Galway gardaí rewarded for bravery

Two Gardaí from Galway were today presented with national bravery awards at a ceremony in Farmleigh House.

Garda Kevin Mooney, who is originally from Galway City, and Garda Eileen Murphy from Kinvara, both of whom are now based in Mullingar were awarded with Certificates of Bravery for rescuing a man from the canal in Mullingar.

On Friday 2 April 2010, Garda Murphy and Garda Mooney were on duty in Mullingar when they were informed by a colleague from Mullingar Garda Station that a call was received from a person in a distressed state on the Dublin Bridge.

When they arrived, they were unable to locate the individual.  So they searched the area and eventually found a man on his back in the canal.   A struggle ensued and with assistance, Garda Mooney and Garda Murphy managed to bring the victim to the bank of the canal.

Garda Kevin Mooney and Garda Eileen Murphy displayed exceptional courage in entering the water to save this person.

The honours presented to Garda Kevin Mooney and Garda Eileen Murphy were among 18 awards presented by Ceann Comhairle Seán Barrett in recognition of outstanding acts of bravery.

Congratulating all concerned, Deputy Barrett said that the awards were “richly deserved” and were a “fitting tribute” to members of the public and emergency services.

“When I read the citations and acts of bravery, I am struck by the selfless heroism, the strength of character, the depths of courage and that willingness to step forward, despite the risks, to help their fellow man.All of these people deserve to be recognised for their actions and are worthy of our deep appreciation. Their families, friends and neighbours and all of us should be justifiably proud of their achievements and their extraordinary feats of bravery.”