Retired Killybegs fisherman honoured with National Bravery Award

A retired Killybegs fisherman was honoured with a National Bravery Award for his role in saving a fisherman’s life in an incident at sea that dated back to October 1988.

Pat Condon, who is now 80, was honoured with a Silver Medal and a Certificate of Bravery in Leinster House, Dublin for his role in the Mayo sea nearly 40 years ago.

A second Donegal resident, Kealan Dolan of Ballyare, was awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery for the rescue of a man from a burning house in Manorcunningham in June 2024. 

Ceann Comhairle, Verona Murphy TD, presented the National Bravery Awards, with retired RTÉ presenter Joe Duffy, the MC for the occasion. 

Speaking to Donegal Live before collecting his award, Pat explained: “It is a nice thing to get, but there are a couple of other boys who could be mentioned who have as big a part as I had.”

Despite not being able to swim, Pat showed no fear when his colleague, Flor Nolan, fell into the sea. He also thanked his colleagues William Johnson and Bernard Kane for their part in saving both Flor and himself at the incident. 

“We were fishing by Mayo, and one of the crewmen was washed over the side. It was a bad night. It was 12 o’clock at night, and with the nets out, we had to get him right away. So I caught a rope and jumped after him, and I threw the other end of the rope to another crewman. 

“I caught the man and pulled him into the boat, but by the time we had got him into the boat, my grip was gone, and I could no longer hold the rope. I was holding on to the trawler door. Every time the boat rolled, I went under and tried to get my feet up. Luckily enough, the boys caught my feet, and I came in by the legs. 

“The only thing is that I don’t think the others got enough credit. If only for them, I was definitely gone and maybe the two of us.”

When asked how news of the incident was publicised in those years, Pat said: “There was very little reporting on it. There was a small bit in the Irish Skipper, and some notes in the Killybegs GAA notes. 

“It was not really life-changing, as we still had to carry on, and we are still carrying on.”

READ NEXT: Donegal Historical Society formally opens new public display

Brave Kealan Dolan was awarded his medal and certificate for his actions in June 2024, entering a burning house twice to save an elderly man’s life in Corkey, Manorcunningham.

Kealan was driving back from his grandfather’s house when he noticed smoke coming from a neighbouring house. Kealan jumped out of his jeep and tried to enter the house, but was beaten back by smoke and flames. He tried again and this time got further into the house, calling the homeowner’s name as he tried to find him. 

Eventually, Kealan found the man, sitting in a chair surrounded by smoke and appearing to be incapacitated. Despite the thick black smoke and the best efforts of Kealan to persuade him, the man refused to leave the house. 

With the heat and smoke worsening and finding himself becoming overcome by the smoke, Kealan made the decision to drag the man from the chair. He then pulled him physically out of the house to safety. As they were leaving the house, a flashover took hold and blew out the windows, leaving the house almost completely gutted. 

Gardaí who attended noted that it was thanks to the quick actions of Kealan Dolan, on the day in question, that no fatalities occurred. The occupant of the house was brought by ambulance to the hospital to be treated for minor injuries and smoke inhalation. 

Congratulating award winners at the ceremony, the Ceann Comhairle said: “We don’t all find ourselves standing with someone in the water, or holding onto them on a cliff edge, as some of our recipients have done. But every day we each have a chance to make a difference, by listening, supporting, or just being there for someone when they need us. 

“It is also a significant day for all those who will see, or hear, or read about these brave deeds and feel better to know there are still good things being done by good people. To all of our award recipients, on behalf of the people of Ireland, let me thank you again for your actions, for your selflessness and for your courage. 

“What you have done has made the world feel a little less dark, a little less dangerous and gives hope to us all for the road ahead.”