The Ceann Comhairle, Seán Ó Fearghaíl TD, today presented 23 National Bravery Awards to individuals from across Ireland who risked their own lives to aid others.
The annual honours are awarded by Comhairle na Míre Gaile – the Deeds of Bravery Council – which was founded 77 years ago in 1947 to enable State recognition of exceptional Acts of Bravery.
The Waterford recipients were presented with their awards this afternoon.
In July 2023, a strong swell had swept a swimmer out to sea near Stage Cove in Co. Waterford. Local fisherman Daniel Dwan was on the shore when he saw the man struggling in the water. Knowing the danger in the cove he grabbed a kayak from a neighbouring garden and began to paddle out into the sea. In the course of the rescue, Daniel suffered a gash to his head and both he and the man were later treated by paramedics at Waterford Airport, but both made a full recovery.
Daniel Dwan is awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
Daniel Dwan who received a Bronze Medal and Certificate for his actions at the National Bravery Awards 2024: Pic Maxwell’s
On 7 June 2023, Thomas Shaw Hamilton was near the shore at Clonea Strand with his mother, Natatlie, and sister Anna, when he saw in the distance two boys in trouble in the water. The boys were caught in a strong rip current and were being pulled further out to sea. Thomas entered the water and swam out to the boys who were a good distance from the shore.
The two boys were then brought to University Hospital Waterford. After receiving medical treatment as a precaution, they were discharged shortly afterward.
For his actions, Thomas Shaw Hamilton is awarded a Silver Medal and a Certificate of Bravery.
Thomas Shaw Hamilton who was awarded a Silver Medal and a Certificate of Bravery at the National Bravery Awards 2024: Pic Maxwelll’s
On the evening of 19 February 2001, a man entered the public office of Waterford Garda station brandishing a knife. The man was aggressive and self-harming and Gardaí were concerned for his safety and the safety of any members of the public who might enter the office. Garda Noel Power and Sergeant Cyril Meehan tackled the man, who made several attempts to stab them.
For their actions, Garda Noel Power (RIP) and Sergeant Cyril Meehan are each awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Pic shows Sergeant Cyril Meehan retired from Waterford with Mona Power who received the Certificate on behalf of her Late Husband Garda Noel Power for their actions at the National Bravery Awards 2024: Pic Maxwell’s
In the early hours of 7 June 2002, Gardaí responded to reports of a distressed man on the Quay in Waterford. The man had doused himself in petrol and was threatening to set himself on fire. After attempts to calm the man had been unsuccessful, the man tried to strike his cigarette lighter and the Garda members decided they had to intervene
For their actions, Garda Seamus Ronan, Garda Liam Fitzpatrick (Waterford), Garda Conor Lucey, and Sergeant Cyril Meehan are each awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
Pic shows Garda Seamus Ronan, Sergeant Cyril Meehan , retired Garda Liam Fitzpatrick and Garda Seamus Ronan who were each awarded a Certificate of Bravery for their actions at the National Bravery Awards 2024: Pic Maxwell’s
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