This article is from page 18 of the 2008-11-18 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 18 JPG
AN IRISH rugby player and two En- nis-based gardai are being celebrated as heroes today for their bravery in saving people from drowning.
Mr. Michael Kitt, Minister of State at the Department of the Environ- ment, Heritage and Local Govern- ment, will present the “SEIKO Just In Time” Rescue Awards and various Recognition Awards to members of Irish Water Safety and the Public at Dublin Castle.
Rescuers from fourteen dramatic near-death incidents will receive rec- ognition at Irish Water Safety’s Na- tional Awards Ceremony for saving eighteen lives.
On April 4 2008, Garda Niall Doo- dy and Garda Edel Convey were on patrol when they observed a woman in difficulty in the fast flowing and cold waters of the River Fergus.
Garda Doody dashed into the wa- ter to grab her while Garda Convey got a ringbuoy and threw it to her colleague who used it to keep the woman afloat.
The plucky garda stayed in the freezing water with the woman un- til emergency services arrived at the Neo Noe
Both Niall and the woman were transferred to Ennis General Hospi- tal where they were treated for hypo- Weounene-R
Modestly, Niall says he relied on his training at Templemore to deal with the situation. “I can swim and they teach you in training about go- ing into water fully dressed.”
Meanwhile, Rugby hero, Paul O’Connell will have an award con- ferred on his in his absence, as will Garda Convey, who is on leave.
On July 25, Paul was catching some waves surfing at Lahinch when he noticed a fellow surfer in difficulty and immediately went to the 22- year-old’s rescue, battling waves and surf to bring her to safety.
“Tragically 156 drownings oc- curred in Ireland last year’, a spokes- man for the Department said. “This figure would be even higher but for the efforts of individuals who saved others from drowning in 2007.
The Service Awards also being presented recognise 1,545 years of personal service of eighty-four Irish Water Safety volunteers in the teach- ing of swimming, lifesaving, rescue skills and the promotion of water safety awareness.
Included will be the inaugural pres- entation of Irish Water Safety’s Vol- unteer of the Year Award. Six Inter- national Awards are being presented to persons from Inshore Rescue Organisations nationwide and three individuals will also be made “Life Governors” of Irish Water Safety for their efforts to reduce drownings.