Mayo man to receive National Bravery Award

A MAYO man is to receive a National Bravery Award at a ceremony in Farmleigh House, Phoenix Park, Dublin, on Friday.

Gary Kennedy, Westport, will be honoured for rescuing a friend from Clew Bay in 1976.

The honours are awarded by Comhairle na Míre Gaile – the Deeds of Bravery Council – which was established in 1947 to provide for suitable recognition by the State of deeds of bravery.

The council, which is chaired by the Ceann Comhairle, Deputy Séan Ó Fearghail, includes the cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, the Lord Mayor of Cork, the Garda Commissioner, the president of the Association of City & County Councils and the chairman of the Irish Red Cross.

The council awards Certificates of Bravery and may award medals in either Gold, Silver or Bronze.

This year, 12 acts of bravery will be recognised with awards to 19 recipients and one posthumous honour.

The recipients are:

• Mr Adrian Brennan – Kilkenny.

• Retired Garda Desmond Brennan – Dublin.

• Garda Pauric Deery – Sligo.

• Mr Basil Harte – Sligo.

• Mr James Hennessy – Cork.

• Ms Olive Murphy – Cork.

• Mr Aonghus O’Briain – Dublin.

• Mr Michael Hempenstall – Dublin.

• Garda Donal Tully – Dublin.

• Garda David Currivan – Dublin.

• Garda Cathal McGeoghan – Dublin.

• Mr James Gallagher Senior – Donegal.

• Mr Mickey ‘Red Michael’ Gallagher – Donegal.

• Mr Michael Gallagher Senior (RIP) – Donegal.

• Garda Seán Breheny – Dublin.

• Mr Gary Kennedy – Mayo.

• Garda Darren Blackwell – Dublin.

• Sergeant Gavin Coleman – Dublin.

• Garda M.J. Carroll – Dublin.

• Garda Jason Walsh – Dublin.