers and were struggling in the water. Philip shouted at them to grab the canoe but it drifted away from them. He then jumped into the water and brought the canoe back to them. One of the girls caught hold of him and pulled him under. He managed to get free and swam to the shore for assistance. He telephoned his father who arrived in a short time. However, it was not until 11.00pm that the bodies were recovered by skin divers.
Tomás de Breit, Páirc na Trá Báine, Gaillimh
On the evening of 6th June, 1970, a 6-year-old boy, who was playing with three other children, fell into the Eglington Canal, Galway. Tomás de Breit was passing by and the other children told him what had happened. He jumped into the canal. The water was very black and he could not locate the child. He kept going deeper, but was caught in a current and sucked down under the sluice gate. He managed to free himself and he came out at the far side, about 20 yards down. He came to the surface and swam to the side of the canal. Someone showed him where there was a ladder and he climbed out. The boy’s body was subsequently taken from the canal and brought to hospital. The child resumed spontaneous breathing and a good circulation after resuscitation, but he died the following day.
James O’Keefe, Mayor’s Walk, Waterford; Redmond Holloway, Sandymount, Dublin 4 and David Kenny, Tramore, Co. Waterford
At about 4pm on 21st June, 1970, a 21-year-old woman was swimming about 150 yards offshore at Annestown, Co. Waterford, when she got into difficulties and was unable to get ashore due to a strong current. She called for assistance and James O’Keefe swam out to help her. He held on to her but they could not make any headway against the current so they swam to a nearby rock and shouted for assistance. The woman’s brother swam out to the rock with a lifebelt, but he too was unable to swim back against the current. By this stage, fears were growing for the lives of the three people as the rock would be completely submerged within 15 or 20 minutes. Just at this time, about 5.50pm, David Kenny and Redmond Holloway swam out to the people with a long rope. They attached the rope to the rock and the three stranded persons were then positioned along the rope. All five were pulled ashore by people holding the rope on the shore.
Daniel Jordan, Cobh, Co. Cork
On 26th August, 1970, Daniel Jordan was entering the gate leading to the North German Lloyd Pier at Cobh when he noticed a small child on the Pier edge. He warned the child to come away from the edge. As he walked away, he heard dogs fighting and on turning around he saw one of the dogs knock the child into the water. He dived into the water and swam to the child who was about 12 feet out. He caught hold of the child but was unable to swim because the tide was too strong against him. He succeeded in catching hold of one of the pylons and shouted for a lifebelt. A lifebelt was thrown to him and Daniel Jordan and the child were pulled from the river.
James McSweeney, Langford Row, Cork
At about 11pm on 26th July, 1970, James McSweeney was standing on the bridge at Bachelor’s Quay, Cork, when he saw a man falling into the river. He jumped in after him and brought the man to the ladder. He held him there until a man threw in a lifebuoy. The rope broke and the man threw in another lifebuoy. The rope broke again and a third lifebuoy had to be procured in order to get the man out of the water.
Kevin Brennan, Navan Road, Dublin 7
On 25th Spetember, 1970, a woman got into difficulties while swimming at Ballybunion, Co. Kerry. Kevin Brennan went to her assistance. She held onto him and he began to swim back to the beach. They were making very slow headway as the current was very strong. They had gone about one-third of the distance to the beach when the lifeguard came out to help them. They were not making much headway back to shore so they decided to swim to the rocks. They were helped on to the rocks by a number of people who had gathered at the scene.
1960 – 1969
Citations from the 22nd and 23rd Annual Reports of Comhairle na Míre Gaile, for the years ended 31st December, 1968 and 31st December, 1969
CERTIFICATES:
John O’Brien, Sunday’s Well, Cork
At about 1.45pm on 27th July, 1967, a 13-year-old boy was fishing on the ferry slip at Market Dock, Youghal, when he slipped and fell into the water. The boy was unable to swim and he was carried out to sea. Mr. John O’Brien ran to the ferry slip and threw his coat in the boy’s direction. The boy, however, was unable to grasp it so Mr. O’Brien removed his shoes and dived into the water. He swam a distance of about 15 yards towards the boy. He succeeded in bringing the boy to the safety of a boat moored about 30 yards away. They boy’s father then lifted his son into the boat.
Brian Mordaunt, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary
At around noon on 14th October, 1967, a 6-year-old boy fell into the River Suir at the Quay, Clonmel. His friend raised the alarm. Several passers-by rushed to the bank, but their attempts to throw a lifebuoy to the boy were unsuccessful. The boy was swept downstream and under the Gas House Bridge, about 200 feet from the steps where he had fallen in. Brian Mordaunt then arrived on the scene and dived into the river. He swam to the boy and caught hold of him. Both were swept downstream for some distance until Mr. Mordaunt caught hold of the lifebuoy and was pulled to safety. The boy was unconscious when brought from the water but he responded to artificial respiration and made a full recovery.
Katherine Cambridge, Spike Island
At about 2.30pm on 30th September, 1967, a 5-year-old boy fell off the slipway at John F. Kennedy Pier, Cobh, Co. Cork. His companions raised the alarm. Two or three minutes later, a passenger launch from Spike Island drew up alongside the pier. Katherine Cambridge was on board and when she saw the drowning child, she jumped into the water and swam to his rescue. The child was brought up the slipway with the assistance of man who came to help. A passer-by applied artificial respiration to the child who responded to the treatment. He was then brought to hospital where he made a full recovery.
Sylvester Keogh, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14
At about 9.40am on 23rd November, 1967, a man entered a compartment of a 3000-gallon tank, which was being constructed at the time, in order to test it for leaks from adjoining compartments. He was overcome by fumes of argon gas which had apparently escaped into the compartment overnight. Two men saw the first man lying on the floor of the compartment a few minutes later but when they went to help, they were also overcome by the fumes. A few minutes later, Sylvester Keogh arrived on the scene. He squeezed head first through the aperture of the compartment and passed the unconscious man out through the gap to men waiting on the other side. The three men were taken to hospital. The first man in the compartment died but the other two recovered.
Raymond Mullane and Anthony Depuis, Passage West, Co. Cork
At about 4.45pm on 4th February, 1968, a man was driving his car down Church Hill, Passage West, when the brakes failed. The car ran out of control and into the River Lee. There were four other passengers in the car, aged between 2 and 18 years. Raymond Mullane and Anthony Depuis saw the car go into the water and they ran to the river’s edge. Raymond Mullane dived in and, when the driver floated to the surface, he caught hold of him and supported him in the water. Meanwhile, Anthony Depuis climbed down nearby steps and swam towards them. He helped to keep the man afloat until a lifebuoy was thrown to them. They held the lifebuoy but the rope broke while it was being pulled to the quay wall. Depuis and Mullane succeeded in getting the man ashore. The man was brought to hospital and recovered. All the other occupants of the car were drowned.
Edward Deane, Midleton, Co. Cork
At about 5pm on 27th May, 1968, two men, both aged 60 years, were returning from a fishing trip in Inch Bay, Co. Cork, on board a flat-bottomed boat. When the boat was about 300 yards from the shore, the engine failed. One of the men used oars to endeavour to guide the boat away from dangerous rocks which were nearby. However, the boat overturned and one of the men, a non-swimmer, disappeared in a very short time. On hearing of the incident, Edward Deane rushed to the strand. He tried to launch a boat but failed due to the sea conditions. He instead obtained a lifebuoy and swam out to the man and brought him ashore. The man died two hours later, despite the immediate application of artificial respiration.
Herbert Radford, Cromcastle Park, Dublin 5
At about 8.15am on 8th July, 1968, Herbert Radford was alighting from a bus at Eden Quay, Dublin, when he noticed a splash in the river and saw a man in the water. He ran across O’Connell Bridge to Burgh Quay accompanied by another man whose name is unknown. Mr. Radford jumped into the river and held the drowning man afloat. The other man on the quay threw a lifebuoy into the water. Mr. Radford held on to the lifebuoy until the fire brigade arrived. A ladder was lowered into the water and an officer of the fire brigade descended. With the assistance of Mr. Radford, the fireman tied a rope around the drowning man and they both then carried him up the ladder.
Rev. Bro. Michael Donnelly, Marino, Dublin 3
At 1.45pm on 8th August, 1968, a man went swimming alone at The Men’s Bathing Place, just north of the South Beach, Greystones. At that time the sea was exceedingly rough. After a while, a man who was fishing from the nearby rocks noticed that the man in the sea was in trouble and he raised the alarm. All the people in the immediate vicinity were non-swimmers so they rang the Gardaí. On the way to the beach, the Gardaí met some Christian Brothers. Three of the Brothers went to the beach and Brother Michel Donnelly swam out 40 yards to where the man was floating. He commenced to tow the man back to shore but a large wave submerged the pair and they became separated. The two other Brothers had ropes fastened around their waists and they went out to the man at this stage and brought him in. Brother Donnelly had some difficulty in making his way back to shore but, with the aid of a rope and a Garda who had waded into the water, he got to safety. The other two Brothers also had to be helped ashore. The man who they had gone out to rescue died, despite the application of artificial respiration.
Martin Cantillion, Carrigaline, Co. Cork
At about 5.45pm on 28th July, 1968, a family went swimming at Scott’s Strand, Coolmain, Co. Cork. There is a channel between this strand and Harbour View, Kilbrittan, and when the tide is flowing a very strong current runs up this channel. Not knowing how dangerous this spot is, the father and his two daughters, aged 12 and 13 years, went swimming. After a few minutes, the two girls were being swept up the channel towards a whirlpool. Martin Cantillon and the girls’ father dived into the water and rescued the two girls.
Thomas Gibbons, Killaloe, Co. Clare
At about 4.30pm on 20th August, 1968, Thomas Gibbons, aged 12 years, was swimming with two companions in the canal at Killaloe. They swam across the canal and on the way back one of the boys got into difficulties. He went under the water but quickly surfaced and pulled Thomas Gibbons under. Gibbons failed to break his grip on him and when they resurfaced he shouted to his brother and some other children to get a lifebelt. They sank under again and this time Thomas Gibbons succeeded in breaking his hold and brought him to a nearby slipway and to safety.
Ivy Eales, Glamorgan, Wales
On 18th October, 1968, Miss Ivy Eales was one of three passengers on board a barge-type boat, piloted by her uncle, which set out from Castletownbere, Co. Cork, at about 7.15pm. When they had travelled for about 10 minutes one of the passengers fell overboard. Miss Eales threw a lifebelt while the boatman turned the barge around. Miss Eales jumped into the water and swam to the man, who had a firm grip on the lifebelt. She kept his head above water until the barge came around and then clung to the side of the boat. The boatman and the passenger tried to lift the man aboard, but could not. The boat drifted slowly towards the mainland, taking about an hour to reach the shore. For most of this hour, Miss Eales was in the water and was eventually helped on board the boat in an exhausted condition. Artificial respiration was applied to the man and he was taken to hospital but was found to be dead on admission.
The crew of the Castletownbere trawler ‘Ard Béara’
Having been alerted that the fishing trawler ‘Seaflower’ was in distress ar Ardgroom Harbour, Co. Cork, the trawler ‘Ard Béara’ left Castletownbere Pier at around 2.00am on 22nd December 1968. At about the same time, the Valentia Lifeboat also headed for Ardgroom. Conditions were very bad at the time, with gale-force winds and extremely poor visibility. The two boats reached the area at about 5.45am and commenced searching. The lights of the ‘Seaflower’ were no longer visible. At daybreak some wreckage from the ‘Seaflower’ was picked up by the two boats. The crew of the ‘Ard Béara’ eventually put into Sneem Pier at 1pm on 22nd December. The lifeboat continued to search for bodies and only put into Sneem at 6.05pm when the crew had been informed that all five bodies had washed ashore.
Patrick Hendrick, New Ross, Co. Wexford
Between 7.30pm and 8.00pm on 29th May, 1969, a 10-year-old boy fell into the River Barrow at the Quay, New Ross. Patrick Hendrick was fishing at the same quay and when he heard the splash, he looked around and saw the boy in the water. He jumped into the river, caught the boy and brought him to the surface. He then brought him to the quay wall at the steps but the boy struggled, got his feet against the wall and pushed both of them further out into the water. The boy panicked and pulled Patrick Hendrick under twice. A lifebelt was thrown to them, and with its assistance, Mr. Hendrick succeeded in getting the boy ashore.
John Synott, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny
At about 6.00pm on 13th May, 1969, an 11-year-old boy fell into the River Nore at the Quay, Thomastown. When John Synott, aged 12 years, heard of what had happened he ran to the bank. John’s father threw out a plank to the boy in the river. There is a minor whirlpool at the spot and the boy was dragged underwater twice before the plank was thrown to him. John Synott then dived into the water and swam to the boy. He held him up by the neck and chin and brought him about 20 feet to a sandbank.
Superintendent S. Fanning and Garda K. Gunning, Kildare Garda Station; Robert Murray, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin and Denis Conlon, Kildare
At about 10.20am on 8th February, 1969, a woman left her four young children – one boy aged 3 years and three girls aged 2 years, 19 months and 6 months – alone in her home while she was shopping. All the children were in the front room when she left. A fire was burning in a range in the same room. At about 10.30am, a neighbour noticed smoke coming from the house and, when she went to the house, the front room was ablaze. She raised the alarm, and the Fire Brigade and the Gardaí were notified. A crowd was gathering at the house and one man brought the eldest child to safety from the back room of the house. Superintendent Fanning and Garda Gunning arrived soon afterwards with other Gardaí. All the Gardaí and two civilians, Robert Murray and Denis Conlon, entered the back room. They attempted to fight the fire with a fire extinguisher and buckets of water. The heat and smoke were so intense that no one could stay in the room for very long. Superintendent Fanning, Garda Gunning, Mr. Conlon and Mr. Murray all remained in the room until they were exhausted and returned on numerous occasions after they had recovered outside. Superintendent Fanning made several attempts to reach the attic in the mistaken belief that some of the children were up there. Garda Gunning made a search of the entire floor area on his hands and knees and was able to locate the second eldest child and bring her to safety. The Fire Brigade arrived and extinguished the fire, but the two youngest children did not survive.
Michael Rowan, Athy, Co. Kildare
At about 4pm on a Friday early in September, 1968, some young children were playing on the bank of the River Barrow where the Grand Canal flows into it. One of the children, aged 7 years, fell into the river. Michael Rowan was in a boat about 150 yards from the children. When he heard shouting, he jumped onto the bank and ran to them. Once he was told what had happened, he jumped into the water and swam to where he thought the boy had gone underwater. He could not see the boy but groped with his hands until he located him. He brought him to the surface and then to the river bank. A man on the bank applied artificial respiration and the child responded after a few minutes.
Michael Hennessy, Youghal, Co. Cork
At approximately 6.30pm on 20th May, 1969, a 6-year-old boy was playing on the edge of Nelson’s Quay, Youghal, when he fell into the water. He was unable to swim and began to struggle as he floated seawards. Michael Hennessy was nearby and, when he heard the boy crying, he ran to the edge of the quay and jumped in the water. He grabbed the boy and turned him over on his back. He tried to swim towards a ladder set in the quay wall but was unable to do so because of the tide. He then tried to swim to a ferry which was about 18 yards away. However, his rubber boots were dragging him underwater and he kicked one of them off. He then swam to the slip and they were assisted from the water. An onlooker applied artificial respiration to the boy and he soon revived.
Citations from the 19th Annual Report of Comhairle na Míre Gaile, for the year ended 31st December, 1965
CERTIFICATES:
Sandra Brownlee, Ballina, Co. Mayo
On the afternoon of 27th November, 1964, a fire broke out in a cottage in Ballina. There was a mother and four children inside. The mother managed to get out with the two eldest children. She raised the alarm and Sandra Brownlee, aged 20 years, immediately entered the burning cottage to rescue the two youngest children. At first she attempted to bring the children out through the bedroom window but when this failed she took the infant out through the intense heat. She then returned for the other child who was strapped in her pram and rescued her too.
Edward Toner, Crumlin, Dublin
At 10.30am on 13th January, 1965, a woman was seen floating in the Grand Canal at Rialto. Mr. Edward Toner, although he is a poor swimmer, on hearing of her plight, went to the canal bank, dived in fully clothed and brought the woman to safety.
Liam Fitzpatrick, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin
At 4.55pm on 20th February, 1965, two men, who had been boating in Scotsman’s Bay, Sandycove Harbour, Dun Laoghaire, were thrown in the water about 400 yards offshore when their dinghy capsized. One of the men swam ashore but the other got into difficulties and stayed afloat by clinging onto an oar. Mr. Liam Fitzpatrick, on hearing of the incident, entered the water and swam towards the man. When he reached him, Mr. Fitzpatrick tore off the man’s oilcoat and jacket, and also tried to get his shoes off but failed. He then began to swim back. The two of them disappeared from sight a number of times because of the waves and they were frequently bashed against the rocks. Eventually, Mr. Fitzpatrick got the man ashore. People threw a lifebelt to them and they were pulled from the water. Both men were removed to hospital where they later recovered.
Francis Martin, Tullamore, Co. Offaly
At 9.15pm on 22nd February, 1965, a woman slipped and fell into the Grand Canal at Tullamore. Francis Martin arrived on the scene, jumped in fully clothed and brought the woman to the canal bank. Artificial respiration was applied but unfortunately without success.
Anthony Hourihan, Blackrock, Co. Dublin and James Hourihan, Howth, Co. Dublin
On 21st March, 1965, a young man and woman, who were walking on the harbour side of the east pier, Howth, were caught by a series of waves and swept in to the harbour. Mr. Anthony Hourihan immediately plunged into the ice-cold water. He caught the girl and began to swim back towards the pier. He was joined by another man who had a lifebelt and with the help of this, he brought the girl to safety. In the meantime, Anthony Hourihan’s brother, James, had gone to the rescue of the man. When he reached him, he appeared to be dead. He applied the kiss of life in the water and was joined in the water by another man who gave him a lifebelt. The man was brought ashore. Artificial respiration was applied on the pier and the man and woman recovered.
James McGowan, Main Street, Donegal
On the afternoon of 15th April, 1965, Mr. James McGowan heard a child scream and on investigation found that the child’s 4-year-old brother had fallen into the River Eske. The boy in the water was being swept downstream. Mr. McGowan ran along the bank and when he had got ahead of the boy, he jumped into the water. He waded about 12 feet from the bank and rescued the boy.
Patrick McSwiney, Kenmare, Co. Kerry
On 11th July, six people, three boys and three girls (aged 16-17 years) were thrown into the water in Kenmare Bay when their motor boat capsized. The three boys swam ashore but the girls, who were non-swimmers, found themselves in difficulties some 20-30 yards offshore. Patrick McSwiney was boating nearby with two companions and he went to their assistance. With the help of his companions, he got one of the girls in the boat. He then entered the water to rescue the others. He put one girl on the keel of the upturned motor boat from which she was taken to safety by his companions. The third girl had gone underwater by this time and Mr. McSwiney dived and swam with her to the shore. He applied artificial respiration and she recovered.
Michael Chatham, Ringsend, Dublin
When a horse and cart was being driven along Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, the horse suddenly became frightened by the movement of an overhanging crane and bolted. The driver was thrown on the ground and the horse turned into Macken Street and galloped towards Pearse Street. Michael Chatham ran out in the midst of the traffic and tried to halt the horse. His attempt was unsuccessful but he followed the horse into Pearse Street. The horse mounted the footpath and was headed in the direction of a child. Mr. Chatham managed to grab the reins in time, however, and guide the horse back on the road. He then brought him to a halt and held him until the driver arrived.
Kevin Murphy, Ringsend, Dublin
On the evening of 21st July, 1965, an 8-year-old boy who was with a companion at the Slip, Thorncastle Street, Ringsend, reached into the water to secure a piece of paper which was floating past, and in doing so fell in. The alarm was raised and Kevin Murphy, aged 14 years, ran to the water and plunged in. He grabbed the boy by the back of the coat and pulled him close to the bank. Those on the bank then lent a hand in taking the boy to safety.
Patrick Murray, Ringsend, Dublin
On 2nd June, 1965, 14-year-old Patrick Murray heard some children shouting for help at ‘The Point’, Ringsend Dock. He went to investigate and was told that a boy had slipped and fell into the water. He ran down the steps and swam to the boy. He brought the boy to the surface and swam to a small boat which was anchored 4 or 5 yards away. He pushed the boy onto the boat which was then pulled ashore by people on the dock.
Maura Rossiter, Rosbercon, Co. Wexford
On 11th August, 1965, a 12-year-old boy who had been playing with his brother by the estuary of the River Nanny at Laytown, Co. Meath, fell into the water and was quickly taken towards the sea by the current. His mother immediately plunged in but she failed to reach her son and was also swept towards the sea. Mrs. Maura Rossiter was nearby and when she heard their shouts for help, went into the water. She got the boy and was almost exhausted in her attempt to return to the shore when a man arrived in a boat and took them, and later the boy’s mother, to safety.
Sheila Harrington, Castletownbere, Co. Cork
On 14th August, 1965, Mrs. Sheila Harrington saw a number of people run towards the slipway on the seashore. She went to see what was happening and saw a young boy floating in the water some 15-20 yards from the slipway. She jumped in and swam out to the child who clung to her back, making it impossible for her to swim back. She remained afloat with the boy until they were taken to safety by two men who swam to their assistance.
Patrick Tierney, Walkinstown, Dublin
At 7.25pm on 14th August, 1965, Mr. Patrick Tierney, while sitting in his bunk aboard the ship ‘Lady Grainne’, saw through a porthole a woman on the opposite bank of the river plunge into the water. He immediately ran on deck, told a watchman to ring for an ambulance and dived into the river. He swam to the woman and managed to grab her by the hair. He held her head above water and swam with her towards the river bank. A man climbed down one of the ladders leading into the water and assisted Mr. Tierney in tying a rope, which had been thrown to them from the bank, around the woman’s waist. She was taken from the water and artificial respiration was applied, with success.
Maurice Fitzgerald, Caherciveen, Co. Kerry
At Caherciveen races on 16th September, 1965, a horse threw its rider and galloped along the course. A man rushed out onto the course in an attempt to stop the horse but it turned in the direction of a group of people who were unprotected. Mr. Maurice Fitzgerald ran towards the horse, grabbed the reins and brought it to a halt. In doing so he was knocked on the ground and sustained some slight head injuries.
BRONZE MEDALS AND CERTIFICATES:
Mary Wickham, Catherine Lawlor and Olive Rafterry, Rosslare Harbour, Co. Wexford
On 9th June, 1963, a young man went swimming off the strand at Rosslare Harbour. Finding himself out of his depth a short distance from the shore, he panicked and called for help. Mary Wickham was in the water at the time and immediately went to his assistance. The man grabbed her and pulled her under but she managed to get him nearer to the shore. She freed herself and called to her companions, Catherine Lawlor and Olive Rafterry, and between them they brought the man to safety.
CERTIFICATES:
William Dennehy, Cattle Market Avenue, Cork
On the morning of 25th August, 1962, an elderly woman fell into the River Lee at Lavitt’s Quay, Cork. Mr. Dennehy heard someone shouting that there was a woman in the water and he ran to the slipway and dived into the water. The woman had already gone under but as Mr. Dennehy reached her, she came to the surface and he was able to bring her to the slipway where, with the assistance of a bystander, she was taken from the water.
Thomas Morrissey and James Kavanagh, Templemore, Co. Tipperary
On the evening of 10th June, 1962, Mr. Morrissey was accosted by a man with a shotgun who asked him where a certain person lived. The man said he was going to shoot this person and ordered Mr. Morrissey to lead the way. After they had gone some distance, Mr. Morrissey saw Mr. Kavanagh approaching and when Mr. Kavanagh had come to within a few yards of him he swung around and caught the man by the throat. Mr. Kavanagh had already sized up the situation and when he saw Mr. Morrissey’s action he immediately jumped in and grabbed the shotgun. They overpowered the man and gave him into the custody of An Garda Síochána.
Francis Clarke, Irishtown, Co. Dublin
On 9th October, 1962, a man fell into the River Liffey at Ringsend, Dublin. Mr. Clarke saw this happen and he shouted for help to two youths who were some distance away, before diving into the water. He caught the man and managed to bring him to the quay wall where they were assisted from the water by the two youths he had called to earlier.
Patrick Joseph McLoughlin and William Joseph Beckett, Kilconnell, Co. Galway
On 20th January, 1963, three boys went cycling on the frozen surface of Lough Acalla, near Kilconnell. In the centre of the lake there was a narrow channel which had not frozen over and, as it was snowing at the time, one boy cycled blindly to the edge of the channel, the ice collapsed, and he fell into the water. One of his companions, Patrick McLoughlin, aged 15 years, threw himself flat on the ice and stretched out his coat to the boy in the water. The boy grabbed the coat and, with the assistance of William Beckett, aged 16 years, McLoughlin pulled him to safety.
James Murphy, Crumlin, Dublin
On 27th April, 1963, three little boys were fishing in the Grand Canal near Suir Road Bridge, Drminagh, Dublin, when one of them, a nine-year-old, fell into the canal. James Murphy was crossing the bridge on his motor scooter when he noticed children shouting. He ran down to the water’s edge but when he got there, they boy had disappeared. He dived in and located the boy near the bottom of the canal. He brought him to the surface where a Garda and another man helped them both from the water.
Peadar Condron, Lucan, Co. Dublin
At approximately 9.15pm on 16th February, 1963, a man who was walking along a laneway near the Grand Canal at Lucan lost his way in the darkness and fell into the canal. Shortly afterwards, Mr. Condron was attending to his dogs, which he keeps kennelled close by, when he heard moaning sounds coming from the canal. By the light of a torch he saw the man floating in the water about 12 feet from the bank. He jumped into the water and brought the man to the canal bank. The man was then taken to hospital where he recovered after treatment.
Garda John Morrissey, Blarney Garda Station, Co. Cork
At 10.30pm on 15th February, 1963, a car with five people plunged into the River Lee t Merchant’s Quay, Cork. Garda Morrissey was on duty at the time and when he got to the scene there was no sign of the car or its occupants. He was shown the place where the car had gone in and he dived in to try and locate it. He went down about 20 feet but the water was muddy and bitterly cold and it was impossible to see anything below the surface. He realised that his efforts at rescue were fruitless, grabbed a rope thrown to him and was hauled out of the water.
Edward Moloughney and Patrick Wall, Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary
Two boys, aged 10 and 14 years, were fishing from a barge on the River Suir on the evening of 24th May, 1963, when the younger of the two overbalanced and fell in the water. His brother called for help and Mr. Moloughney rushed to the quay side and threw a lifebuoy. The boy was out of reach, however. Mr. Moloughney then jumped into the water but failed to make any progress and had to be helped out. About the same time, Mr. Wall entered the water and he was able to swim to the boy and catch him. He swam with him for some time until a fishing cot arrived and took the boy on board. The boy recovered after receiving artificial respiration.
Edward Flanagan, Crumlin, Dublin; John Hill, Dalkey, Co. Dublin and Edward Hernan, Usher’s Quay, Dublin
On 16th May, 1963, a 7-year-old boy fell into the Liffey at Usher’s Quay. Mr. Flanagan heard the boy’s companions shouting and dived into the river. He swam to the boy, caught hold of him and made for an iron ladder about 40 yards away. He was tiring, however, and the receding tide brought him past the ladder. Through exhaustion he was forced to let the boy go and reach the ladder himself. About this time, Messrs. Hill and Hernan noticed the boy’s plight and entered the water. They caught the boy and brought him to the shallow water at the quayside, where Mr. Hill applied mouth-to-mouth resuscitation for about 20 minutes before the boy regained consciousness.
Aidan M. O’Dowd, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo
On the evening of 9th June, 1963, three 11-year-old boys went fishing in a pool in the River Owenaher in Tubbercurry. One of the boys slipped and fell in. His comrades were unable to help but one of them cycled to the nearest house, which was two miles away. On the road he stopped a car in which the O’Dowd family were travelling and told them what had happened. Aidan O’Dowd, accompanied by his father, ran to the scene and jumped in the pool. He located the drowning boy and brought him to the surface. He was taken to the bank and artificial respiration was tried but, unfortunately, without success.
Fergus P. McKeogh, Killaloe, Co. Tipperary
On 9th June, 1963, a group of boys were fishing from a platform on top of the eel weir at the bridge over the Shannon at Killaloe. One boy went down a ladder leading into the water, lost his footing and fell into the river. A Garda who had witnessed the accident went down the ladder and was followed by Fergus McKeogh. The boy in the water was struggling about 4 or 5 feet away and they were unable to reach him from the ladder. Fergus McKeogh then jumped into the water, swam behind the drowning boy and pushed him towards the ladder where he was hauled to safety by the Garda and one of the other boys.
James Lowery, Tullamore, Co. Offaly
A 4-year-old boy was playing along the bank of the Grand Canal at Tullmore on 31st May, 1963, and fell into the water. James Lowery was passing at the time and he saw the child struggling near the centre of the canal. He jumped in, swam to the child and brought him to safety.
Joseph Hayes and Paschal Kelly, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny
On 2nd June, 1963, a number of youths went swimming in the River Nore near Thomastown. Some of the youths swam across the river but one of them got into difficulties before reaching the far side and called for help. Mr. Hayes dived in, caught the drowning youth and tried to bring him to the bank. The youth, however, was in a state of panic and twice dragged Mr. Hayes underwater. Mr. Hayes freed himself but the current swept the youth from his grasp and he was forced to return to the bank. Shortly afterwards, Mr. Kelly and two other men in a boat located the youth in about 12 feet of water. Mr. Kelly dived in and brought the unconscious youth to the riverbank. Artificial respiration was applied but unfortunately the youth did not revive.
Cornelius Higgins, Passage West, Co. Cork
Shortly before 9am on 1st June, 1963, a motor launch was returning to Passage West from the dockyard at Rushbrook, Cork, when the boatman, who was alone, became ill and fell overboard. Some time later, workers on the ship ‘Discovery II’ noticed the launch travelling down the river with nobody on board and then they saw the unconscious man floating in the water. One of the workers, Mr. Higgins, dived from the ship and brought the man to the side of ‘Discovery II’. A lifebelt was dropped and he held onto it until a small boat arrived and took them on board. The rescued man recovered after treatment.
George Byrne, Donnybrook, Dublin
On 9th June, 963, a group of young boys went swimming in the River Dodder near Clonskea, Dublin. One of the boys got into difficulties and George Byrne, aged 13 years, went to his assistance. As soon as George Byrne got within reach of the boy, the latter jumped on his back, forcing him under the water. He struck bottom and when he surfaced he had to return to the bank for a rest. He swam out again to the drowning boy and this time managed to pull him towards the bank, where a man took him from the water. Artificial respiration was applied and the boy soon revived.
Brian Deane, Clontarf Road, Dublin
On 26th June, 1963, a 9-year-old boy fell from the sea wall at Clontarf, Dublin, into the sea. Brian Deane, aged 12 years, was nearby and he ran down a flight of steps leading into the sea and waded out to the drowning boy. With some difficulty, Brian lifted up the boy and dragged him to the steps. The boy’s mother was waiting and she helped Brian carry him up the steps and on to the promenade, where he quickly recovered.
William Keating, Finglas, Dublin
On 17th August, 1963, Mr. William Keating was standing at Dolphin’s Barn Bridge, Dublin, when he heard a little girl crying and talking about someone drowning. He ran down the embankment to the water’s edge where he saw a little girl in the water underneath the bridge. He immediately dived in and brought her to the bank where she revived after artificial respiration.
Denis Whelton, Courtmacsherry, Co. Cork
On 28th July, 1961, a 3-year-old child fell into the sea from the pier at Courtmacsherry. Mr. Whelton and another man were nearby and they immediately went to the child’s assistance. With the other man holding onto one of his hands, Mr. Whelton lowered himself into the water and stretched out his leg to the child, who grabbed it. He drew her towards him, took hold of her hair and managed to keep her head above water. The other man was unable to get them out of the water but he held on to Mr. Whelton’s hand and shouted for help. Ten minutes later, another man and the child’s mother arrived and Mr. Whelton and the child were taken out of the water.
John Meenaghan, Templeogue, Co. Dublin and Garda James O’Driscoll, Terenure Garda Station, Dublin
On the evening of 13th September, 1963, an 8-year-old boy, who had been playing on the bank of the River Dodder at Templeogue, fell into the water. A little girl heard his cries and she ran to Me. Meenaghan’s house for help. Mr. Meenaghan rushed to the scene and, although a non-swimmer, entered the water and waded out to the boy. He was trying to bring him to the riverbank when Garda O’Driscoll arrived on the scene. The Garda jumped into the water, took the boy from Mr. Meenaghan and brought him to the riverbank. He then went back and assisted Mr. Meenaghan from the water.
Citations from the 15th Annual Report of Comhairle na Míre Gaile, for the year ended 31st December, 1961
CERTIFICATES:
Thomas Kane, North Cumberland Street, Dublin
At about 9pm on 24th July, 1960, a man jumped into the Liffey near Custom House Quay. Thomas Kane, who was on the steps of the Custom House, heard the commotion and ran to the quay wall. He dived into the water and swam to the rescue. The man was floating on his back and crying for help. When Mr. Kane reached him, he caught him from the back and swam with him towards the steps. When they were halfway back, a lifebuoy was thrown to them and they were pulled to safety. The rescued man was brought to hospital.
Garda John Acton, Bray, Co. Wicklow; Frank Lynch, Bray, Co. Wicklow and William Herbert Clay, Derriaghy, Co. Antrim
On 10th July, 1960, a schoolgirl went bathing off the Promenade near the Baths in Bray. She attempted to swim to the diving board but, realising she could not reach it, she turned to swim back to shore. The sea was too strong, however, and she found herself being carried away so she shouted for help. Mr. Clay saw what was happening and dived in to help but he too got into difficulties. Mr. Lynch also dived in and he swam out to the rescue. When he reached the girl, she put her hands around his neck and he tried to swim back with her. By this time, Garda Acton had come on the scene with a lifebuoy. He gave the lifebuoy to Mr. Lynch who was holding up the girl. Garda Acton then went to Mr. Clay’s assistance. Mr. Lynch and the Garda held onto the lifebuoy and a man on the shore hauled them in.
Patrick Madden, New Ross, Co. Wexford
On 10th October, 1960, two men were in a rowing boat in the River Barrow. The boat capsized and both men were thrown into the water. One was unable to swim and he held on to the upturned boat. The other man tried to swam ashore but became exhausted and sank. Mr. Madden was walking along the road parallel to the river and when he heard a call for help he ran to the river. He dived into the water and as soon as he got within speaking distance of the drowning man he encouraged him to hold on and advised him to float on his back. The man disappeared under the water, however. Mr. Madden dived repeatedly in the hope of locating the man but could not find him. He remained in the water until he was exhausted and was towed ashore by people in a small boat, who had by then rescued the other man.
Garda John O’Connor, Store Street Station, Dublin
At about 11.25pm on 19th January, 1961, while Garda John O’Connor and another Garda were patrolling along Eden Quay in a car, they heard a youth shout that there was a woman in the Liffey. The Gardaí went to the Quay wall and saw a body in the water floating towards Butt Bridge. Garda O’Connor immediately jumped into the water and swam out to the woman whom he caught and brought to the Quay wall. The other Garda threw a lifebuoy with which Garda O’Connor supported himself and the woman until the arrival of the Fire Brigade officers who lowered a ladder to them. The woman was pulled up to the Quay and Garda O’Connor climbed up behind her.
Rev. Louis O’Sullivan, Killarney Street, Dublin
At about 4.30pm on 8th March, 1961, an elderly woman who was suffering from bad sight was sitting on the Pier at Howth. She rose from her seat and walked to the Pier’s edge without knowing where she was going and fell into the water. Rev. Louis O’Sullivan saw what happened and he jumped into the water after her. He saw a lifebuoy in the water about 7 feet from the woman, and, catching hold of her, swam towards it. The woman held onto the lifebuoy while Father O’Sullivan swam and pushed it at the same time to the iron steps about 15 yards distant. There with the help of others the woman was brought to safety.
Alban Foley, New Street, Limerick; Kathleen Campbell, North Circular Road, Limerick and Deirdre Galvin, O’Connell Street, Limerick
At about 5.30pm on 11th May, 1961, a 9-year-old boy who had been fishing at Barrington’s Pier, Limerick, slipped and fell into the river. He shouted for help. Mr. Alban Foley, aged 73 years, was in the vicinity and he jumped into the river and caught hold of the boy. Both were carried out from the pier by the strong tide. Miss Deirdre Gavin, aged 16 years, heard the cries for help and she dived to the rescue. She swam towards the drowning pair but the current proved too strong for her and as she is not a strong swimmer she had to turn back. Kathleen Campbell, aged 17 years, then swam out to help. She caught a grip of the man and held him up for some time but she became exhausted and had to release her hold. The boy had disappeared in the meantime. Miss Campbell managed to swim back to the pier safely, but in an exhausted condition. Three men rushed to a rowing boat which was chained to a cement bench nearby. One of them got a hatchet, severed the chain and the boat was launched. By the time all this had been done, there was no sign of the man or boy. Both bodies were recovered from the river the next day.
Thomas Corcoran, Lower Glanmire Road, Cork and Charles Wilkins, Assumption Road, Cork
At about 7.30pm on 25th May, 1960, two young girls were in a dinghy on the River Lee. The dinghy capsized and the two girls were thrown into the water. Mr. Corcoran was in his house at the time and when he was told what happened, he ran from his house down to the river. He saw one girl floating, apparently unconscious, and the other struggling in the water. He dived in and went to the assistance of the girl who was struggling. He brought her alongside a moored boat but failed to get her onto it as she was quite hysterical and refused to release her hold on him. For this reason, he was unable to go to the rescue of the second girl. Mr. Wilkins had in the meantime been told of the incident and he rushed to the river and dived in the water. He dived under the water and brought the second girl to the surface. An onlooker threw him a lifebuoy and he used this to help him get the girl up to the footpath where he applied artificial respiration. The girl was then taken to hospital. In the meantime, the lifebuoy was thrown to Mr. Corcoran and the other girl, and they were pulled to safety.
Joseph A. Quirke, Sutton, Dublin and Garda John Oliver Nealon, Howth Garda Station, Dublin
At about 3.30pm on 3rd June, 1961, a man with his nephew and another boy travelled to Howth for the purpose of locating a cormorant’s nest in the vicinity of Casana Rock. Once they reached the correct spot, the man started to climb down a cliff to the bird’s nest. He intended to take an egg and the boys were going to lower a camera to him so he could take a picture of the nest. When he had gone down about 6 or 7 feet, he took a little jump to get down further, but he slipped and fell down to the bottom. One of the boys went to find help and he met Mr. Quirke and told him what happened. Mr. Quirke sent the boy on and went to the cliff. He climbed down and found the man wedged between rocks about 10 feet above water level. He was badly injured in the head. Mr. Quirke was then joined by Garda Nealon. The lifeboat from Howth came around the point of the cliff at this time and Garda Nealon signalled to it. A punt was lowered from the lifeboat and the crew of the lifeboat got the man on the boat. When he was brought to the West Pier, Howth, a doctor examined the body and found him to be dead.
George O’Connell, Curragh Road, Cork; Timothy Hanrahan, S.C. Road, Limerick and Barry Prendergast, Farranshone, Limerick
On the afternoon of 26th June, 1961, an 8-year-old boy went to bathe in the sea at Ballybunion, Co. Kerry. He was wearing a rubber lifebelt around his waist. The sea was rough at the time and the boy was carried out. Holidaymakers on the strand raised the alarm and two men and a schoolboy went to the rescue. Mr. Hanrahan went out first and he caught hold of the boy and headed back to shore. He was met by Mr. O’Connell who took the boy and after a little difficulty succeeded in bringing the by ashore with the assistance of Barry Prendergast. Mr. Hanrahan was in an exhausted condition after handing the boy to Mr. O’Connell and he decided to swim towards the cliffs. He got into difficulties there and was dashed against the cliffs several times. Barry Prendergast saw his plight and swam out to him. Mr. Hanrahan jumped from the rocks into the sea and Prendergast helped him ashore.
John Nolan and Desmond Leech, Kinvara, Co. Galway
At about 3.30pm on 11th June, 1961, a youth went for a swim in the sea at the Quay, Kinvara. He swam out about 15 yards but when he turned to come back he got into difficulties. He sank and when he surfaced he began to splash and shout for help. One of the boys on the Pier at the time, John Nolan, went to the rescue. He had great difficulty in catching hold of the boy who kept turning and struggling in the water and had gone under twice before Nolan caught him. Desmond Leech then jumped in and went to Nolan’s assistance. The two rescuers succeeded in keeping the boy afloat until a lifebuoy was thrown and they were pulled to the Pier.
Edward Leahy, Mary Street, Waterford and Daniel Waters, Ferrybank, Waterford
At about 8pm on 1st July, 1961, a 4-year-old boy fell into the water from the quayside opposite the Bridge Hotel, Waterford. When Edward Leahy and Daniel Waters arrived on the scene, they dived in and swam to the boy. Mr. Waters reached the child first and put his left hand under the back of the child’s head. On the way back to the quayside, he was met by Mr. Leahy who assisted in bringing the child back. A lifebuoy was thrown and they tried to hoist the child up but the lifebuoy broke. Mr. Leahy then held the child aloft and a person on the bank took the child from him. The child recovered quickly and showed little effects of his ordeal in the river.
Raymond Wrynn, Dungourney, Co. Cork
At about 3.30pm on 9th May, 1961, a farmer of Clonmult, Dungourney, led a 3-year-old mare, with a cart attached, from a field to a public road. While the farmer was closing the field gate, the animal bolted and careered across the road. Eight boys were walking home from school and they saw the animal approaching them. One of them, Raymond Wrynn, aged 12 years, confronted the animal and tried to stop it, He did not succeed but his action diverted the mare to an entrance to a farmhouse. Raymond Wrynn ran after it, caught the reins and held the mare.
Robert Spencer, Ballycotton, Co. Cork
At about 8pm on 28th June, 1961, four boys of ages ranging from 17 to 7 years went down to the Breakwater, Ballycotton. The youngest boy accidentally fell into the water, Robert Spencer, the eldest of the group, immediately jumped to the rescue. Spencer caught hold of the boy and managed to swim with him to the nearby wall where he held on until both of them were rescued by two men in a boat.
Donnchadh Ó Murchadha, Blarney Street, Cork and Joseph Holbrook, Ballyphehane, Cork
On the afternoon of 26th June, 1960, two men took a ten-foot Yacht’s Dinghy to the lake at Inniscarra on the River Lee Hydro Electric Power Scheme. They made a circuit of the lake and they spotted an Alsatian dog on the shore. One of the men tried to induce the dog to swim to the boat. He stood up to do this and the boat tilted over, throwing both men in the water. One of the men could swim but the other couldn’t. The swimmer made his way around the boat to his companion. The two men were seen to struggle in the water in the course of which one man went under and did not resurface. The other man floated on the surface face downwards. Mr. Ó Murhcadha attempted to swim out a couple of times. He had a rope which was being held by a man on the shore but he became exhausted and had to return. Mr. Holbrook then arrived on the scene and he swam to the men. A boat had arrived by then and Mr. Holbrook went out to it. The bodies of the two men were located and artificial respiration was carried out, but without success.
Michael O’Flynn, Cappamore, Co. Limerick
At about 3pm on 4th July, 1961, Michael O’Flynn, aged 15 years, went to the Bilboa River near Blackboy Bridge, Cappamore, for a swim. There were several boys and girls his own age around the Bridge and 5 or 6 girls swimming in the river. When he arrived a girl on the bank told him that another girl was drowning and she dived in to help. O’Flynn saw the drowning girl catch hold of her would-be rescuer and the two girls disappeared under the water. He dived to their assistance and brought both girls to safety.
Garda John Corcoran, Barrack Street Station, Cork City
In the early morning of 17th May, 1961, Garda Corcoran and another Garda were driving a patrol car in Cork City when they received message that a man had been seen on the roof of a house at Lavitt’s Quay, Cork. When they arrived a crowd had gathered and the man was shouting loudly and threatening to jump. Garda Corcoran spoke to the man and calmed him down. He held him in conversation while the Fire Brigade was being contacted. A ladder was procured but the Firemen decided it would be too dangerous to take the man in such a condition down by this means. Garda Corcoran volunteered to ascend the ladder. He went up and by persuasion and moderate force got the man on the ladder. Gradually, step by step, he descended with the man, who at times shook the ladder violently. It took about 10 minutes to bring the man down.
Matthew Dowling, Chapelizod, Co. Dublin
At about 4.25pm on 14th June, 1961, while Matthew Dowling was travelling on a bus along the Northern quays, he saw a man floundering in the Liffey on the South side near Queen Street Bridge. He immediately got off the bus and ran towards the bridge. He secured a lifebuoy and descended a ladder to the water. While the rope of the lifebuoy was being held by a man on the quay wall, Mr. Dowling swam out to the centre of the river. The man went under water and Mr. Dowling dived and searched for him. He resurfaced and the man on the quay directed him to where he saw bubbles in the water. Mr. Dowling reached underwater and caught the man’s collar. He brought him to the quay where artificial respiration was applied until an ambulance arrived. On examination in hospital the man was found to be dead.
Thomas Joseph O’Driscoll, Slough, England
At about 6pm on 20th August, 1961, a 16-year-old was out in a canoe in Castletownsend Harbour. While about 20 yards from the harbour the canoe overturned and the youth was thrown out. The youth kept a hold on the canoe but as the sea was rough he went under with the canoe a few times and came up again according to how the canoe would turn. Thomas O’Driscoll, aged 14 years, saw the youth in difficulties and jumped into the first boat he saw. There were no oars in the boat, however, so he dived into the water and propelled the boat with one hand. When he reached the youth, O’Driscoll got into the boat and pulled the youth in with him. In the meantime, another boat had come out to their assistance and they were pulled to the quayside.
Thomas McCarthy, Ballyphehane, Cork; Brian Gerard Calnan, Rosscarbery, Co. Cork and Laurence Murphy, Rosscarbery, Co. Cork
At about 7.30pm on 15th July, 1961, eight children (six boys and two girls), whose ages ranged from 8 to 12 years, left Rosscarbery village and went in the direction of English Island. They found a small boat moored at English Island and some of them suggested taking it out in the water. With the exception of one boy, all the children got into the boat and propelled it forward with sticks. When about 20 yards from the shore, it sprang a leak and the children panicked. A passing motorist got out and tried to reassure the children from the shore. He told them he was going for assistance and left his wife to console them. When he left, the children became hysterical and the boat overturned, throwing the children into the sea. The motorist’s wife stopped a passing lorry and the driver, Mr. McCarthy, went into the water and rescued a girl. Mr. Murphy and Mr. Calnan also arrived on the scene. Mr. McCarthy developed a cramp and could not return to the water. Mr. Murphy and Mr. Calnan swam out and placed three of the boys on the upturned boat. Mr. Murphy found another boy floating in the water and placed him on the boat also. This child died later. They held on to the boat until a man came with a rope and the boat was hauled to shore. Two of the children were still missing and a search was begun. Their bodies were recovered about an hour later.
James Clare and James Lynch, Crumlin, Dublin
Between 2 and 3pm on 24th July, 1961, an 11-year-old boy went swimming with a number of other boys in a quarry pond off Kimmage Road West, Crumlin. The boy had his terrier dog with him. There was a stick floating in the water on the far side of the pond and, as he was a good swimmer, the other boys asked him to go in and retrieve it. He went in and the dog followed him. When about three quarters of the way there, he got into difficulties and shouted for help. The dog jumped on his back and he began to sink. James Clare went to his aid and succeeded in pulling the boy away from the weeds which were dragging him down. During this time the dog was swimming around them and hindered Clare in his rescue attempt with the result that the boy slipped from his grasp. James Lynch dived into the water to help them. He dived several times but was unable to locate the boy. The body was recovered the next day.
Laurence Dolan, Howth, Co. Dublin
At about 4.15pm on 23rd September, 1961, a Garda Sergeant went to a bathing place with his two young sons. He saw some clothes on the step but could not see anyone who they might belong to. He went to the nearby poo and talked to three men there. One of them, Laurence Dolan, went to the rocks near Kilcarraig House, Kilrock Road, to see if he could observe any person in the sea. He saw a man in the water about half a mile from the shore. He entered the water and swam to the man. He found the man floating on his back apparently unconscious. He brought him back to the shore and the Sergeant Garda and the two other men helped him bring the man out of the water. Artificial respiration was applied to the man but he did not regain consciousness until later when he was brought to Jervis Street Hospital.
Thomas O’Neill, Spangle Hill, Cork City
At about 8.15pm on 16th April, 1961, Mr. O’Neill was crossing from Patrick Street to Patrick’s Bridge, Cork, when he noticed a number of people on the bridge looking into the water. There was a man in the River Lee and Mr. O’Neill dived in. He swam towards the man who was struggling in the water. Mr. O’Neill brought the man to the quay wall where they were hauled out of the water.
Donald Dowling, Cabra West, Dublin
At about 9m on 22nd July, 1961, a 14-year-old boy was swimming with a number of others in the River Liffey at Arran Quay when he became weak in the water. The alarm was raised Donald Dowling went to the river wall and saw the boy in the water. He dived into the river and the boy caught hold of him. He managed to swim with the boy to the Liffey wall and someone then threw a lifebuoy. He put the boy on the lifebuoy and went to the steps. At the steps a man came down and took the boy from him.
Captain Martin Lohan, Loughrea, Co. Galway
At about 4pm on 28th August, 1961, a 10-year-old girl was bathing in the sea at Bundoran Strand. The place where she was bathing is quite dangerous with an isolated rock formation known as Roguey which projects into the sea for hundreds of yards. The girl, a non-swimmer, was engulfed by an incoming wave and she became partly unconscious. Captain Lohan was bathing nearby and when he saw the big wave and then a hand raised above the water about 50 to 80 feet from Roguey, he realised she was in difficulties. He swam to her but he could not bring her to the shore as the current and the rough sea were too strong for him. He swam to the rocks instead and was helped ashore. The girl was removed to hospital.
Derek Stuart, Pigeon House Road, Dublin
At about 11am on 23rd September, 1961, while securing the S.S. Glencree, a Gas Company collier, in Ringsend Basin, a man was knocked into the water when the boat lurched. As he was falling, he struck his head off another collier. He was stunned and lay face downwards in the water. Derek Stuart was working on the S.S. Glencree at the time and he jumped into the water. He grasped the man and held him above the water until help came and they were hauled to safety.
Edward Benn, Ballynantybeg, Limerick
At about 6.30pm on 26th August, 1961, an elderly man sat on the parapet of Thomond Bridge, Limerick City. Shortly afterwards two boys saw him slip off the bridge and fall into the Shannon. The boys raised the alarm and Mr. Benn jumped into the water. He swam to the man and brought him to the steps. Someone threw a lifebuoy and they were hauled to safety. Artificial respiration was tried on the man for some time but he did not respond.
Thomas Dempsey, North Wall, Dublin
At about 5.45pm on 9th September, 1961, a youth was cycling along George’s Quay. He saw a boy fishing in front of him. Swerving to avoid the boy, the cyclist skidded and fell in the river. Three boys saw what happened and ran to the spot. One of the boys, Thomas Dempsey, aged 16 years, dived in and swam towards the youth. When he caught hold of the drowning youth, the latter struggled with him and pulled his rescuer under the water twice. A lifebuoy was thrown to them and Dempsey put it over the youth’s head. The two of them were pulled into the ladder at the Quay Wall. The youth and Dempsey climbed up the ladder to safety.
1947 – 1959
CERTIFICATES:
Patrick Fetherstone, Cabra, Dublin
At 1.50pm on 7th October, 1952, a man accidentally fell into the River Liffey at Wellington Quay, Dublin. His shouts for help brought a number of passers-by to the scene and one of them threw a lifebuoy. The buoy overshot the man, however, and he failed to grasp it. Patrick Fetherstone, aged 15 years, was cycling along the quay and on seeing the man in the river, slid down the buoy rope to the river. He swam about two yards to the man and brought him safely to a ladder about sixty feet distant, where the rescued man was assisted on the street.
William Swords, Robertstown, Co. Kildare
At 1.30pm on 1st June, 1952, a girl aged 8 years fell from her bicycle into the canal at Robertstown. A number of people arrived on the scene. Amongst them was William Swords and he jumped into the water and brought the child to the bank.
Gretta Allen, Blarney Street, Cork; Liam Coughlan, Wellington Bridge Road, Cork; Patrick Healy Sunday’s Well, Cork; John O’Sullivan, Moore Street, Cork; Thomas Cronin, Francis Street, Cork and Thomas Marrett, Greenmount Crescent, Cork
At about 12.20pm on 1st July, 1952, two young girls, Gretta Allen and a companion, were bathing in the north channel of the River Lee at Cork. They were playing with a rubber ball and when the ball floated out of reach Gretta’s companion endeavoured to follow it. She got into difficulties and Gretta caught hold of her, but they drifted into a hole in the river where the water was about seven feet deep. Neither of the girls was able to swim and they shouted for assistance. Liam Coughlan, a fifteen-year-old boy, and Patrick Healy went to help and swam out to the girls. They caught hold of them but became exhausted due to the fact that the girls were struggling. They had to let them go and help each other to the bank. Thomas Cronin then arrived on the scene. He could not see the girls, but following directions from spectators on Wellington Bridge, he entered the water. He could not locate the girls, however. John O’Sullivan also entered the water but he could not locate the girls either. By this time, Liam Coughlan had recovered and he entered the water again and was able to locate Miss Allen. He brought her ashore with the assistance of Thomas Cronin. In the meantime, Thomas Marrett came to Wellington Bridge, and hearing what was wrong, ran to the scene and entered the water. He managed to bring ashore the body of the other girl. Artificial respiration was carried out on the two girls. Miss Allen responded but her companion did not and on admission to hospital was found to be dead.
George Payne, Drimnagh, Dublin
At about 3.00pm on 17th May, 1952, Master George Payne, aged fourteen years, went to the Grand Canal, Dublin, to bathe. When going along Davitt Road, he saw a boy in the canal in difficulties. He jumped into the canal, grasped the boy and swam with him to the bank where some other boys helped him in lifting the boy out of the water.
Patrick O’Hanlon, Blackpool, Cork and Wiliam O’Keefe, McSweeney’s Villas, Cork
At about 7.30pm on 20th June, 1952, a little boy aged four years fell into the River Lee at North Mall, Cork. Some passers-by raised the alarm. Patrick O’Hanlon was passing on the opposite side of the river when he heard the shouts. He ran over North Gate Bridge and jumped in the river. He caught hold of the child and headed towards the steps. He had to swim against the current and being a poor swimmer, he got into difficulties. Seeing this, William O’Keefe jumped into the water. He assisted Mr. O’Hanlon and the child to the steps where they were all helped out of the water.
Ralph Slattery, O’Connell Avenue, Limerick
On 7th June, 1952, a man fell out of a small punt about 15 or 20 yards from the bank of the River Shannon at Limerick. Mr. Ralph Slattery was passing along O’Callaghan’s Strand at the time in his motor car. He noticed the man in danger and jumped into the water. He caught hold of the man and kept him afloat until a boat came along and took the two of them to the bank.
Henry McCarthy, Bandon Road, Cork and Michael J. McDonnell, Victoria Road, Cork
At about 5.35pm on 3rd September, 1952, Mr. Henry McCarthy was informed that there was a man in the River Lee at Victoria Quay, Cork, and that he was in danger of drowning. He jumped into the river and swam to the drowning man. The man was unconscious. Mr. McCarthy endeavoured to bring him ashore but he became exhausted and had to call for assistance. Mr. Michael McDonnell then jumped into the water and swam about 15 feet to where Mr. McCarthy was supporting the man. They brought the man to the quay wall where all three were hauled from the river. The man recovered.
Dr. Alexander Gerard Moore, Drogheda, Co. Louth
On 30th July, 1952, two young men were drawing water from a disused quarry at Staffordshire, Lusk, Co. Dublin. They used a tractor and trailer and five iron tar barrel, backing the trailer to the edge of the quarry and filling the barrels. They were on the trailer when it slipped back into the water, throwing the youths and the barrels in also. One of the men succeeded in getting out of the water but there was no sign of his companion. An hour or so later, Dr. Moore stopped at the scene and was informed that there had been a drowning tragedy. The doctor thought that if the man could be found at once there might be some hope of reviving him. He entered the water secured by a rope help by people at the edge of the quarry hole. He found the man and brought him to the bank. He got the water out of his lungs and applied artificial respiration, but to no avail.
Joseph Moore, St. Mary’s Park, Limerick; Patrick Byrnes, St. Senan Street, Limerick; Michael O’Donnell, St. Munchin Street, Limerick; Patrick Ryan, Columcille Street, Limerick; John Sheehan, O’Dwyer’s Villas, Limerick; Thomas Hanley, St. Munchin Street, Limerick and Thomas Carroll, St. Munchin Street, Limerick
On 5th July, 1952, a number of boys and girls aged 13 to 19 years were swimming in the River Shannon at Island Bank, Limerick. Two of the girls got into difficulties and shouted to Jospeh Moore, a 14-year-old boy who was one of the group. He swam between them and tried to bring them to the bank. The girls clung onto him with the result that he became exhausted and got into difficulties himself. At this stage, a third girl, becoming frightened, also got into difficulties, and Joseph Moore and the three girls shouted for help. Patrick Ryan swam towards them and caught hold of Joseph Moore. He was bringing him towards the bank when one of the girls grabbed onto him and pulled him under the water. Patrick Ryan had to release his grip and Joseph Moore disappeared under the water. Four other youths, Thomas Carroll, Thomas Hanley, Michael O’Donnell and Patrick Byrnes, were on the bank and they heard the screaming from the water. Mr. Hanley and Mr. Carroll saw Joseph Moore’s hand above the water and grabbed it, but he dragged them under the water twice. They were obliged to release their hold on Joseph Moore as they were now in danger of drowning. Mr. John Sheehan was walking along the bank at the time and he now entered the water. He dived to try and locate Joseph Moore but he could not. He and Patrick Ryan, Thomas Hanley, Michael O’Donnell and Patrick Byrnes then rescued the three girls. Joseph Moore was drowned.
Patrick O’Connor, Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin
Between midnight and 1am on 20th September, 1951, Mr. Patrick O’Connor was in his bed at home when he heard someone shouting for help. He jumped out of bed and rushed to the quay where he saw a woman in difficulties in the Liffey. He dived into the river and brought the woman to an iron ladder which is affixed to the face of the river wall. He was assisted in lifting her on to the quay. She was in an exhausted and semi-conscious condition but she responded to treatment.
Brian Lawless, Crumlin, Dublin
On 24th May, 1952, two young girls, both aged nine years, were playing on the canal bank at Suir Road Bridge, Inchicore, Dublin, when they fell into the water and were carried out to the centre by the current. On the alarm being raised, Brian Lawless, aged fifteen, jumped fully clothes into the river and swam to the children. He had succeeded in bringing them nearer the bank when an unknown man jumped in and went to his assistance. Between them they brought the children to safety.
Jeremiah Foley, Glasnevin, Dublin; Evelyn Conlon, John Street, Sligo and Charles Dignan, Cartron Hill, Sligo
On July 2nd, 1952, Mrs. Evelyn Conlon and a friend entered the sea at Rosses Point, Co. Sligo, to bathe. After some time, Mrs. Conlon’s companion got a cramp in her left foot. She shouted to Mrs. Conlon and her cries also attracted the attention of Mr. Foley and Mr. Dignan, who were in the water about 400 yards away. By the time Mrs. Conlon reached her companion she was unconscious. She tried to drag her ashore but the tide made it difficult. Mr. Foley and Mr. Dignan then rushed to the scene. Mr. Foley and Mrs. Conlon took hold of the girl’s hands and tried to tow her towards the shore. They were both exhausted by this time. Mr. Foley could not render any further assistance and he swam towards the shore until he was able to stand. Having recovered, he returned to the two ladies. Mr. Foley and Mrs. Conlon resumed in towing the girl to the shore. Mr. Dignan, a non-swimmer, had waded out until the water was up to his chin. As the three came close to him he reached out and grabbed Mr. Foley’s hand. A wave carried them a few feet shorewards to where they were able to stand. Artificial respiration was applied by the two men on the girl until a doctor reached the scene. The girl recovered.
Michael Downes, Connaught Avenue, Cork; Diarmuid McSweeney, Baltimore, Co. Cork and Chief Superintendent Johan Viktor Hagelberg, National Institute of Technical Police, Stockholm, Sweden
On the afternoon of 18th July, 1952, a number of youths went for a swim in a deep pool in the River Lee near Ballingeary, Co. Cork. One of them attempted to swim across and got into difficulties. Michael Downes, who was swimming nearby, went to his aid. He caught hold of him by the head but was unable to make any progress. He tried to push him but the drowning boy grasped him and almost brought him underwater. He then disappeared and Michael Downes returned to the bank where he collapsed from exhaustion. Dirmuid McSweeney then entered the water and swam out to where the boy was but he could not reach him. A party of tourists happened to be passing by in a motor car and they stopped on hearing the commotion. One of the passengers, Mr. Johan Viktor Hagelberg, rushed to the bank and dived in the pool. He brought the body to the bank. Mr. Hagelberg applied artificial respiration for about an hour but the boy did not recover.
Patrick Lacey, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England
On 8th August, 1952, some children were playing on the bank of the River Blackwater at The Quay, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford. One of them, a boy aged 4 years, fell into the water. Mr. Patrick Lacey, who was home on holiday form England, heard the alarm raised by other children and ran to the quay. He dived in and brought the child to the surface. A boatman came on the scene and took Mr. Lacey and the child into the boat and brought them ashore. The child was unconscious but recovered in a short time.
Joseph Winders, Crumlin, Dublin
On the evening of 22nd August, 1952, a number of boys were bathing in the canal at Sally’s Bridge, Parnell Road, Dublin. One of them, a boy aged 13, who is a non-swimmer, fell into 6 to 8 feet of water under the bridge. Joseph Winders, aged 16 years, was nearby and saw him fall in. He jumped in the water and swam to the boy’s assistance. He got under the drowning boy and pushed him up and in towards the bank where other boys helped in pulling him out.
Henry D. Heatley, Belarney, Co. Wicklow
On the evening of 25th September, 1952, an elderly man was driving a horse and cart between Rathnew and Wicklow. The horse took fright at a motor car and bolted. The driver jumped from the cart and was severely injured. The horse careered on at a fast gallop and at the outskirts of Wicklow it was seen approaching by Mr. Hartley. Realising the danger to pedestrians and other traffic, he took off his coat and went to the centre of the road and, by shouting and waving his arms, slowed the animal sufficiently to enable him to grasp the reins and bring it to a halt.
Albert Douglas Noel Casey, Cobh, Co. Cork
On 8th August, 1952, three men were exploring the inside of Martello Tower at Rossleague, Cobh. Their light failed and in the darkness one of them fell into a dry well. The depth of the well is 76 feet. The local fire brigade was called. A bridge of ladders was placed at the mouth of the well and a line was dropped into it. Mr. Casey, a volunteer member of Cobh Fire Brigade, volunteered to descend the well. He was placed in a rope chair and lowered into the well. At the bottom, he placed the man in the rope chair and had him hauled to the top. The rescued man reached the surface alive but succumbed to injuries on his way to Cork by ambulance.
Kevin O’Regan, Kinvara, Co. Galway
At approximately 6.30pm on 2nd September, 1952, a girl aged 3 years, who was playing with another child at the Quay, Kinvara, fell into the sea. Mr. Kevin O’Regan was informed of the accident and ran to where the child had fallen in and dived in the water. He caught the child and swam back with her. Once on the quay, he applied artificial respiration with his sister’s assistance until the child recovered consciousness.
Liam O’Toole and David Liam Ray, Louisburgh, Co. Mayo
On 6th August, 1952, a 17-year-old boy went bathing at Old Head Pier, Louisburgh. He was a poor swimmer and when he had swum out 15 or 20 yards he tried to return but was unable to do so and, becoming exhausted, he sank. Liam O’Toole was swimming nearby and he went over to the boy and caught hold of him. David Liam Ray, who was on the pier, saw that both of them were in danger of drowning and swam out to them. With the assistance of Liam O’Toole, he brought the boy to the pier.
Cornelius Murray, Townsend Street, Dublin
At about 5pm on 29th August, 1952, Mr. Cornelius Murray was informed that there was a young boy in the river at Britain Quay, Dublin. He went immediately to the place and dived into the river. The child was exhausted and was going under the water. Mr. Murray caught him by the hand and brought him to the quay wall where another man took the rescued boy form him.
Fiach O’Byrne, Courtown Harbour, Co. Wexford; Patrick J. O’Connor, Clontarf, Dublin and Kieran O’Connor, Clontarf, Dublin
At 8.45am on 10th August, 1952, two girls were bathing at Courtown Harbour. The water was rough and the girls were gradually being drawn out of their depth by the ebb tide. One of the girls could swim and she tried to bring her companion to safety but failed because of the rough sea. She then swam ashore and summoned aid. Mr. Fiach O’Byrne procured a lifebelt and ws swimming out to the girl when Mr. Patrick O’Connor arrived. Mr. O’Connor swam out to the girl and caught hold of her and swam back towards the shore. He was soon joined by Mr. O’Byne and by Kieran O’Connor, his brother. Between them they succeeded in bringing the girl to shore.
Sergeant Michael Cassidy, Garda Síochána, Clifden, Co. Galway
On the evening of 4th August, 1952, Sergeant Michael Cassidy was on duty at Clifden when he saw a runaway horse coming in the direction of the Main Street. The horse was dragging with it a flattened steel tar drum which had caught in its rain. The Main Street was crowded with people and vehicles at the time and people rushed in all directions for safety. Sergeant Cassidy ran to intercept the horse and in his efforts to stop it he was struck by the flattened tar drum. He fell heavily on his back and was unable to move without assistance. He sustained an injury to his back which required him to be detained in hospital for eight weeks.
Francis Mulcahy, Caledonian Place, Limerick
At about 7.10 pm on 4th July, 1952, Mr. Francis Mulcahy was on the roof of a premises on Henry Street, Limerick when he observed a man throwing a lifebuoy into the River Shannon. He went to the quayside where he saw a woman struggling in the water. He dived in and he caught the woman around the neck with his left hand and endeavoured to get her to a ladder leading to Limerick Boat Club. She struggled violently and he failed to get her to the ladder but he succeeded in bringing her to a chain that hangs down form the quay. He managed to keep her there for about 10 minutes until a boat came along and took her to safety.
Aileen O’Beirne, Tullamore, Co. Offaly
On 2nd October, 1952, Mrs. O’Beirne was told that a two-year-old child had fallen into the Grand Canal at Tullamore and she rushed to the spot and jumped into the water. The child had sunk, but after a few attempts Mrs. O’Beirne caught hold of him and brought him to safety. The child recovered after artificial respiration was applied.
Seamus Nolan, Drumshambo, Co. Leitrim
On 14th February, 1953, at 11am, two brothers aged 3 and 4 years went to play in their father’s field on the outskirts of Drumshambo. A millrace, 10 feet wide and 4 feet deep, runs through the field and at the time it was in flood and flowing very rapidly. One of the children fell in the water and his brother raised the alarm which was heard by Seamus Nolan, aged 15 years. He ran to the bridge over the millrace. The bank of the stream is inaccessible at this point due to a high whitethorn hedge so the youth had to leap down form the parapet of the bridge to the bank. He then plunged into the stream and pulled the child to safety.
William Gaul, Thomas Street, Wexford and Seamus Sheehan, Green Street, Wexford
On 22nd August, 1952, two youths went to bathe in the river at Ferrybank, Wexford. After remaining in the shallow part for some time one of them went out beyond his depth and got into difficulties. His comrade raised the alarm and William Gaul and Seamus Sheehan, both aged 16 years, went to the assistance of the drowning youth. William Gaul entered the river first and tried to bring the youth to shore. Owing to the youth’s struggles, however, he was unable to do so. Seamus Sheehan went to his assistance and together they managed to bring the boy to safety.
Daniel S. Conway, Blessington Street, Dublin
On the evening of 13th August, 1952, a young man was swimming in the sea at Portmarnock, Co. Dublin. The sea was choppy and the man got into difficulties. He shouted for help and Mr. Conway went to his assistance. He reached the drowning man and had to struggle for a long time in order to get a proper hold. He managed to bring him to safety and the man recovered after the application of artificial respiration.
Patrick Doyle, Arklow, Co. Wicklow
At about 6pm on 30th September, 1952, a boy aged 9 years fell into the docks at South Quay, Arklow. Mr. Patrick Doyle was attracted by the screams of a woman and went to the scene. Mr. Doyle dived in fully clothes, grabbed the drowning lad by his clothes and brought him alongside the quay wall where a passer-by helped to lift the child from the water. The boy was unconscious, but reived after artificial respiration was applied.
Matthew G. O’Brien, Farranshone, Limerick
At about 2pm on 25th May, 1952, two boys aged 14 and 15 years went for a swim in the Shannon at Corbally. The boys swam out of their depth and when they turned to come back they were unable to swim against the current. Mr. Matthews, attracted by the screams of a sister of one of the youths, saw their plight and immediately swam out to them. As he approached them. The boys sank but they came to the surface again as he reached them. He caught the arm of one of the boys, who was holding onto the other, and towed them to safety.
Anthony Duff, Rathdrum Road, Dublin
At about 12.45pm on 21st November, 1952, a boy aged nine years fell from the tow-path into the Grand Canal near Dolphin’s Barn Bridge, Dublin. A woman shouted for help and Mr. Anthony Duff immediately jumped in fully clothed and rescued the drowning boy.
Denis Field, Lower Dublin Hill, Cork
At about 9pm on 15th September, 1952, some children noticed a man in the River Lee at Patrick’s Quay, Cork. They raised the alarm and Denis Field, who was passing, jumped in and swam to the aid of the drowning man. He towed the man towards the quay and a lifebuoy was thrown to them. With its assistance they reached safety.
Patrick Bass and Laurence Bolger, Glendalough, Co. Wicklow
On 22nd September, 1952, a German student and his companion were exploring the mountain on the south side of the Upper Lake at Glendalough. They became separated and only one of them came down safely. He raised the alarm and a search party found the other student trapped on a ledge of the cliff 250 feet above the lake. Owing to darkness, it was decided that a rescue would not be attempted until the morning. At 7am the ascent of the cliff face began and Mr. Bass and Mr. Bolger succeeded in getting to the student. He almost collapsed when they reached him and they had to hold him fast while they put a rope around his body. Then the perilous descent was begun and at 10.45am all three reached safety.
James O’Connell, Cathedral Road, Cork; Dominic Kelly, Dominick Street, Cork; Thomas V. O’Connor, Shandon Street, Cork and Garda Eugene Monahan, Shandon Garda Station, Cork
At about noon on 11th January, 1953, a boy aged 4 years fell into the Lee at North Mall, Cork. His companions raised the alarm and James O’Connell jumped in to rescue him. He was a poor swimmer, however, and got into difficulties himself. Dominic Kelly then jumped in. He swam to the assistance of the child and brought him to a ladder. Thomas V. O’Connor heard the alarm and ran to the riverside and on seeing Mr. O’Connell in difficulties, immediately went to his assistance. Garda Monahan also saw Mr. O’Connell in the river and, as he did not see Mr. O’Connor preparing to enter the water, dived in himself. He and Mr. O’Connor brought Mr. O’Connell to safety.
Thomas Conway, Finglas, Co. Dublin
At 11.50pm on 21st January, 1953, a girl aged 12 years fell into the Liffey at Burgh Quay, Dublin. On hearing the commotion, Mr. Conway went to the quay and climbed down the ladder and into the river. Just as he located the girl, about 10 yards from the quayside, she sank, so he dived under and raised her to the surface. She struggled, but Mr. Conway brought her to a small boat and with the aid of another man got her safely on board.
James McGrave, Dundalk, Co. Louth
At about 5pm on 23rd October, 1952 a boy aged 5 years was playing with some companions near a breach in the bank of the Castletown River at Dundalk. The boy fell into a flooded field and was swept through the breach into the river proper. Some men who were working on a building site nearby heard there was a boy in the river. One of them, Mr. James McGrave, ran across the flooded field until the water got too deep. He then swam to the river bank and went into the river. He got hold of the boy in the water and put him across his shoulder, holding him with his right hand and swimming with his left hand as best he could. He succeeded in reaching the river bank and, despite his own exhausted condition, revived the child by applying artificial respiration.
Joseph Harris, Cabra West, Dublin
At 5.30pm on 9th February, 1953, a boy aged 12 years was playing on the bank of the Royal Canal at the rear of Mountjoy Prison. He attempted to cross the canal by the lock gate, lost his footing and fell into the water. His companions raised the alarm and Joseph Harris came to help. He jumped into the water but was unable to get hold of the boy. It was a bitterly cold day and Mr. Harris got cold and stiff and had to be assisted from the water.
Francis Nolan, Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary
At about 5.30pm on 27th April, 1953, Francis Nolan and another boy, both aged 14 years, were playing ball beside the River Suir at Carrick-on-Suir. The ball went into the river and, while trying to recover it, Francis Nolan’s friend, who could not swim, fell into the water. Without hesitation, Francis Nolan jumped in to save his companion who was struggling violently. He succeeded in getting a hold on the drowning boy but he was unable to retain a grip because of the boy’s struggles. The boy then disappeared under the water and although Francis Nolan dived a number of times he was unable to locate him. Francis Nolan swam to a nearby island and raised the alarm. The body was recovered two hours later.
Citations from the 6th Annual Report of Comhairle na Míre Gaile, for the year ended 31st December, 1952
CERTIFICATES:
William Lavelle, Mental Hospital Attendant, Castlebar, Co. Mayo
On the 4th June, 1951, a four-year-old child fell into Castlebar Lake. He made no outcry, but in his struggles worked himself another 12 or 15 yards from the bank. He was drowning in over 12 feet of water when the alarm was raised. William Lavelle heard the cry and dived immediately into the water. He found it difficult to reach the drowning child but when he did reach him, he grasped the child’s leg, went underneath himself and became very dazed. In his struggle to reach the surface he retained his grip on the child, however. When he reached the surface a lifebuoy was thrown to him and he grasped this and was towed ashore. Lavelle then gave artificial respiration to the child who regained consciousness after about half an hour.
Christopher, Frank and David Marshall, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary
A party of excursionists went bathing on Clonea Strand, Co. Waterford on 5th August, 1951. The weather was stormy after heavy rain and the sea was extremely choppy and turbulent. The three Marshall brothers had been in the water for over half an hour and decided to return to the shore about 100 yards distant. As they were returning, they heard a scream from a 12-year-old girl who was bathing some distance away. Frank or Christopher Marshall reached the girl and took her by the hand but was shortly afterwards separated from her by a large breaker. The girl then made her way to the shore and as she waded out she heard the man who had aided her calling for help. Both Frank and Christopher had got into difficulties – probably one of them went to the other’s assistance. David Marshall tried to help them. He reached Frank but a wave separated them and after further efforts he himself had to be helped ashore as he was in an exhausted condition. He had exposed himself to the same grave risk which cost his two brothers their lives.
Vincent Clabby, Longford
At about 3.00pm on 18th September, 1951, a four-year-old boy was seen floating in the canal. The alarm was raised and Vincent Clabby came on the scene. He immediately went to the rescue of the child, who was floating in about 7 feet of water, about 9 feet from the bank. With great difficulty he succeeded in getting the child to the bank where he recovered after treatment.
Joseph O’Brien, Evergreen Road, Cork
Three boys were walking along the weir which crosses the Lee at Lee Fields, Cork, when one of them fell in and was swept away on the flood tide. Joseph O’Brien, on hearing a shout, ran to the scene, jumped in and rescued the child who had gone under at least once when he reached him about 20 yards from the bank.
Patrick Carroll, Whiterock View, Wexford; John Brennan, Bride Street, Wexford and Aiden Ffrench, Casa Rio, Wexford
A man was bathing in Wexford Harbour when he got out of his depth and found himself in difficulties in about 7 feet of water. He was a non-swimmer. His companion, Patrick Carroll, went to his assistance, but was gripped by the man and he too got into difficulties. John Tierney had been bathing in the vicinity and he also dived in to the rescue. He succeeded in breaking the man’s grip on Carroll and he brought the man to the shore. He then returned to help Carroll. He was joined in this rescue by Aiden Ffrench and between them they succeeded in bringing Carroll to the shore.
Bridget Potter, Lower Shantalla, Galway
On 22nd September, 1951, a three-year-old child was playing on the bank of the Eglington Canal, Galway, when he fell into the water. Another child ran to a nearby house and informed Bridget Potter of what had happened. Miss Potter immediately ran to the canal bank and dived into the water. She swam around for a while and finally she located the child at the bottom. After several attempts she succeeded in raising him and bringing him to the bank where he recovered.
Elizabeth McGavin, Drimnagh, Dublin and George Davidson, Ballyfermot, Dublin
Three children, Elizabeth McGavin and another girl and a boy, were fishing from the canal bank when the boy fell in and dragged the girl in with him. Elizabeth McGavin jumped to their rescue and managed to bring the boy to the opposite bank. Meanwhile George Davidson, who was passing by, heard the children’s cries and plunged into the water. He succeeded in bringing the girl to the bank. Mr. Davidson was in very poor health at the time and he died shortly afterwards.
Patrick Doherty, Clane, Co. Kildare
On 6th December, 1951, a man was oiling an engine which was being used by him to drive a saw. His clothes became entangled in the fast-moving flywheel spindle, and in a matter of seconds he was being swept around on the spindle. Patrick Doherty was on the scene and rushed immediately to aid him. He caught the man and endeavoured to drag him off the wheel. It was not, however, until the man’s clothing was almost completely wrenched from his body that Doherty succeeded in releasing him. Both then fell heavily to the ground.
Brendan T. Walsh, Mount Merrion, Co. Dublin
At about 11.20pm on 22nd November, 1951, when Mr. Walsh was in his home, he heard shouts and on coming outside he noticed that a nearby house was on fire. The Fire Brigade had not then arrived. Mr. Walsh got an axe and ran to the burning house, where he heard a child crying upstairs. He immediately ran up the stairs through the smoke and licking flames and into the room whence he heard the cried. He found a child in a cot in the smoke-filled room and succeeded in bringing it unharmed down the stairs to safety.
Christopher Plunkett, Skerries, Co. Dublin
On 2nd August, 1951, at about 8pm the fishing boat ‘Ros Cathal’ was returning to Loughshinny Harbour from fishing grounds off the Dublin coast. The vessel encountered heavy seas on the homeward run and as a result of a lurch which it gave a man fell overboard. The alarm was raised and those below came on deck. The vessel was swung around and a lifebuoy and line was thrown to the man but he did not catch it. Seeing this, Christopher Plunkett, despite the fact that he was a poor swimmer and the sea was rough, jumped into the sea. He grasped the lifebuoy and swam about 15 yards to the man. He caught hold of the man’s collar and both rescuer and rescued were pulled towards the vessel. The man showed no signs of life and attempts at artificial respiration failed to revive him.
Leslie Boylan, Skerries, Co. Dublin
On 29th August, 1951, a seven-year-old boy was walking along the edge of the pier wall at Skerries and fell into the sea. Leslie Boylan heard the splash in the water and saw the boy in the water. Without hesitation, he jumped into the water and went to the assistance of the boy, and managed to grasp him as he was disappearing. He then swam towards a row boat which was coming to his assistance. The boy recovered.
William Tiernan, Mountshannon, Co. Clare
On 7th November, 1951, employees of the Clare County Council were loading a lorry with barrels of tar which were lying on the quayside at Scariff. A crane which was being used to load the barrels suddenly swung around, striking a man on the jaw and knocking him in the canal. A lifebuoy was thrown to him, but he lost his grip on it after a moment or so and he went to the bottom. William Tiernan then dived into the canal and in a short time came to the surface, holding the man. Both men were pulled out of the canal by their fellow workers.
John O’Gorman, Ardfinnan, Co. Tipperary
On 5th February, 1952, a fire broke out in the kitchen of a three room thatched house in Ardfinnan. The occupant of the house, a 76-year-old man, was bedridden and in a small room off the kitchen. A neighbour saw the smoke and informed John O’Gorman who ran to the scene and found the room in which the man was lying, a mass of flames, smoke and falling timbers. O’Gorman, who was not aware of the man’s bedridden condition, threw a chain into the room and asked the man to take hold of it, but the man was unable to do so. O’Gorman then rushed in through the kitchen and bedroom doors, lifted the man from the bed and carried him outside to safety. In doing so he got his head and hair burned and gravely risked his life.
Charles Byrne, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan
At approximately 3.00pm on 3rd February, 1952, two brothers, aged 9 and 7 years, were skating on an ice-covered pool at Leonsgrave, Carrickmacross. The ice broke under the weight of the elder boy and he sank in the water to his armpits, but supported himself with his hands on the surrounding ice. The younger boy went for assistance and contacted a little girl living nearby. They both went back to the pool and the boy went on the ice and caught his brother’s hand. The ice surrounding the younger brother then broke, however, and both boys fell into the water. The little girl ran to the house of Charles Byrne, who lives about 150 yards from the pool. Mr. Byrne immediately ran to the pool and entered the cold water by breaking the ice, which was about one inch thick. He waded out almost to the centre of the pool and recovered the body of the younger brother and brought it to the bank. Artificial respiration was applied by persons who had arrived on the scene, but their efforts were unsuccessful. Immediately after getting the younger brother’s body to the bank, Mr. Byrne entered the water to search for the other body, but failed to find it.
Private Martin Keating, Collins Barracks, Dublin and James Hayes, Coolevin Road, Dublin
At about 10.10pm on 7th December, 1951, a fire broke out in a ground floor shop on Cuffe Street, Dublin. When the fire broke out, there were five people in the rooms on the first floor and six people on the second floor. When James Hayes and Private Martin Keating noticed the fire, they, together with a third person whose name is not known, went up the stairs and helped three people out of a room on the first floor. They then went back again and rescued an old couple and their grandchild from the second floor. At this stage the fire was extending to the hall. They went back in again to search for a child who they were told had not come out. Having searched all the rooms, they had to exit through a back window as the fire had made the hall unpassable.
Patrick Connaire, Drimnagh, Dublin
An eight-year-old boy and some companions were fishing in a disused reservoir at Robinhood, CLondalkin, on 17th April, 1952. The boy slipped and fell into the water. Patrick Connaire, aged 14 ½ years, who was fishing nearby heard cries for help and immediately dived in fully clothed and succeeded in bringing the drowning boy to the bank.
Nora O’Reilly, Tadhg Corkery, Seamus Lonergan, John English, Kevin Fennessey and Seán Cleary Clonmel, Co. Tipperary
On 11th March, 1952, a two-year-old child fell into the River Suir. The child’s mother, Nora O’Reilly ran to the river bank. She called for assistance and then jumped into the river herself. Hearing the cries, Tadhg Corkery ran to the spot, dived into the river and brought the child to the bank. Meanwhile, four other men arrived on the scene. One of them noticed the body of Mrs. O’Reilly floating face downwards near the opposite bank. Seamus Lonergan and John English dived into the water, swam across the river and brought back Mrs. O’Reilly’s body. They were assisted back by Kevin Fennessy, Seán Cleary and Tadhg Corkery. Mrs. O’Reilly did not recover, however.
George Stallard and John Kenny, Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary
On 24th April, 1952, an eight-year-old boy fell into the River Suir at Carrickbeg. As a result of heavy rains, there was a flood in the river at the time, and as this met the incoming tide it caused a dangerous whirlpool at the point where the boy fell in. George Stallard and John Kenny heard a cry for assistance and immediately ran to the bank and dived into the river. Stallard, who had reached the bank slightly ahead of Kenny, dived under the water and succeeded in getting hold of the boy near the bottom. On reaching the surface, they were helped to the bank by Kenny. The boy recovered after a short time.
Patrick Bedford, Blackhorse Avenue, Dublin; George Emmett, Finglas, Dublin and Joseph Edgar, Summerhill, Dublin
A man entered a manhole to remove a rubber plug from the bottom, having waited the usual period to allow any gases to escape. Shortly afterwards, Patrick Bedford went to look for him and found him in difficulties in the manhole. He went down the hole to help him but was himself completely overcome by gas fumes. George Emmett then came on the scene and heard Bedford moaning in the manhole. He wrapped a wet towel round his head and descended, taking a rope with him. He put the rope hook in Bedford’s clothes and had him hauled up. He had to come up at the same time as the fumes were overpowering him. Joseph Edgar then descended and with the help of a rope succeeded in getting the first man out.
James Farl Powers, Greystones, Co. Wicklow
On 19th May, 1952, an 8 ½-year-old boy and two other children were playing on the Cliff Road at Greystones. The boy slipped off the high precipitous rocks into the sea, which was then quite deep. His companions shouted for help and James Farl Powers, an American on a visit to this country, heard their cries. As he approached, the boy’s companions fetched a lifebuoy which Powers threw to the boy. The child was unable to catch it, however. Mr. Powers then descended the rocky face of the cliff and succeeded in pulling the drowning boy near enough to grab him by the clothes. He pulled him up on the rocks and both had to remain here until help arrived.
Citations from the 4th Annual Report of Comhairle na Míre Gaile, for the year ended 31st December, 1950
George Jackson and John Kenny, Lower Sheriff Street, Dublin
At about 4.30pm on 13th June, 1950, a 9-year-old boy was sitting on steps leading from the canal bank to the water at Spencer Dock Bridge, North Wall when he slipped into the water. Four boys who had been swimming were on the canal bank dressing themselves. Of these, George Jackson, aged 12 years, dived into the water. He gripped the drowning boy in his arms and attempted to swim back with him to the bank about 10 feet away. John Kenny (aged 13 years) came to Jackson’s assistance and they started to drag the boy to the bank. Kenny noticed that Jackson was now in difficulties and was pulling the boy under. Kenny next found that he too was being dragged down and, releasing his grip on the drowning boy, he swam to the steps. When he looked round he saw George Jackson and the other boy separate and sink. Neither of them re-appeared. Both bodies were subsequently recovered.
George Jackson was posthumously awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery and John Kenny was awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
CERTIFICATES:
William Nelson, City Quay, Dublin
At about 6pm on the 25th September, 1949, two boys aged 6 and 9 years were playing by the side of the River Liffey at City Quay. Both went down the ferry steps to retrieve a holy picture which they saw floating in the river. One of them slipped on the slime and fell into the river. The other boy ran to raise the alarm. William Nelson ran from his home, jumped in the river and got hold of the child. He was swimming towards the steps with the child when a lifebuoy was thrown to him and he was helped ashore. Artificial respiration was performed on the child who was later taken home none the worse for his experience.
Laurence Farrell, Barrack Street, Waterford and Thomas Clarke, Cabra West, Dublin
At about 3.45pm on 26th November, 1949, a man jumped into the River Liffey at Queen Street Bridge. Hearing the resulting commotion, Laurence Farrell ran to the Liffey wall and dived into the river. He swam after the man, caught him and brought him to nearby steps. Meanwhile Thomas Clarke had gone down the steps and dived into the water. Clarke was, however, forced to return to the steps and assisted Farrell in taking the man to safety.
Seán Sherry, Clones, Co. Monaghan
On 10th November, 1049, a four-year-old horned bull, which was kept on a heavy chain in a field, pulled the chain form its nose. As the animal was dangerous, the owner decided to put it into a byre and accompanied by two employees, he went into the field. The bull rushed at one of the employees and tossed him into the air. The owner got in front of the bull and was also attacked. The bull tossed him into the air and commenced to gore and trample him on the ground. The other employee, Seán Sherry (aged 17 years), attacked the bull with a hay fork. He succeeded in distracting the animal’s attention and the three men were able to escape from the field.
William Brendan O’Flaherty, Sunday’s Well, Cork
In the afternoon of 20th November, 1949, two young boys were playing at St. George’s Quay, Cork, when one of them fell into the river. His companion ran away without raising the alarm. William O’Flaherty, who was cycling across the bridge, noticed the child in the river. He came round to the quayside, jumped into the river and brought the child to the quayside. The level of the water was around eight feet below the top of the quay and as, apparently, O’Flaherty had not been seen entering the river there was no one at hand to help him out of the water. A woman who was driving by noticed O’Flaherty’s bicycle and clothes on the quayside. She went to the quayside and saw O’Flaherty clinging to a timber pile. She got a rug from her car and supported O’Flaherty until a man climbed down the pile and took the boy. O’Flaherty then swam to a slip where he was able to get out of the water.
Patrick Coddington, Drogheda, Co. Louth
On 21st December, 1949, a man was cycling along the quays at Drogheda. In swerving to avoid some children his bicycle skidded on the frosty surface and he fell into the river. Patrick Coddington, who was working nearby, was informed of the situation. He dived into the river and after a severe struggle succeeded in bringing the man to the side where both were helped out of the water.
Charles Dillon, North Cumberland Street, Dublin
On 22nd April, 1949, a cargo of timber was being unloaded on the m.v. ‘Kilkenny’, berthed at the North Wall. A hoist which was being used in the work struck one of the workers, and knocked him from the vessel into the Liffey. When falling, the man’s head struck the side of the ship and he was rendered unconscious. Charles Dillon, who was also employed on the ship, dived into the river. He dived underneath the surface and managed to get hold of him. With the aid of other dockers both men were taken from the river. The injured man was detained in hospital for a week.
Phelim Russell, Castleforbes Road, Dublin
At about 1.40pm on 19th March, 1950, a man was noticed floating face downwards in the river at the North Wall Quay. The alarm was raised and Phelim Russell and another man came to the scene. Mr. Russell went down the ferry steps and entered the water. He swam to the man and pushed him towards the steps where the other man and another onlooker assisted in getting the man to the quay. The rescued man and Mr. Russell were then taken to hospital.
John Murphy, Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny
On 17th February, 1950, the skipper of a barge fell into the Grand Canal from the stern of the boat he was steering into a stretch of the Canal from the River Barrow. The man struck the rudder of the vessel when falling and he sank almost immediately. John Murphy, the only other person on the vessel, jumped into the canal and seized the drowning man. He endeavoured to swim with him to the bank but became entangled with him and lost his grip. The man then sank and Murphy made several attempts to locate him but had to cease when he became exhausted in the icy cold water.
Daniel McCormack, Gardiner’s Hill, Cork and James Doherty, Drumcondra, Dublin
At midday on 31st January, 1950, two boys aged 6 and 7 years were going home from school for lunch. One of the boys threw a tin can into the River Lee and both commenced to throw stones at it. In doing so one of them fell into the river. James McCormack, who was driving by in a van, saw the boy in the water. He stopped the van and dived 20 feet into the water. He caught hold of the boy and brought him towards the quay wall but then, owing to the coldness of the water, his strength gave out. He went under with the boy. James Doherty was indoors nearby when he was informed of the matter. He ran to the scene and jumped in the water. He secured a grip on McCormack and brought him to a ladder where both were assisted from the water. Doherty was not aware until it was too late that the boy was in the river.
John Purcell, Rochestown, Co. Cork and Leendert Halfstede, Crosshaven, Co. Cork
On 10th February, 1950, a squad of men were working at pile driving at the Custom House Quay, Cork. One of them was standing on a wooden railing which extended over the water when the railing swayed outwards and the man was thrown into the water. When John Purcell saw his companion fall he jumped into the water after him. The man was then about two feet underwater and Purcell caught hold of his clothing but this tore in his hand. Purcell found that the rubber boots he was wearing were dragging him under as they filled with water and he was obliged to give up his attempt at rescue. Leendert Halfstede, who had been working near the drowning man, dived into the water. He could not, however, find any trace of the man though he continued his search for some time.
John O’Flynn, George’s Quay, Cork
At about 4.30pm on 3rd February, 1950, a young boy was returning from school along St. George’s Quay when he slipped and fell into the River Lee. He was being carried towards the centre of the river when the alarm was raised. John O’Flynn, who was passing nearby, heard the alarm and ran to the scene. He plunged into the river and brought the boy to the quayside.
Austin Quinn, Castlebar, Co. Mayo
On 9th March, 1950, an old man of 72 years overbalanced on the bank of the Castlebar river and fell into the water. He managed to obtain a hold on an iron bar which assisted him in keeping his head above water. Sometime afterwards at about 6.30pm Austin Quinn left his forge near the river and was walking by. He heard the old man’s cried for help and saw his head in the water. Quinn, who is a non-swimmer, ran to the man and jumped in the water. The man immediately grabbed his rescuer and both went under the water. Quinn managed eventually to get the man to safety.
Seán Creamer, Columkille Street, Limerick
On 10th May, 1949, a young boy aged 8 years was swinging on a rope which was attached to a tree on the Island Bank on the River Shannon at Limerick. While swinging, the rope slipped off the tree and the boy was thrown into the river. Seán Creamer saw the boy falling into the river and went immediately to his assistance. He dived into about 15 feet of water and after some time succeeded in bringing the boy to the bank.
Francis Oates, Lower Rutland Street, Dublin
At noon on 1st April, 1950, a man jumped into the Liffey from O’Connell Bridge. He was carried by a strong ebbing current in the direction of Butt Bridge. Francis Oates (62 years) was standing on the quayside when he saw the man in the river. He went along the quay to get ahead of the man before jumping in and swimming towards him. Oates made an attempt to rescue him, but owing to the strong current he could not give much assistance. Another man had meanwhile secured a row boat and Butt Bridge and intercepted the two men. He succeeded in bringing them to a boat which was berthed at Custom House Quay. Oates and the rescued man were unconscious when taken from the water and were removed to Jervis Street Hospital where the latter was found to be dead. Oates was detained in hospital until the 3rd April.
William and Robert Power, Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary
On 14th February, 1950, a man was driving to Tramore by way of Carrick-on-Suir. In Main Street he enquired as to the road to Tramore and having been directed proceeded on his way. Unfortunately, he took a wrong turning and drove down a laneway leading to a river. He did not notice the river until practically on its verge when he made an effort to swerve. The car toppled into the river and turned upside down as it fell. Robert and William Power saw this happen. Robert jumped onto the bottom of the car which was floating downriver and as he was passing a barge, he caught hold of it until the strain became so great that he was forced to let go. Meanwhile, William had gone for aid and returned just as Robert let go of the car. The rescuers obtained a small boat and rowed after the car. By the time the Powers reached the car it had righted itself and sunk to the bottom. The car was brought to the river bank where the brothers Power entered the water and brought the deceased’s body ashore.
Thomas C. Burrowes, Crumlin, Dublin
At around 5.30pm on 24th April, 1950, an old man, aged 79 years, who was in the habit of sitting on the wooden arm of the lock gate at Portobello Harbour fell into the lock basin. Thomas Burrowes heard the uproar and ran over to the lock basin where he saw the man lying face downwards in the water. He dived into the lock and lifted the man’s head out of the water. A lifebuoy was lowered to Burrowed, who with its aid, supported the old man. After about ten minutes another man climbed down the lock gate with a rope which was put around the old man. He was then hauled to the top of the basin.
Peter Cannon, Calderwood Avenue, Dublin
At about 3.30pm on the 29th April, 1950, an employee was looking out of a window in the Clonliffe Flour Mills which overlook the Royal Canal when he saw a child struggling in the water. He shouted to two men who were passing by and one of them, Peter Cannon, jumped into the canal and brought the child, a girl aged about five years, to the bank. Cannon then applied artificial respiration and the child recovered in a short time.
Private John O’Brien, Custume Barracks, Athlone, Co. Westmeath
At about 7.30pm on 8th May, 1950, Private John O’Brien was seated near the River Shannon at Athlone when his attention was attracted by the cries of some boys. O’Brien saw two legs sticking out of the water. He jumped in and managed to get the boy’s head over the water. As a sluice gate further down the river was open there was a strong current in the river. Another man had arrived on the scene and he held his hand out but O’Brien failed to reach it and the current swept him out. O’Brien managed to come closer to the wall, however, and eventually caught the man’s hand and held on until such time as a row boat arrived and rescuer and rescued were taken into it.
Kevin P. Corr, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin
On the 21st May, 1950, a party of six persons left Dun Laoghaire harbour in a five-ton yacht. When about a quarter of a mile off shore, one of the members slipped and fell into the sea. Ropes were thrown to him but he failed to grasp them. Kevin Corr then dived into the water and kept the man afloat until it was possible to take them both aboard the yacht. The rescued man was by then unconscious and was brought to Dun Laoghaire harbour and thence by ambulance to hospital. Artificial respiration was applied for some hours but without avail.
Mary Keane, High Street, Kilkenny
In the afternoon of 28th March, 1950, a young child aged 3 ½ years was being taken for a walk along a canal adjacent to the River Nore at Kilkenny when she fell into the canal. The maid who was in charge of the child raised the alarm. Mary Keane, who was nearby, saw the child’s hair ribbon appear on the surface of the water and she jumped in. She searched for and located the child and brought her out of the water. Miss Keane applied artificial respiration until the child recovered consciousness.
William O’Sullivan, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny
At about 1.00am on 22nd May, 1950, a general merchant’s premises at Logan Street, Thomastown, were observed to be on fire. The fire spread very rapidly and despite the efforts of three fire brigades the premises were completely destroyed. The owner, his married son and the latter’s family were asleep in rooms at the top of the three storey building. Mr. William O’Sullivan rang and knocked on the doorway and, when he got no response, burst in the door and went upstairs. He roused the son and his family, including a child aged 2 years, and then with great difficulty wakened the owner and left him apparently getting ready to leave the building. He returned to the young child but when he went with him to the stairs he met a wall of smoke. Thinking that the child could not survive if he went through the smoke, O’Sullivan returned to the drawing room, and leaving the baby with his mother and the maid, with extreme difficulty he managed to reach the shop which was burning fiercely. He does not recollect how he left the shop but he recovered in the yard and attempted to go back to the drawing room but was unable to do so. All the occupants of the house, except the owner, had meanwhile managed to escape. Efforts to reach the owner failed, and he perished.
Bartholomew O’Driscoll, Gurranebraher, Co. Cork
On 4th April, 1950, at about 1.30pm an old man, aged 70 years, was walking along Albert Quay, Cork. The man slipped and fell into the water which was about 16 feet deep at the spot. Bartholomew O’Driscoll was sitting about 50 yards away. He heard the splash and saw the man in the water. He ran to the spot, dived in and managed to locate the man who had disappeared under the water. He swam towards the quayside and held onto him until two men in a rowing boat came to his assistance and both rescuer and rescued were brought to the quayside.
William Power, Kilmacow, Co. Kilkenny
On 30th May, 1950, an old lady aged 65 years when getting water from a well fell feet first into the well. The well is about 20 feet deep, 4 ½ feet in diameter and contained about 6 feet of water. The woman was heard moaning by a neighbour who raised the alarm. William Power came on the scene with a rope which he tied to a board at the mouth of the well. He descended the well and fastened the rope under the woman’s arms. He then directed the neighbour to keep a pull on the rope. Further help arrived in about half an hour when the woman was taken from the well. She was then unconscious.
John Hanley, Gurranebraher Avenue, Cork and John Cogan, Gurranebraher, Cork
At about 7.45pm on 5th May, 1950, a man jumped into the River Lee at Camden Quay, Cork. John Hanley saw him in the water, dived in and swam to the man. Both men went under and when they came to the surface Hanley succeeded in turning the drowning man on his back. Hanley was by then exhausted so he shouted for help and John Cogan came to his aid. Together they succeeded in bringing the man to the quayside and with the assistance of others he was taken from the water. The man was then unconscious.
James Kelleher, Macroom, Co. Cork
On 18th June, 1950, a number of boys were bathing at Clondrohid, Macroom, Co. Cork. One of the boys ventured to cross the river and got into difficulties some 20 feet from the bank. It was only when the boy went under water that his companions realised the seriousness of the situation and James Kelleher, who was on the river bank, plunged into the water and swam towards the boy but could not locate him. He swam back to the bank, wrenched a branch from a tree and swam back out again. Guided by bubbles he swam to the spot and thrust the branch down. The drowning youth gripped it but Kelleher lost his grip of the branch and had to return to the bank. The bubbles still continued to appear so Kelleher went out again and managed to get hold of the branch. He pulled the boy to shallow water. The youth was then unconscious but recovered after about 10 minutes.
Monica Reynolds, Garristown, Co. Dublin and Noel Cross, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin
When Miss Monica Reynolds and her niece were bathing at Balbriggan on 12th June, 1950, they got into difficulties, and were taken out to sea on an ebb tide in a particularly rough sea. Miss Reynolds held her niece out of the water until the cries of the latter for help attracted the attention of Noel Cross, who was sunbathing on the strand. He swam out to the women and took the niece from her aunt. He experienced great difficulty in getting ashore due to the waves and the strong undercurrent. When he noticed that Miss Reynolds had not come ashore, Cross went to her assistance. She was being dragged out to sea and Cross was unable to get close to her. He was forced to come ashore. He then drove to the harbour and Balbriggan and informed some people of what had happened. Two local men went out in a small rowing boat and after a half-hour’s search they located Miss Reynold’s body.
Eileen Deasy, Kinsale, Co. Cork; Dominick J. Giltinan, Highfield Avenue, Cork City; Arthur O’Connor, Munster and Leinster Bank, Cork City; James Murphy, Kinsale, Co. Cork and Michael Connolly, Kinsale, Co. Cork
At about 4.30pm on 30th July, 1950, a young boy aged 10 years got into difficulties while bathing at Garrettstown Strand and was being swept out to sea. Miss Eileen Deasy, who was bathing at the time, swam to the boy’s assistance and supported him but both were swept out to sea. Miss Deasy shouted for help and a number of people entered the water. Two of these, Arthur O’Connor and Michael Connolly, got into difficulties but managed to regain the shore. Dominick Giltinan went to the resuce but got caught in the current and disappeared from sight. His body was recovered shortly before midnight. James Murphy swam out for about 300 yards and took the boy off Miss Deasy. She endeavoured to reach the shore but she drowned. Murphy supported the boy for about twenty minutes but failed to reach the shore and was forced to release the boy who was apparently then dead. Murphy was washed ashore after one hour and ten minutes in the sea. His condition necessitated medical treatment for a week.
Michael Dervan, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway
On the afternoon of 11th June, 1950, a youth, who is a non-swimmer, was in a boat on the River Suck at Ballinasloe and decided to enter the water from the boat and walk towards a small island in the river. When about five yards from the island, he stepped into a hole about 20 feet deep and got into difficulties. Michael Dervan swam across to the island and then, seeing that the youth was sinking, he entered the water again and caught the youth by the hair and swam with him to the river bank.
Father John Lalor, Oxford, England; Kathleen Boylan, Donnybrook, Dublin and John Sheridan, Westport, Co. Mayo
On the morning of 25th July, 1950, two sisters, who were on holiday from Dublin, went swimming in Oaghgowen Cove, Dooagh, Achill, Co. Mayo. When they tried to return to the shore, due to the current and heavy waves, one of them was unable to do so. Her sister raised the alarm and returned with the mother, Mrs. Kathleen Boylan. Meanwhile, Father John Lalor had gone to the other girl’s assistance. He kept her afloat until his strength gave out and he began to drift seawards. Mrs. Boylan went out and kept her daughter afloat. None of the party in the water could reach shore. John Sheridan came to their aid but his efforts were also unavailing. He returned to the shore for a rope and was on his way out again when a currach manned by three men appeared on the scene. The men brought Father Lalor, Mrs. Boylan and her daughter ashore and John Sheridan managed to reach shore by himself.
Alan Foster, Greystones, Co. Wicklow
At noon on 1st August, 1950, a 62-year-old man and a boy went swimming in the men’s bathing place at Greystones. Due to the heavy sea and severe backwash from the rocks, the boy was unable to reach the shore and the man went to his assistance. The boy was finally taken from the water by his father. The man, however, was heard shouting for help and was seen to be floating on his back out to sea. Alan Foster dived into the sea and swam to the drowning man who was then about 25 yards from the rocks and unconscious. Foster towed him to the rocks and with the assistance of a lifebelt succeeded in getting him ashore.
Michael O’Sullivan, Rathmines, Dublin
At about 4pm on 7th October, 1950, a young boy aged 9 years who was playing on the steps of the quay wall at George’s Quay, Dublin, slipped and fell into the Liffey. His companion, who had been playing with him, shouted for help. A lifebuoy was thrown to the boy, but he was unable to grasp it. Michael O’Sullivan was walking along the quay at the time and he jumped into the water and swam towards a point of the river where he saw some bubbles where the child had sunk. He caught hold of the child and with the aid of the lifebuoy brought him to the quay wall, where they were assisted from the river.
Hugh Ward, Arranmore Island, Co. Donegal
On 12th July, 1950, a number of children were playing on Leabgarrow pier, Arranmore Island. One of them stumbled over a tying ring and fell into the sea, which was then about 10 feet deep and 4 feet below the level of the pier. Hugh Ward (aged 15 years) was on the pier some distance away. He rushed to the scene and jumped into the water. The child had gone under the water but Master Ward succeeded in grasping him and raising him to the surface. The child clung to Ward’s neck with both hands, but having broken his hold Ward swam with him to the shore.
Augustine Hanley, Island Road, Limerick
At about 2.30pm on 30th July, 1950, a youth, aged 19 years, went for a swim in the River Shannon at Athlunkard, Ardnacrusha. He got into difficulties and a companion gave the alarm. Augustine Hanley was crossing the river at the bridge at the time when his attention was attracted by the companion. He ran to the spot, jumped into the water and swam to where the youth had disappeared. He located him at the bottom of the river and brought him to the surface. He then took him to the river bank with the assistance of two other men.
Joseph Cullen, Audeon’s Terrace, Dublin
When returning from school at about 4pm on 28th September, 1950, a young boy, aged 5 years, fell into the canal. Joseph Cullen, who was passing by in a lorry, was hailed by a woman who informed him that the child was in the canal. Cullen entered the water and brought the child, who was unconscious, to the bank.
Citations from the 3rd Annual Report of Comhairle na Míre Gaile, for the year ended 31st December, 1949
BRONZE MEDALS AND CERTIFICATES:
James McDermott, Saggart, Co. Dublin; James Doyle, Saggart, Co. Dublin and Daniel O’Brien, Clondalkin, Co. Dublin
On the afternoon of 3rd February, 1949, while five Army aircraft were engaged in a routine training flight at a height of 4,000 feet, two of the aircrafts collided and burst into flames. They crashed about a hundred yards from each other on a farm adjoining the Dublin/Naas Road at Brownsburn, Saggart. Messrs. McDermott and Doyle, who were employed on the farm, and Mr. O’Brien, the farm manager, dashed to the nearest plane. Mr. McDermott rushed in and caught hold of the pilot’s hand, but he was beaten back by the heat. He then pulled his overcoat over his head, and ran in again, when he succeeded in catching one of the pilot’s hands. Mr. Doyle grasped one of the pilot’s feet while Mr. O’Brien grabbed the pilot from the opposite side of the plane. All three of them removed the body of the pilot. Mr. O’Brien then ran to the road, stopped a motor car and dispatched Mr. McDermott for a priest. Mr. Doyle went to the second crash, but he found the flames so intense he could do nothing. The blaze was so intense that Air Corps personnel subsequently had great difficulty in extinguishing it.
CERTIFICATES:
Daniel Donegan, North Crumlin, Dublin
At 1.30pm on 9th October, 1948, a 7 ½ year old boy, while trying to retrieve a toy boat from the Grand Canal at the Second Lock Bridge, Inchicore, fell into the water and was carried out to the centre by the strong current. Mr. Donegan was cycling home from work at the time and he was attracted by the shouts of those who had witnessed the occurrence. He jumped in without hesitation, caught the boy by the arm as he was about to go down and brought him to the other bank.
John Byrne, Kevin Street, Dublin and Andrew Forde, Harold’s Cross, Dublin
Shortly after dusk on 23rd October, 1948, a six-year-old boy fell in the Grand Canal, close to Harold’s Cross Bridge. His young companions told Mr. Byrne, who was cycling near Portobello Bridge. Hastening to the scene, Mr. Byrne saw the child’s head above the water about 6 feet out from the bank and he went into the canal to grasp the child by the head. The child struggled, however, so Mr. Byrne got into difficulty and called for help. Mr. Forde saw him in difficulty so he reached in, handed him the belt of an overcoat and hauled him out. Mr. Byrne then informed Mr. Forde that there was a child in the canal. Mr. Forde dived in, located the child under the water and swam with him to the other side of the canal.
Thomas O’Keefe, Usher’s Island, Dublin and Private Liam Doherty, Portobello Barracks, Dublin
While walking along Arran Quay on 31st October, 1948, Mr. O’Keefe saw a man jump in the Liffey. He jumped into the river and swam out to the drowning man. There was a strong ebb tide and the water was ten feet deep. Private Doherty saw the men in the water and jumped in to assist Mr. O’Keefe. Both men were poor swimmers and found they could make no headway against the tide in the direction of the nearest steps. Fortunately, a lifebuoy was brought up, and all three men were hauled to safety.
James McKeever, Ballyshannon
An 11-year-old boy fell into the canal at Navan, Co. Meath, on 24th October, 1948. His brother (13 years) ran towards the road and met James McKeever. Mr. McKeever scaled the wall – 10 feet high – of the field adjoining the canal and ran to the spot. He jumped in the canal and reached the frightened and struggling child who brought him under the water twice before the rescuer was able to bring him to the bank. Mr. McKeever got the child to grasp the weeds at the canal bank and left the water while a rope was obtained. The rope was thrown to the boy and he was pulled out.
John Flynn, Dunmore East, Co. Waterford
In the evening of 5th October, 1948, Mr. Flynn and a 14-year-old boy left Dunmore East in a small fishing boat to travel to Saleen, 4 miles along the coast. After about an hour, the boar sprang a leak and the engine failed. While the boy bailed out continuously, Mr. Flynn dropped anchor and lit some old clothes soaked in paraffin, in an unsuccessful endeavour to attract attention. An attempt was made to reach Ballymacaw Cove with the aid of a foresail but the water in the boat continued to rise. Near the cove the boat struck a rock and sank quickly in deep water, about 30 yards off the cliffs. Mr. Flynn was swept overboard but went to the assistance of the boy and brought him to a rock at the foot of the cliffs. The boy was washed off the cliff by a wave, but was pulled up again by Mr. Flynn. They then climbed the cliffs and reached a farmhouse at 2am the following morning.
Garda Hugh Travers, Bridewell Garda Station, Dublin
At 11.30am on 19th September, 1946, a driverless horse and dray bolted up Capel Street, which was congested at the time, and caused considerable alarm. As the animal slowed somewhat behind a bus turning into Parnell Street, Garda Travers, who was on duty, caught the left shaft of the dray with one hand and the horse’s head with the other. After strenuous exertions he halted the animal and, after some time, quietened him. The Garda was injured as a result of his efforts.
Private Patrick Kane, Portobello Barracks, Dublin
On the evening of 16th August, 1947, Private Kane entered the Liffey at Long Meadows, Chapelizod, from the south bank, followed by two soldiers who were rather weak swimmers. He had almost reached the north bank when he heard a call for help from one of his companions. He and the other companion went to assist, but then this man got into difficulty and Private Kane had to push him to the south bank. Private Kane then went to help the other soldier and was bringing him to the north bank when he became entangled in submerged weeds and grappled with him. Thoroughly exhausted, Private Kane released his grip and swam with difficulty to the bank where he was pulled out. Recovering, he swam across the river to help in the unsuccessful attempt to revive the second soldier whose body had been recovered in the meantime.
Joseph Whelan, Sandycove, Dun Laoghaire
Owing to a strong south easterly gale and heavy rain on the night of the 5th December, 1947, the M.V. ‘Isallt’ was driven onto a sandbank at Ballymoney, Co. Wexford. The vessel’s six occupants took to a boat a few minutes before the vessel foundered but the ship’s boat was swamped and capsized. The cabin boy Joseph Whelan, a non-swimmer, was washed ashore uninjured. Having lain there exhausted for some time, he heard a call for assistance from the only other survivor, who was clinging to some wave-swept rocks opposite the wreck. Owing to rib injuries, the man could not scale a rock face 10 feet high to reach high land behind. This was effected with Whelan’s assistance.
Patrick J. Walsh, Ballyfarnon, Co. Roscommon; Vincent Gilroy, Keadue, Roscommon; Thomas Kearns, Geevagh, Co. Sligo and Patrick Keaveney, Ballyfarnon, Co. Roscommon
In the afternoon of 21st January, 1946, a miner working in a coal mine at Cross Hill, Carrick-on-Shannon, was trapped by a fall of slate from the roof of a tunnel, which was less than 4 feet wide and 4 feet high. Messrs. Walsh, Gilroy, Kearns and Keaveney arrived shortly after and commenced to remove the rock by hand as the tunnel was too narrow to permit shovelling. A further heavy fall of rock occurred at this spot, however, injuring Mr. Kearns. Messrs. Walsh and Gilroy, however, resumed operations and soon the man’s head was uncovered. Another 1 ½ hours shovelling was necessary to release the man. Other men (including Mr. Keaveney) helped to remove the rock material which was shovelled out by Messrs. Walsh and Gilroy. It is estimated that 5 tons of rock had to be removed. The rescued man was detained in hospital for a month as a result of his injuries.
John Hawthorne, Mark Street, Dublin
In the evening of 28th November, 1948, at George’s Quay, Dublin, Mr. Hawthorne, while on his way to take up duty as a night watchman, was informed that a child had fallen into the Liffey. He rushed to the wall and saw the child floating on its back about 10 feet out. He jumped in, grasped the child and swam back towards the wall. Before he reached the wall, however, he got into difficulties and a young man entered the water with a lifebuoy and assisted him and the child to safety, with the help of some men at the quayside.
Philip Stapleton, Arbour Hill, Dublin and James Hackett, Viking Road, Dublin
At 9am on the 20th May, 1948, a fire occurred in the scullery of a house in Mount Temple Road, Arbour Hill, Dublin, and rapidly took hold. The housewife endeavoured unsuccessfully to extinguish the flames and then rushed out on the street, raising the alarm. She believed her 7-year-old grandson was trapped inside but he had in fact climbed out of the bedroom window. Mr. Stapleton was in his house, about 30 yards away, when he heard the alarm. He rushed to the scene and, learning that there was a child upstairs, went up the burning staircase, receiving burns on his face. Failing to find the child upstairs, he proceeded to come back by the stairs, but lost consciousness due to the smoke and fell down the stairs. There he was found by Mr. Hackett, who was passing by at the time. Mr. Hackett removed him from the foot of the stairs and then himself ascended the burning staircase in an attempt to find the child. He too suffered burns as a result.
Dr. John McDonnell, Rathmines, Co. Dublin
After dark on 24th January, 1949, a man fell into the Liffey from the parapet on O’Connell Bridge. He was observed to be swimming strongly but when Dr. McDonnell arrived he had weakened. Dr. McDonnell ran down Eden Quay and dived into the water. He swam towards an object that appeared to be the body of a man, but when he caught hold of it, it commenced to sink. Dr. McDonnell went under the water with it and came up with a coat in his hand. Having tried a second time and failed, owing to the darkness, to locate the body, he swam towards an iron ladder on the quay wall.
Malcolm P. Williams, Caister-on-Sea, near Great Yarmouth, England
On 29th March, 1949, a man fell into the Liffey from George’s Quay. A man who observed the occurrence ran on board the S.S. ‘Fixity’, moored 30 yards from where the man had fallen to raise the alarm. Seaman Williams (18 years) immediately took off his coat and dived in. He swam out to the drowning man and with great difficulty brought him back against the current towards the ship. He was assisted by another crew member who had jumped in the water. Both men grasped a line which was thrown from the ship, while the derrick was lowered to haul the unconscious man aboard. The rescuers climbed up a rope ladder.
Joseph Carey, Abbey Street, Dublin and Edward Duff, Crumlin, Dublin
On the morning of 16th April, 1949, a woman observed a small boy floating in the centre of the canal at Charlemont Bridge. In response to her screams for help Master Carey (15 years), came on the scene. He jumped into the canal just as the boy disappeared but got into difficulties and turned back. Meanwhile Mr. Duff, who was driving a motor van towards the bridge, had joined the onlookers. Seeing that Joseph Carey was in difficulties he jumped in, caught the boy as he disappeared under the water for the third time, and brought him to the bank. He also assisted Joseph Carey. The child was brought to hospital for treatment.
Nicholas Maddock, Mayor’s Walk, Waterford
In the evening of 30th April, 1949, a little boy, while endeavouring to retrieve a football, fell into a tidal waterway known as ‘The Pill’ at Waterford. Having got into difficulties he was carried by the current to midstream. Mr. Maddock, who was standing nearby with a companion, noticed the boy’s hands over water near the football and rushed to the scene. He jumped in. The boy had disappeared for the third time when he reached him, but Mr. Maddock dived underneath and raised him above the water. Not being a strong swimmer, and as the boy struggled violently, Mr. Maddock was quite exhausted when he arrived at the bank; both he and the boy had to be helped onto the bank by Mr. Maddock’s companion.
Joseph Coleman, Hill Street, Dublin
On the 5th May, 1949, a small boy fell into the canal under Summerhill Bridge. Master Coleman (14) and his employer were standing some 50 yards away and they rushed to the bridge. The boy was floating in the water, about six feet from the bank. Master Coleman’s employer, a non-swimmer, held the bricked edge of the canal with his hands and stretched his feet over the water in a fruitless endeavour to get the child to grip them. Master Coleman then jumped into the water and swam to the boy. He kept the child’s head above the water with one hand and swam back with him to the bank, where they were pulled out by his employer.
William Kelly, Summerhill, Dublin
At noon on 17th May, 1949, Mr. Kelly, while cycling along Malahide Road, heard shouts from a number of people gathered at a quarry hole that a child had fallen in. He ran to the spot, saw the child floating motionless on its back and immediately entered the stagnant water. Mr. Kelly, who cannot swim, and who was unaware of the depth, waded out chest deep through the weeds and mud, and towed the unconscious child to the bank. The child revived after medical treatment.
Dr. Francis Griffin, Sandymount, Dublin
While cycling along Wood Quay in the afternoon of 1st June, 1949, Dr. Griffin saw people on the opposite side of the Liffey pointing at the water. Dismounting, he saw a woman struggling in the water. He immediately jumped in, swam to the woman and brought her to a ladder at Essex Quay, some 50 or 60 yards away. He carried her up the ladder with the assistance of spectators.
George O’Connor, Bride Street, Dublin
At about 9pm on 12th May, 1949, two boys who were playing on the canal bank near Griffith Bridge, Crumlin, fell into the water. Master O’Connor (16 years), who was sitting on Griffith Bridge, saw that they could not swim and were in difficulties. He ran to the bank and jumped into the canal. He assisted one of the boys to the bank without difficulty but when he went out to the second boy, who had drifted out towards the centre, the boy struggled with him and they both went underwater. Master O’Connor managed to free himself and get the boy to the bank.
Emmett Griffin, Joe Guiheen and Martin Flannery, Dingle, Co. Kerry
On the night of 9th/10th May, 1949, the engine of a motor fishing boat, with three men on board, failed about ten miles off Puffin Island, in St. Finian’s Bay, Co. Kerry, and drifted rapidly towards the rocky shore. The men endeavoured for three hours to stem the drift using oars. There was heavy fog, but it cleared somewhat and the boat was visible to the crew of the ‘Naomh Moibhi’, a larger motor fishing boat which was manned by Messrs. Guiheen, Flannery and Griffin. The’Naomh Moibhi’ manoeuvred near to the disabled boat, which was by this time very close to the shore, threw a tow-line and towed the boat clear of the rocks, holding it in tow as far as Portmagee Pier.
Michael O’Malley, Achill, Co. Mayo
On 19th June, 1949, five youths including Michael O’Malley (aged 19 years), went swimming at the Boat Port, Keel, Achill. They swam to the opposite side of the inlet and while re-crossing the inlet they commenced to race each other. Four of them had reached the point from which they had originally started when they observed that the remaining youth, aged 19 years, was in serious difficulty about 40 yards away and about 12 yards from the beach. All of the youths were exhausted from the race and none of them would venture to his aid except Michael O’Malley, who is by no means a strong swimmer. He swam to the youth but by the time he reached him, he was so exhausted that he knew he could render no assistance. He called for a hand-barrow (used for carrying nets) and some people on the shore pushed it out to him. Mr. O’Malley used the barrow to support the youth and himself and tow the youth to shore.
Christopher Farrell, Naas, Co. Kildare
While walking with his wife and child on the bank of the canal near Tandy’s Bridge, Naas, on the 26th June, 1949, Mr. Farrell heard that a man and his 12-year-old son were in difficulties in the canal. It appears that the father took his son on his back to swim across the canal but halfway across the boy panicked and caught the father’s arms so tightly that he could not swim and soon became exhausted from his efforts. Mr. Farrell jumped into the canal, succeeded in separating the father and son and brought them to safety.
William Hynes, Tara Street, Dublin
While playing with his companions on the 6th June,1949, a young boy fell from a wooden plank crossing the canal chamber at Clanwilliam Place, Dublin. At that time the water was 16 feet deep and the sides which, being of plastered limestone, afforded no grip were 4 feet above water level. Mr. Hynes, who was sitting nearby, jumped in and swam a few strokes to the boy who was then under water. He struggled with the boy for some minutes before getting him under control. Mr. Hynes then lifted the boy on his back so it was possible for two men to haul him on to the bank. The child and his rescuer soon recovered.
James Conlon, James’ Walk, Dublin
While Mr. Conlon was walking near the Grand Canal on the 18th May, 1949, he heard the scream of a boy from the canal about 100 yards away and saw the boy’s head over the water. The boy had sunk for the third time before Mr. Conlon was able to reach the spot where he had last seen the boy sink. He managed to catch hold of him and bring him to the bank, where both were assisted by two men who had arrived in the meantime.
Edward Noonan, Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick
At 10pm on the 2nd July, 1949, a youth (aged 17 years), who was unable to swim, entered the water from a ladder at Ringmoylan Pier, Pallaskenry. Having endeavoured to swim a few strokes, he was carried swiftly by the current into the centre of the river. His two companions, being also non-swimmers, were unable to go to his assistance, but just before he disappeared Mr. Noonan arrived on the pier and saw that the youth was in danger. He dived in, swam to where the youth had disappeared and brought him to the surface. The youth struggled and almost dragged Mr. Noonan underwater, so he had to let go his hold. The youth sank once more so Mr. Noonan again dived and this time he managed to bring him to shallow water, where he received assistance. The rescued youth recovered after artificial respiration had been applied for twenty minutes.
John L. Flanagan, Drumcondra, Dublin
On the 26th June, 1949, a young man (18 years), having had a swim with three companions at Baily, Howth, commenced to climb a cliff nearby, which was 70 feet high. He had climbed about 30 feet when he found he could go no further. He decided to return, but when he put his foot on a ledge of rock, it gave way and he fell down the cliff, sustaining very severe injuries. The services of the Howth Lifeboat were requisitioned. Meanwhile, Mr. Flanagan, a private in the St. John Ambulance Brigade, was walking along the top of the cliff and learned about the accident. He succeeded with great difficulty and considerable personal risk in climbing down a cliff about 40 feet high. He rendered first aid and remained with the man until the lifeboat arrived. The crew of the lifeboat found it impossible, owing to large rocks and a rough sea, to reach the spot where the injured man was. They had to leave the boat and swim to the cliff base and then climb the cliff. Having placed the man on an improvised stretcher, they descended the treacherous cliff and waded and swam out some 200 yards to the lifeboat. The man recovered after prolonged hospital treatment.
Richard Murray, Devonshire Street West, Cork
On the 9th June, 1949, a small boy, while playing, fell from the slip at Coal Quay, Cork, into 16 feet of water and was carried out by the strong ebb current. On hearing the alarm, Mr. Murray rushed to the scene where he saw the child floating about 20 feet out. He jumped in, reached the child and succeeded in bringing him back to the slip, where he was assisted by two men. The child responded quickly to artificial respiration.
Thomas White and James Baxter, Belturbet, Co. Cavan
On the 12th July, 1949, a youth (16 years), who was unable to swim, got into difficulties about 15 yards from the bank of the River Erne at Straheglin, Belturbet, Co. Cavan. Thomas White (16 years), James Baxter (17 years) and another youth were swimming nearby when White noticed the youth’s predicament and swam to his aid. He caught hold of the youth by the hair and endeavoured to raise him to the surface but the youth grasped his shoulder and was dragging him under. White shouted for assistance and managed to release himself, while James Baxter came to assist. Exhausted by his efforts, White had to return to the bank. Baxter was caught by the leg and pulled under by the youth. The other youth also tried to help but after further attempts at rescue both he and James Baxter were forced owing to fatigue to return to the river bank. Other persons who were present dived around the spot where the youth had disappeared in an effort to locate him. His body was not recovered, however, until the following day.
Martin O’Flanagan, Clonakilty, Co. Cork
On the 23rd June, 1949, two men went for a swim in a channel which runs through Inchydoney Strand, near Clonakilty, to the sea. One of the men commenced to swim with the current in a seaward direction, while the other remained close to the point at which he entered the water. Mr. O’Flanagan was seated about 300 yards away at the time and he heard a cry coming from the channel. He saw that the first man was in difficulties and was in danger of being carried out to sea. He plunged into the water and reached the semi-conscious man after a struggle with the current. He took him down with the current for about 40 yards where, with the help of others who had gathered, he brought him to safety. Mr. O’Flanagan applied artificial respiration for 15 minutes, after which the man revived. At this point, Mr. O’Flanagan was informed that the man’s companion had also disappeared and he again entered the channel in a fruitless effort to locate him. The body was located later that evening.
Donal Gallagher, Clare Street, Limerick
On the 13th July, 1949, a young man (22 years) and three boys, all poor swimmers, entered the Shannon at Garraun, Ardnacrusha, Co. Clare, to swim towards a sandbar which was about halfway across. The young man developed cramps in both legs and called for assistance. Donal Gallagher (15 years) made strong efforts to assist him but as the young man was much heavier than he, he found he was being pulled down. He had to release the man and returned, with difficulty, to the sand-bank. Fortunately, a Garda was nearby who is proficient in lifesaving and he was able to bring the man to the shore and he revived him after 15 minutes of artificial respiration.
Henry Hanlon, Sarsfield Square, Athlone
On the evening of the 23rd July, 1949, a young boy got out of his depth in the Shannon between the Weir Wall and the Strand at Wolfe Tone Terrace, Athlone. He called for help before going under and his companion shouted to Henry Hanlon (16 years). O’Hanlon saw the boy’s head reappear above the water about 20 yards away from him and swam out to that spot. He brought the boy to the surface and succeeded in bringing the boy to a boat anchored nearby. The boy recovered quickly after treatment.
Patrick Shanahan, Doonbeg, Co. Clare
A 22-year-old girl, accompanied by her brother and cousin, went bathing at Doughmore Strnad, Doonbeg, on the afternoon of the 13th August, 1949. The party waded out shoulder high and commenced to swim ashore, the two boys being somewhat faster than the girl. There is a fast undercurrent along the reefs on this beach at ebb-tide, which caused the boys to be in difficulties immediately. They were both swept away and drowned. The girl also found herself in difficulties and disappeared once or twice under the water. Mr. Shanahan, working on a farm about 200 yards away, heard the alarm and ran to the spot. He waded out shoulder high to the girl, who was hysterical due to the disappearance of her brother and cousin. The journey back was hazardous and Mr. Shanahan slipped into a number of deep holes while bringing the girl to the beach.
Brendan Carroll, Killarney, Co. Kerry
On the 14th August, 1949, two boys, aged 14 and 15 years, entered the river Flesk at Killarney Racecourse from the western bank. One boy got into difficulties about 20 feet from the bank. His companion went to his aid, calling for help as he did so, but the boy gripped him and pulled him under. He managed to free himself however. Meanwhile, Master Carroll (13 years), who was sitting on the western bank, dived into the water swam out to the boy, caught hold of his head and raised it up. The boy pulled him under but Carroll raised him a second time. A violent struggle followed but Carroll was able to maintain his hold of the boy and endeavoured to push him towards the bank. The boy gripped him by the throat, however, and pulled him under the water for the third time. Carroll freed himself but the boy slipped from his grasp and disappeared. Master Carroll was by now exhausted and floated down to a shallow part of the river, about 40 yards downstream, and staggered out of the water in a dazed condition.
John Maguire, Cavan
On the 19th June, 1949, Master John Maguire (13 years) with a number of other boys, went for a swim at Swellan Lake, Cavan. They swam for a while and all of them returned to the bank except Master Maguire, who remained in shallow water, and another boy (12 years) who was swimming about 20 yards out. The latter got into difficulties and shouted for help so Maguire swam out to him. The buy pulled him down but Maguire retained his grip and brought him to the surface. He swam back with him to the shore. The boy lapsed into unconsciousness but recovered after artificial respiration had been applied for 15 minutes.
Mervyn Webb, Ashford Street, Dublin
On the 6th August, 1949, while Mr. Webb was driving a bus towards Chapel Street Bridge, he saw a crowd of people looking into the Liffey, where a man was in difficulties near the quay wall. Mr. Webb left the bus and observed that the man had lost his grip of a lifebuoy which had been thrown to him. Mr. Webb was lowered by the rope of another lifebuoy to the man, who was then sinking. He caught him by the collar of his coat and supported him for fifteen minutes, when the ambulance arrived.
Denis Gardiner, Balfe Street, Dublin
In the early hours of the 28th August, 1949, Mr. Gardiner was on duty with two other men in the gateman’s hut at Custom House Quay, when a man was heard shouting for help. The three men ran along the quay wall and located the man, who was then in a semi-conscious condition near the quay wall, in about twenty feet of water. Mr. Gardiner threw a lifebuoy but as the man made no attempt to catch it, he jumped into the water. He held on to the lifebuoy and supported the man until, with the assistance of the two other men and some Gardaí, both men were taken from the water. The rescued man revived after artificial respiration was applied.
Garda Patrick Glancy, Drumsna, Co. Leitrim
When Garda Glancy was walking along the road which leads from Drumsna to the Quay on the Shannon on the 26th July, 1949, he saw a number of frightened children running towards him. The Garda dashed to the Quay and the outline of a child who was completely submerged in water. He jumped into the water and waded out until the water had reached his chin. The Garda swam a few stroked, dived, caught the child’s dress, brought her to the surface and pushed her a few feet towards the quay. The child had again disappeared when he reached her and he had to dive a second time. He succeeded in bringing her to the quay wall. The child recovered consciousness after treatment.
