National recognition for Donegal life-savers at water safety awards

A Donegal County Councillor has expressed delight after a group of men who saved his life were among those from the county honoured at Water Safety Ireland's Courageous Rescuer National Awards Ceremony.

At Tramore Beach in August, Glenties-based Brian Carr, his wife Marie and his family were enjoying a day out by the sea. Their children, Ben, 9, and niece Amelia, 10, had gone for a swim when a strong current suddenly swept them out. 

Cllr Carr entered the water in an attempt to reach them, but the further he went, the stronger the current became, pulling him out to deeper water. Eventually, he found himself out of his depth and struggling against the powerful waves. Meanwhile, both children were crying out for help.

Locals Maitiu Clerkin, Joe Herron, Turlagh McDaid and Dualta Bracken noticed the unfolding emergency and quickly responded. Using two surfboards, they paddled out towards the trio in distress.  Thanks to their swift and courageous actions, all four rescuers successfully brought the father and two children safely back to shore. All three casualties made a full recovery.

“It was an absolute honour to nominate these extraordinary young men for their award and to stand beside them as their courage was recognised on a national stage,” Cllr Carr posted following the ceremony at O’Reilly Hall, UCD, Dublin.

“The room was filled with emotion, pride, and joy, a great tribute to the quick thinking, bravery, and teamwork that saved our lives in a moment of real danger. The lads are a real credit to their families, their schools, and their parish. 

“On the journey home, Marie and I joked that if we could have picked any lads to come to our rescue, we couldn’t have chosen nicer lads.  Last weekend, I met up with Maitiú and Dualta in Ardara and a local businessman came over to us and said how delighted and proud the entire community of Ardara was of the lads and their achievement, and rightly so, he called them local heroes.”

Also at the awards, Kevin McCloskey, Water Safety Development Officer in Donegal, received a gold bar for 40 years of service, in recognition of a voluntary commitment to promoting a public awareness of water safety and rescue based on the humanitarian goal of saving lives. 

The recipients received the SEIKO Just In Time and Rescue Appreciation Award, along with other winners from the county.  

In September last year, Father and son, Sean and Ciaran Mulroe, were out kayaking at Marble Hill when they spotted a man in distress, clinging to a rock in the water.  They immediately paddled over to assist. After reassuring the man, they persuaded him to hold onto Ciaran’s kayak. Ciaran then safely towed him back to shore. The man was subsequently taken to the hospital, where he made a full recovery. 

At Port na Blagh in August, Pete Mason was at the pier with his family when he observed a teenage boy in visible distress in the water. Recognising the urgency of the situation, Pete immediately entered the water and successfully managed to reach the boy, who was struggling to stay afloat. 

Placing his arm securely underneath the youth to provide support, Pete managed to tow him through the water back to the pier. Thanks to his swift and decisive actions, the boy was brought safely to shore. 

In November of 2024, in Annagry, Igor Burkun was waiting in a car park for his son’s school bus when he noticed a toddler walking around a van at the edge of a garden. He then saw the child heading towards a fence near a body of water. After losing sight of the boy for a few moments, Igor went to investigate and discovered the child face down, floating in the water. 

The water was murky and calm, with reeds growing along the edge. Without hesitation, Igor entered the water. Although he struggled initially, he managed to pull the boy out and bring him to safety. 

The boy was unresponsive and blue in colour, prompting Igor to perform an infant resuscitation technique like the Heimlich manoeuvre - a procedure he had recently seen demonstrated on social media. The boy regained consciousness. 

At this point, Igor was on the roadside when Sinéad Boyle stopped to assist. Thankfully, she was medically trained and took over care. Emergency services were contacted, and upon arrival, paramedics took over treatment. The boy subsequently made a full recovery. 

Nationwide, 53 lives were saved from drowning thanks to the swift and selfless actions of rescuers who will be recognised at Water Safety Ireland’s National Annual Awards Ceremony

Mr Jerry Buttimer TD, Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, presented the Seiko Just in Time Awards, Rescue Appreciation Awards and Bravery Awards to 73 individuals whose bravery prevented water tragedies across Ireland and abroad.

“It is a privilege to honour these extraordinary individuals who acted selflessly and courageously in moments of crisis,” said Minister Buttimer. “Their actions are a powerful reminder of the importance of water safety awareness, and of the life-saving impact of the work carried out by Water Safety Ireland and its dedicated volunteers across the country.”