callum, 16, praised for jumping into river to help boy
A BRAVE teenager has been praised for risking his life to save a young boy who got into trouble in strong currents in the River Boyne.
Two children, aged around 11, were taken to hospital for check-ups after the dramatic rescue in Navan, Co Meath, on Wednesday evening.
Callum Keane, 16, was walking along the river with his girlfriend Grace Clarke when he sprang into action after hearing a young boy screaming for help.
He said: “I saw him in the centre of the river and crying. His friend had got stuck in the reeds apparently trying to help him. I just didn’t think and jumped into the river and swam towards him.
“The current was so strong, I don’t know how he wasn’t washed away as I was struggling against it.
“I got to him and dragged him towards the bank. It was all reeds so he had to show me the clearing where he got in.
“Another of his friends trying to get to him was stuck in the reeds but managed to get out.
“To be honest, I just acted out of instinct and I knew I had to help. That’s all that mattered.
“Christopher Rennicks from the Meath River Rescue was there to make sure I was OK and take me home.
“My girlfriend and parents are really proud but I just did whatever anyone else who could swim would do.
“Afterwards, other kids in the estate were coming up thanking me so I was happy I could do something that helped.”
Mr Rennicks said: “I brought Callum home to his parents but he was playing his part down no end.
“That part of the river has a seriously dangerous current which could have proved to be fatal.
“Callum doesn’t realise it but he is a hero for leaping into that current to help a young boy.”
Callum’s parents Francis and Claudine said they were were “extremely proud” of their son.