Ceann Comhairle presents National Bravery Awards for Outstanding Acts of Courage
Ceann Comhairle presents National Bravery Awards for outstanding acts of courage
Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó’ Fearghaíl TD, presented 15 awards in recognition of outstanding acts of bravery at a national ceremony in Farmleigh House today, Friday 20 October 2017.
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 Irish Local Government 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. 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.
Congratulating the recipients, Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó’ Fearghaíl, said: “The Bravery Awards are the only such awards made by the Irish State to its citizens and it is fitting that these courageous acts of bravery are acknowledged and celebrated. Today we celebrate the actions of very brave people from every corner of the country, who, through their heroic and courageous acts have helped other people. I am honoured to present Bravery Awards to this year’s recipients.
In particular, we remember the courage and bravery of Caitriona Lucas, a coast guard volunteer who tragically died during a search off the County Clare coast in September 2016. Catriona’s courage and selfless action on that day says everything about her – her strength of character and spirit and willingness to help others. It is also a reminder of how committed and brave members of our emergency services put their lives on the line on a daily basis to help and protect their communities. Caitriona’s family accepted a Gold Medal for Bravery in recognition of her courage, which is the highest award possible.”
“The great sacrifices and acts of bravery made by all of our recipients deserve to be celebrated and recognised and today we thank each of them for their heroism.
Their courage and selflessness are examples to us all. In going to the aid of others at great risk to their own safety, our award winners displayed courage, resolution and determination. They have done themselves, their families, their communities and their country proud and we thank them all.”
Among those receiving awards and certificates are:
Among those receiving awards are (details of the acts of bravery are below in Notes to the Editor):
Caitríona Lucas (R.I.P.) is awarded a Posthumous Gold Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
John McDonnell is awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Eoin Bolger is awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery
Thea Foster-Lee is awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Mark O’Hara is awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Sean Baitson, Philip Byrne, Kyle Corrigan and Cody Ridge Grennelle are each awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery
Garda Alan Hayes, Garda John Hennessy, Garda Mark Holden and Garda J.P. O’Sullivan are each awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
A number of recipients were also awarded certificates at today’s ceremony. They are:
Darren McMahon is awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Sergeant John Casey is awarded a Certificate of Bravery
