Birr native honored for 'exceptional' actions at National Garda Youth Awards

Birr native Freya Maher has received the Special Recognition Award at the National Garda Youth Awards in Portlaoise on Saturday, November 16.

Freya was out riding horses with friends when her horse-riding instructor was thrown to the ground by their mount.

The young woman did not hesitate to spring into action, quickly checking on her instructor. She noticed that the instructor had no pulse and immediately began CPR compressions while simultaneously ringing for an ambulance.

Despite the instructor’s bulky jacket and body protector, and the traffic on the road, Freya administered CPR effectively.

Freya continued to provide CPR until emergency services arrived on scene to take her instructor to hospital. Freya’s quick thinking undoubtedly saved the life of her instructor.

In spite of experiencing this traumatic event, Freya returned right back to school without so much as a word about the day’s events.

Her actions on that day can only be described as exceptional.