Offaly Garda honoured for role in river rescue

An Offaly native has been recognised for his role in helping to save a man from drowning.

Garda Lorcan Cowen was among 32 recipients of awards to receive recognition at Water Safety Ireland’s National Annual Awards Ceremony at The Hibernia Conference Centre, Dublin Castle on Thursday, October 3.

Cowen received a rescue appreciation award.

The Offaly man along with Garda colleagues Sonia Buggy, Joshua Lancaster, Stephen Murray and Senan Farrell attended the scene of an incident at Memorial Bridge, Dublin 1 on Sunday evening, August 11 last.

When Gardaí arrived at the scene they observed a male in difficulty in the River Liffey. He was being quickly carried downstream by a strong current.

Gardai Stephen Murray and Garda Joshua Lancaster grabbed a ringbuoy each. Garda Lorcan Cowen also grabbed a third ringbuoy. They attempted to intercept the male as he was being brought down the river by the current. Garda Sonia Buggy went down a ladder and entered the water. At this point the male had submerged under the water numerous times and was exhausted from trying to stay afloat. Thankfully the man grabbed hold of a ringbuoy and Garda Buggy entered the river with another ringbuoy. She successfully brought the male over to the ladder and held onto him. He lost consciousness, so Garda Buggy put the man on his back and opened his airway. After a time, he regained consciousness, and the Gardaí were able to encourage him to climb up the ladder with assistance. He was taken to hospital and made a full recovery.

Garda Buggy was awarded a Seiko Just in Time Award, while her colleagues, including Garda Cowen, received a Rescue Appreciation Award.

Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Anne Rabbitte acknowledged 32 recipients of the ‘Seiko Just in Time Award’ and rescue appreciation awards for saving nineteen lives at risk of drowning.

“It is an honour to pay tribute to the courageous and deserving award recipients being recognised at Water Safety Ireland's National Awards Ceremony. I want to commend the valiant efforts of these individuals who saved others from drowning and to also pay tribute to the ongoing work of Water Safety Ireland volunteers who teach swimming and water rescue skills."

“I know that among the other recipients to receive awards, are 136 volunteers who will be presented with Long-Service Volunteer Awards, recognising a combined total of 2,535 years of personal voluntary service teaching swimming, water rescue and survival skills in communities nationwide. That is a remarkable achievement and I want to commend every volunteer who devotes their spare time to making our waters safer.”

Water Safety Ireland CEO Joanne Walsh stated: “We all know that safety is a small investment required for the delivery of a rich future and in order to make this happen we need everyone to be water safety aware and water safety conscious. Drownings can happen quickly and silently but with the right knowledge, skills and attitudes everyone can avoid the hazards and take responsibility for their own safety. Start a water safety conversation with your family, friends and colleagues and encourage them to read Water Safety Ireland’s guidelines at www.watersafety.ie so they can enjoy Ireland’s waterways safely.”