At the annual event in Farmleigh House, seven certificates, 11 bronze medals and four silver medals were awarded to recognise acts of bravery. David Akar, aged 15, became one of the youngest recipients of the gold medal for bravery.
Gold medal recipient David Akar
These honours for bravery are awarded annually by Comhairle na Míre Gaile, the Deeds of Bravery Council, founded in 1947 to enable State recognition of exceptional acts. The council is chaired by the Ceann Comhairle and includes the Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann, the lord mayors of Dublin and Cork, the Garda Commissioner, the President of the Association of City & County Councils and the Chairman of the Irish Red Cross.
Recipients of the National Bravery Awards
Speaking at the ceremony, the Ceann Comhairle stated:
This November day in Farmleigh is a day when we celebrate people who have made the world feel a little less dark, a little less dangerous and whose actions speak to the very best and noblest of impulses.This singular day marks moments where self-preservation was cast aside by our brave recipients as they risked their lives to help someone else.
Read a full list of the award recipients this year, including details of their acts of bravery and courage. View photos from the event on the Houses of the Oireachtas Flickr page. This year's ceremony was also the subject of special coverage by RTÉ's news magazine programme, Nationwide.