Ceann Comhairle presents National Bravery Awards for 21 outstanding feats of courage

24 Oct 2014, 13:37

Ceann Comhairle Seán Barrett, TD, presented 21 awards in recognition of outstanding acts of bravery at a national ceremony in Farmleigh House today, Friday 24 October.

24 October 2014

Ceann Comhairle Seán Barrett, TD, presented 21 awards in recognition of outstanding acts of bravery at a national ceremony in Farmleigh House today, Friday 24 October.

The honours are awarded by Comhairle na Mire Gaile – the Deeds of Bravery Council – which was established in 1947 to provide for suitable recognition by the State of deeds of bravery. The Council, which is chaired by the Ceann Comhairle, includes the Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, the Lord Mayor of Cork, the Garda Commissioner, the President of the Association of City & County Councils and the Chairman of the Irish Red Cross.

The Council may award medals in either Gold, Silver or Bronze categories. Certificates of recognition may also be awarded. At the ceremony this afternoon, two of the medals were Silver and thirteen were Bronze. Twenty-one certificates were also awarded. The Council hopes that this high profile ceremony will draw deserved attention to the brave actions of the recipients and heighten awareness of this national awards scheme generally.

Among those receiving awards are (details of the acts of bravery are below in Notes to the Editor):

Padraig O’Neill is awarded a Silver Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Brian O’Sullivan is awarded a Silver Medal and Certificate of Bravery (view his video)
Derek Allen is awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery
Jason McClay is awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery (Award accepted by his parents)
Garda Richard Pender is awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Richard Galvin is awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Garda Mark Irwin is awarded TWO Bronze Medals and TWO Certificates of Bravery (for separate acts of bravery, view his video)
Reserve Garda Stephen Corrigan is awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Garda John Boyle is awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Winnifred Roubians is awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Mark O’Mahony is awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Garda Alan Gallagher is awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Jason O’Farrell is awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery (view his video)
Garda Donal Callaghan is awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.

A number of recipients were also awarded certificates at today’s ceremony. They are:

Katie O’Neill
Garda Paul Oliphant
Stephen Deery
Denis O’Leary
Vincent McConnell
George Williams (who was unable to attend ceremony but will receive his award at a later date)

Congratulating all concerned, Ceann Comhairle Seán Barrett, TD, said:

“Today we celebrate the actions of 20 very brave people from every corner of the country, who, through their selfless acts of courage have helped other people. In going to the aid of others at great risk to their own safety, our award winners have brought great pride to themselves and their families and great happiness to the people and the families of those they have helped.”

“The Bravery Awards are the only such awards made by the Irish State to its citizens. It is fitting that these courageous acts of bravery are acknowledged and celebrated, as we have done in the stunning surroundings of Farmleigh House today. One cannot fail to be impressed by the strength of spirit shown by the recipients of these awards. It is that strength of spirit that makes our communities better places in which to live, that selfless sacrifice and endeavour that lifts us all and benefits us all. Our recipients have done themselves, their families, their communities and their country proud and we thank them all.\"
NOTE: Photographs from this event are available from Lensmen Photography: (01) 819 7738 or info@lensmen.ie

For more detail on the Bravery Awards, access National Bravery Awards website.

Ends

Media enquiries to:

Paul Hand,
Communications Unit,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2

P: +3531 618 4484
M: +353 87 694 9926
paul.hand@oireachtas.ie

Notes to the editor:

CITATIONS

AWARD No. 1 – Rescue from a burning car in Kerry

In October 2012 in Kerry, the van of Padraig O’Neill and his family collided with a tourists’ car, which caught fire on impact. Having secured the safety of his family and contacted the emergency services, he rescued the passenger in the tourists’ car. On returning to the driver’s side, he realised that the driver was trapped in the burning car. As he was attempting to rescue the driver he realised that the man’s leg was trapped underneath the driving pedal. With both vehicles now on fire, he reached in to push the pedal at full strength to aid the driver to release his leg. Were it not for the bravery of Mr O’Neill, the driver may have suffered serious injury or lost his life.
For his efforts

Padraig O’Neill is awarded a Silver Medal and Certificate of Bravery.

AWARD No. 2 – Rescue at Wicklow Pier

On the evening of 21st July, 2013, Brian O’Sullivan (who was 15 at the time) was at the Wicklow pier with some friends when he saw a man, who was with two children, struggling in the water. Mr. O’Sullivan jumped into the water, swam over to the man who was at that stage floating facedown and proceeded to hold the man’s head above the water. Katie O’Neill, the lifeguard on duty at the time, also entered the water and started to swim towards Mr. O’Sullivan’s position. Ms. O’Neill took over the rescue from Mr. O’Sullivan. She brought the man who had been in difficulty onto one of the kayaks in the water at the time and attempted to resuscitate him. The kayak was brought to 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 he unfortunately lost his fight for life the following day. Brian O’Sullivan acted on instinct. Despite the fact that there were over 200 people present on the day 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

For their efforts
Brian O’Sullivan is awarded a Silver Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Katie O’Neill is awarded a Certificate of Bravery

AWARD No. 3 – Sea Rescue at Bettystown beach

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 difficulty 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

AWARD No. 4 – Rescue from a river embankment in Donegal

On the night of 2nd/3rd June, 2012, a car crashed through a barbed wire fence and then travelled down a 40 foot embankment, coming to rest in the Crana River near Buncrana, Co. Donegal. Jason McClay (who was 19 at the time) who was walking nearby came to investigate the noise. Mr. McClay ran over to the embankment and scaled down to the vehicle in the river. In complete darkness and disregarding his own personal safety he assisted in bringing the four occupants individually to the bank of the river safely. 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 unable to attend his award will be accepted on his behalf by his parents.

AWARD No. 5 – Rescue from a Dublin Canal

On the evening of 22nd July, 2009, Garda Richard Pender, along with five other Gardaí, was responding to a call in relation to a public order incident in Inchicore, Dublin 8. Garda Pender along with his colleagues spoke to several members of the crowd in an attempt to calm a hostile 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 jumped into the water, 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. 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. 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.

AWARD No. 6 – Rescue off Co. Cork beach

On the 24th August, 2012, Richard Galvin was on a beach in Crookhaven Co. Cork 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. Mr. Galvin then pulled the swimmer 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.

AWARD No. 7 – Rescue from a car submerged in a Mayo lake

On the night of 28 October 2012, Garda Mark Irwin and Reserve Garda Stephen Corrigan were in pursuit of a car being driven erratically in Westport. In the face of increasingly dangerous driving, 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. On arriving at the accident scene, Garda Irwin and Reserve Garda Corrigan entered 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 Gardaí 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, about 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.

AWARD No. 8 – Rescue at Westport Quay

Around 4 am on 18th November 2012, Garda John Boyle and Garda Mark Irwin, while patrolling the Westport Quay area, observed a car hanging at the edge of a pier. As they approached they noticed a male in distress and when they went to the edge of the pier, the two Gardaí 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. Both Gardaí 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 Gardaí involved displayed considerable courage in the actions they took. Without the swift actions of both Gardaí 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.

AWARD No. 9 – Rescue from a Co Westmeath river

On 29th June, 2012, Winnifred Roubians' children were playing with friends outside her house in Moyvore, Co Westmeath, when one of the visiting children slipped and fell into a nearby swollen river. The boy, who is unable to swim, was swept away and was soon out of sight. Ms. Roubians’ son went to the house to raise the alarm. Ms Roubian without hesitation 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. 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 waiting Garda car.
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 the swift actions, the young boy concerned may well have perished.

For her efforts
Winnifred Roubians is awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.

AWARD No. 10 – Rescue from Audley Cove, Co Cork

On 29th May, 2013, three men had to swim to Horse Island near Ballydehob, Co. Cork after their small vessel sank. They tried to swim the 1.5 km to shore began to get into difficulties as a result of swirling currents. Mark O’Mahony was swimming near the shore and heard the three men’s cries for help. After telling his wife to raise the alarm, he got into his kayak and reached one of the swimmers, in spite of a broken paddle, strong tides and gusting winds. 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

AWARD No. 11 – Rescue from a Housefire in Donegal

On 23rd October, 2012 at approx. 4.30 pm, Gardai from Donegal Town responded to a call of a house fire. On arrival at the scene, flames had started to break through the upper end of the house, with smoke was emerging from under the roof. The Gardaí were told of the possibility of there being a woman still in the house. It eventually became apparent that there was someone in the lower bedroom to the left of the front door. Garda Alan Gallagher entered the house via a window and, having to cope with a considerable amount of smoke, carried out the sole occupant.
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 displayed considerable courage in the actions he took. Without the swift actions of Garda Gallagher the woman concerned may well have perished.

For his efforts
Garda Alan Gallagher is awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.

AWARD No. 12 – Rescue at Sir John Rogersons Quay

On 27th March, 2012 at 11:25am, taxi drivers Jason O’Farrell and Vincent McConnell were waiting at 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. 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 where with the assistance of fellow taxi driver George Williams. 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 and Mr. William’s names were not initially put forward for an award they also played a significant part 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, but is unable to attend. He will receive his award later.

AWARD No. 13 - Rescue from a Monaghan lake

On New Year’s Eve 2013, Monaghan Garda Station received an emergency call reporting that a woman was drowning in Peter’s Lake just off Monaghan town centre. Garda Donal Callaghan immediately ran to the scene, while staying in contact with the caller for guidance on the area of the lake where the woman was last seen. 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 Oliphant 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 Oliphant 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.

AWARD No. 14– Rescue of a toddler from a busy Carlow road

In October 2013, a small toddler climbed out of the window of his home without his mother’s knowledge and made his way to a main road in Carlow town. As one car missed the little boy, Stephen Deery (who was aged 21 at the time and working in a nearby service station) 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.

AWARD No. 15 – Rescue from a burning car in Co Kerry

One early morning in July 2011, Denis O’Leary was driving through Farranfore Co.Kerry when he saw a car in a grass margin with steam rising from the front. On investigating, Mr. O’Leary 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 moved himself to the front passenger side of the car where Mr. O’Leary opened the door and helped him out of the car. With the help of an unknown delivery man, Mr. O’Leary brought 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 but 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.

For his efforts
Denis O’Leary is awarded a Certificate of Bravery.