Westport garda feted for acts of bravery

WESTPORT Garda Mark Irwin has been awarded an unprecedented two bronze medals for separate acts of courage at the prestigious National Bravery Awards ceremony in Farmleigh House.

The first incident, on October 28, 2012, related to a rescue from a car that had veered off the road into Knappaghbeg Lake.

On arriving at the scene, Garda Irwin, accompanied by Reserve Garda Stephen Corrigan, entered the lake as the car was on its roof and was submerged in the water.  Although the driver was trapped in the vehicle the two gardaí managed to lift his head from under the water to an air pocket and keep him conscious until the fire brigade and ambulance arrived.

Without their quick thinking and bravery it is possible the driver could have perished.

Three weeks later, on November 18, Garda Irwin was patrolling the Westport Quay area with Garda John Boyle, where they observed a car hanging at the edge of a pier. The driver had attempted to exit the car once it had crashed but had fallen 15 feet into the sea.  

They decided to make their way down to him via a fixed ladder and entered the sea, before dragging the man from the water. He was brought to Mayo General Hospital where he made a full recovery.

For these acts of outstanding courage, Garda Mark Irwin was awarded two bronze medals and certificate of bravery, while Reserve Garda Corrigan and Garda Boyle were each awarded a bronze medal and certificate of bravery.

Ceann Comhairle Seán Barrett and Seanad Cathaoirleach Senator Paddy Burke presented the awards.