Donegal man awarded prestigious gold medal at national Bravery Awards
Kevin Barr honoured for his role in helping to rescue Geraldine Mullan
A Donegal man has been awarded a prestigious gold medal at tonight's national Bravery Awards.
Kevin Barr was honoured at the event in Dublin today for his role in rescuing Moville woman Geraldine Mullan from drowning in Lough Foyle two years ago. Sadly Mrs Mullan's husband John, son Tomas and daughter Amelia passed away in the freak accident.
On Thursday, August 20 2020, Storm Ellen brought very high winds and heavy rainfall across the country. At around 10pm, a car skidded off the road and fell into the water at Quigley’s Point. A member of Greencastle Coast Guard Unit, Kevin Barr, lived locally and was quickly on the scene.
Mrs Mullan was observed on the bottom of the car as the car had turned over and landed on the roof. The waves were washing over her and she was in danger of being washed off the vehicle.
Without any hesitation Mr Barr made his way with the assistance of the fire service down to the vehicle and held onto her until the other emergency services arrived and helped get her to safety. Tragically, her husband and two children had also been in the car and their bodies were later recovered.
Geraldine later thanked all those who had assisted on the night but paid particular tribute to Mr Barr for his intervention.