Brave gardai in river rescue
GARDAI have been praised after jumping into a river in the middle of the night to save a man’s life.
Officers Roisin O’donnell and Keenan Mcgavisk told how they braved fast-flowing waters during the rescue in Co Louth.
The pair, who are based at Ardee Garda station, were alerted at 1.30am on Monday after a man was seen in the River Dee close to the N33, a main link road to the M1.
Gda O’donnell said: “We got to the scene and Keenan put his torch up and we saw a body rolling downstream. That is when we kicked into action and me and
Keenan took off running and got to the water’s edge.
“It was really dark and cold. We got across the river and got a hold of him and dragged him on to the bank on the other side.”
Gda Mcgavisk added the pair assessed the situation before deciding to rescue the man.
He said: “We thought quickly that we had an opportunity to get to him and decided to go together and get to him as quickly and safely as possible.
“We grabbed an arm each under the armpit and gently helped him to the river bed.” The officers checked the man’s condition and ensured he was conscious by talking to him.
They also gave him dry Garda fleece jackets to keep him warm before paramedics arrived.
At the same time, Garda Conor Tuite had gone to get a lifebuoy beside the riverside walk.
Supt Shay O’leary said he is recommending the gardai for a bravery award.
He added: “The actions the members took ultimately saved this gentleman’s life and I cannot speak highly enough of the members
concerned.”