Five people across the South-East have been rewarded for their bravery this week.
The National Bravery Awards were given to individuals who risked their own lives to aid others in peril, and were presented by Seán Ó Fearghail.
Three Waterford lifesavers were awarded certificates of bravery, and Winchman Sarah Courtney a Silver Medal for an incident involving Rescue 117 off the coast of Bantry Bay earlier this year.
On 27 March, a fishing vessel under tow by the Irish Naval Service vessel LE George Bernard Shaw lost power and was in grave danger of sinking. In fading light and worsening conditions Rescue 117 successfully evacuated the crew of seven from the vessel in force 9 gales and 10-12 meters seas.
The awards service says that "without doubt the lives of the 7 crew on board the fishing vessel were saved due to the collective bravery and physical efforts of the Waterford-based crew". In particular Ms Courtney's "individual bravery and physical effort in such arduous conditions showed her to be an individual of immense capability and significant courage."
Garda Caroline O'Brien was awarded a Bronze Medal for her act of courage in saving a young man from drowning in the River Nore in July 2019.
On patrol with Garda Aoife Doyle and Garda James McGuill, O’Brien entered the water, swam to the man and brought him to the surface.
Garda James McGuill threw a lifebuoy to Garda O’Brien and both then pulled the man 50 metres to the nearest ladder point on the river wall, before he was taken from the water by the garda.
Susan Hackett was just 16 when her act of courage took place in 1995, and 26-years later she received a Silver Medal for her act.
The then-teenager noticed two young people getting into difficulty on the River Suir, near Newcastle in County Tipperary.
The strong curling current was making it difficult for them to stay afloat, as it pushed them into deep water in the river.
As the two struggled and shouted for help, the 16-year-old jumped from a nearby bridge into the river and swam to their aid.
Susan managed to pull them apart and was able to ensure that one was able to swim on their back, before pulling the other to the riverbank.
“Today we rightly acknowledge the brave acts of heroism that our honoured guests have performed" Ceann Comhairle O'Fearghaile said. "But it also a day for remembering and acknowledging the very many acts of bravery carried out day in and day out throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
"However small or big those acts were and continue to be, collectively they contribute to keeping us all safe during an unprecedented time in our lives."
