National Awards Ceremony 2020

On the 11th of October 2019, Students Sam Rodden and Patriks Orals were returning to school after a ceremony when they noticed a person in distress in the River Boyle. Both boys followed the river down the bank and made several attempts using life buoys to reach the victim. They were not successful. They noticed that the person had become submerged and was not resurfacing.  At this point, both boys entered the river. Sam entered first, followed by his friend Patriks and at this stage the person was unconscious. They both managed to drag the person to safety and proceeded to place him into the recovery position and secured blankets to warm him up.  He soon regained consciousness and the emergency serviced arrived at the scene and the person made a full recovery.

Sam and Patrick receive Seiko Just In Time awards for their efforts.

On the morning of the 8th of January 2020, Jack Nolan was returning from a fishing trip to the harbour with is friend Denis.  He has entered the harbour beyond the lighthouse, when he noticed an unusual object in the water. He approached the object and upon careful examination he recognised that it was the body of a presumed dead woman in the water. He immediately rang the emergency services and handed the phone to his friend Denis. Jack who was wearing a lifejacket entered the water and managed to pull the woman to shore.  The woman eventually regained consciousness and became hysterical.  Jack managed to calm the woman until the emergency services arrived on the scene.  The woman made a full recovery.

Jack receives a Seiko Just In Time award for his efforts.

NIAMH MCMAHON, LYNN MCCARTHY & BETH DERRAR

CORK, INCHYDONEY

On the afternoon of the 27th May 2020, Niamh McMahon was surfing with her daughter at Inchydoney beach, when they heard shouts for help. Four friends had got into difficulty in the water.   Beth Darrer who happened to be on the shoreline urged people on the beach to call emergency services and proceeded to grab a ringbuoy nearby and run into the water. Lynn McCarthy happened to be at the beach with her friend when she heard screams for help.  Instinctively Lynn, ran down the beach and entered the water. Both Beth and Lynn went to the aid of the people in difficulty in the water. Niamh was also paddling towards them, she managed to take one of the people up onto her board. She also had another person clinging onto her board.  Beth & Lynn swam out to assist Niamh. Lynn noticed that Niamh was becoming exhausted, so she swam back to shore pushing the board ahead of her.  All three successfully managed to bring all four friends safely to shore.

All three receive Seiko Just In Time awards for their efforts.

JAMIE VENNER, CILLIAN FOSTER, RICHARD MCSWEENEY, KATE HORGAN & HARRY PRITCHARD

CORK, FOUNTAINSTOWN

On the evening of the  28th of August 2020, at Fountainstown beach, five teenagers were fishing in a rib at White Bay, near Roches point when they were alerted to the fact that a nine year old boy and his father were in difficulty in the water.  The nine-year-old boy was on an inflatable device when he caught in a strong current and was swept out to sea.  His father went to his aide and both were swept out even further.  A member of the public raised the alarm.  The boy managed to make it back to shore himself, but his father was left clinging onto a marker buoy.  The five teenagers were at the scene before other emergency services arrived.  The helped the man onto their boat, and brough him safely to shore.

All five receive Seiko Rescue Appeciation awards for their efforts.

CONAL DOLAN

WESTMEATH, RIVER SHANNON

In June of 2019, Conal Dolan a trained EMT was alerted to the fact that a woman was in distress in the River Shannon, Athlone.  He immediately entered the water and managed to bring the woman safely to shore.  He checked her vital signs and place her into the recovery position to try to drain excess water.   He remained with her until the emergency services arrived and took over.  The woman made a full recovery.

Conal receives a Seiko Just In Time Award for his efforts.

NATHAN HOLDING, CATHAL KEOHANE & CONNELL O’HERLIHY

CORK, INCHYDONEY

On the 24th June 2019, at Inchydoney beach, Nathan, Cathal and Connell were informed of a father and son in difficulty in the water. Cathal swam out on his surfboard and assisted floatation of the father and son.  Connell then paddled out on his rescue board and prioritised the child.   The boy managed to get to shore after approximately five minutes of paddling. As Cathal was still going backwards with his surfboard as the RIP was so strong, Nathan entered the water on his rescue board to help.  There was a struggle with getting the father in from the water as he had become exhausted.  After a time, they managed to bring the man safety to shore

All three receive Seiko Just In Time awards for their efforts.

ADRIAN CORCORAN, MICK O CONNELL & DAVE COUGHLAN

LAOIS, RIVER BARROW

On the 8th of March 2020, Garda Corcoran was alerted to a woman in distress in the water.  He called for assistance and entered the water.  The river was high and fast flowing.  He managed to reach the casualty and bring her to the bank. Sergeant O Connell and Garda Coughlan arrived after approximately ten minutes.  Sergeant O Connell entered the water to assist. With Garda Coughlan on the bank, all three Gardai managed to pull the woman to safety.

Adrian receives a Seiko Just In Time award, while Mick and Dave receive Rescue Appreciation awards for their efforts.

NIALL LENNON, MARK MURPHY & LEO KIERNAN

GALWAY, LOUGHREA LAKE

On Saturday 9th May 2020, at Loughrea lake, a man contacted Gardai and alerted them to the fact that his dog had become entangled in a water buoy and was drowning.  Two members of the Gardai signalled for the help of the local fisherman on the lake.  They boarded the boat.  The dog was successfully rescued.

All three receive Seiko Rescue Appreciation awards for their efforts.

NIGEL DESMOND

CORK, LANCASTER QUAY

On the afternoon of 12th February 2020, at Lancaster Quay, members of the Gardai were alerted to the fact that there was a male in distress in the water.  On arrival to the scene, the person was semi-submerged in the water being assisted by a member of the public who had thrown him a life buoy.  Garda Desmond entered the freezing cold water immediately and managed to grab hold of the casualty and keep his head above water. With the assistance of his colleague Garda Twomey and members of the public, they managed to get the person close to the riverbank. Three units of the Cork fire brigade arrived and two of its swift water rescue team entered the water. Together the managed to bring the person to safety.

Nigel receives a Seiko Just In Time award for his efforts.

FERGAL O’CONNOR

CARLOW, RIVER BARROW

On the 28th October 2019, Garda Fergal O Connor arrived at the River Barrow where a male was in distress in the water. Gardai had thrown a few life buoys into the water in the hope of reaching the victim but to no avail. Garda O Connor entered the water and grabbed a lifebuoy and swam towards the person and began to swim back to safety with the person.  Members of the Gardai on the bank dragged both Garda O Connor and the victim back in by pulling the rope of ringbuoy. Garda O Connor helped to lift the victim out of the water while other Gardai ashore helped to pull him ashore.

Fergal receives a Seiko Just In Time award for his efforts.

CATHAL O NEILL

LIMERICK, RIVER MAIGE

On the 31st of August 2019, at the River Maige, Croom, Sergeant O Neill was alerted to the fact of the person in distress in the water.  He was first to arrive to the scene.  Using his local knowledge of the area, he checked areas of the river where the person may have got caught up in.  On discovering the person approximately 180 meters from where she entered the river, Sergeant O Neill requested assistance from sea rescue and other relevant first responders.  He entered the water; visibility was poor, and the current was very strong. He managed to reach the person and with difficulty dragged her to the bank.  Upon reaching the bank, Garda Niall Murphy assisted O Neill by pulling the person up onto the bank. Under the direction of Sergeant O Neill first aid was carried out.  The person was removed by ambulance and made a full recovery.

Cathal receives a Seiko Just In Time award for his efforts.

KARL CARROL & EVAN GUILFOYLE

DUBLIN, RIVER LIFFEY

On the 31st December 2018, Gardai became aware of a person in distress in the water at the River Liffey. Both Gardai entered the pontoon via a temporary ladder and assisted the person from the water where he was taken to City quay.  The male subsequently fell into the water and was caught by the current and taken back to the Pontoon.  Both Gardai managed to remove the male again and bring him to safety.

Karl and Evan receive Seiko Rescue Appreciation awards for their efforts.

DEAN O SULLIVAN & DARRAGH KHAN

CARLOW, KNOCKROE

On the 6th of October 2019, at Knockroe, Borris, Gardai Khan & O Sullivan became aware of a person in distress in the river. Both Gardai entered the river, the current was strong, and rock had to be navigated.  Garda Khan managed to grab hold of the person and Garda O Sullivan assisted.  Gardai managed to bring the person to safety. Garda O Sullivan initiated CPR.  He requested a local person to get the local defibrillator. CPR was administered until paramedics arrived and subsequently took over.

Dean and Darragh receive Seiko Just In Time awards for their efforts.

JAMES BRENNAN, BREDA FAHY, TOM KELLY, AIDAN HYNES, JOYCE O’GRADY & KEN NARNEY

WESTMEATH, ATHLONE

On the 29th of September 2018, at the River Shannon, Gardai responded to a call regarding a woman in distress in the water. Gardai Fahy & Kelly were the first to arrive to the scene. Mr. James Brennan was in a rowboat and managed to get to the female and hold onto her.  Garda Fahy & Kelly made their way out to assist in another rowboat.  The three Gardai managed to pull the woman out of the water and into the boat.  Gardai Hynes, O’ Grady and Narney arrived at the scene and threw a rope out to the four.  They managed to pull the three Gardai and woman to safety.

James receives a Seiko Just In Time Rescue award while Breda, Tom, Aidan, Joyce and Ken receive Rescue Appreciation awards for their efforts.

JOHN BOYLE
DAN BOYLE (POSTHUMOUSLY)
BRIAN FRIEL (POSTHUMOUSLY)

DONEGAL, MULLAGHDUFF

In July of 1975, two men took a wooden craft out into the water at Mullaghduff.  When the men rowed out of the bay, they quickly got into difficulty. They lost an oar and the boat turned broadside to the sea.  People out walking noticed this unfold and raised the alarm at the nearest house resided by Brian Friel (RIP).  Mr Friel sought support from neighbours to launch a rescue. Two men, John Boyle & Dan Boyle (RIP) agreed to assist. Mr Friel (a teenager at the time) launched a boat and went to the scene.  He continued to manoeuvre through the debris of the boat’s contents while encouraging the men. The other crew members managed to lift the casualties on board. They brought the casualties to safety.  The men were badly shaken and hypothermic but made a full recovery.

All three receive Seiko Just In Time awards for their efforts.

JANE FRIEL

DONEGAL, PORT SALON BEACH

On Tuesday 28th July 2020, Jane was at Port Salon beach with her cousin, when they noticed a lady calling for HELP. She said that her family were in difficulty in the water. Jane immediately ran down towards the shoreline. On her way down she grabbed hold of the ringbuoy. She noticed that there were four people in difficulty in the water. Two of the youngest girls were desperately clinging onto a body board, while the father was holding onto his youngest daughter. Jane entered the water and began to reassure all four people.  She instructed them to remain calm and to kick their legs.  On approaching the youngest girl aged 9, she directed her to hold onto the ringbuoy and to kick her legs. She managed to take her safely to shore. She then proceeded to swim out towards another girl and directed her to keep kicking her legs and guided her safely to shore. She noticed that the father was holding onto his daughter and struggling to swim out of the rip current. She continued to encourage them to swim towards the shoreline.  Jane managed to successfully rescue all four.

Jane receives a Seiko Just In Time award for her efforts.

PEARSE MURPHY & GARY O’DONOHOE

LOUTH, DROGHEDA

On the 3rd of May 2019, Gardai Murphy & O Donohoe were alerted to the fact that a male was in distress in the water at the River Boyne, Doners green, Drogheda.  They requested an ambulance and deployed a nearby ringbuoy.  They managed to pull the person to shore and administered first aid as the casualty was bleeding heavily. The casualty was taken to hospital to be treated for his injuries.

Pearse and Gary receives Seiko Rescue Appreciation awards for their efforts.

JOHN O’BRIEN & BRIAN MURRAY

WICKLOW, ARKLOW

In the early hours of Sunday 22nd September 2019, Garda John O Brien was on patrol when they were alerted to the fact a woman was in distress in the water at the River Avoca.  It was raining heavily at the time and the river was high due to the rainfall. Garda O Brien conducted a visual search of the river and located the woman in the centre of the river. He obtained a Ringbuoy, instructed Reserve Garda Brian Murray to request additional assistance.  He proceeded to hard the ringbuoy rope to Brian Murray and entered the water. He swam towards the woman who was still and face down in the water.  After swimming approx. 20 metres, he realised that he had reached the end of the ringbuoy rope.  He instructed his colleague to release the rope.  He managed to maintain hold of the ringbuoy and grab a hold of the woman’s clothing.  He pulled the woman towards him and placed the ringbuoy under her.  He then managed to swim back to the riverbank.  Both Gardai managed to lift the woman out of the water and safely ashore. As the woman was unresponsive, he immediately began to administer CPR.  He instructed his colleague to give rescue breaths. Although the female remained unconscious, she began to breath on her own.  The female was taken to hospital where she made a full recovery.

John receives a Seiko Just In Time award while Brian receives a Seiko Rescue Appreciation award for their efforts.

CALLUM KEANE

MEATH, NAVAN

On the 12th of August 2020, Callum was out for a walk by the River Boyne when he heard a boy screaming for help. Using his initiate, he removed some of his clothing and entered the river. He swam towards the first boy and managed to bring him towards the rushes to find access to the riverbank.  He kept the boy calm throughout the rescue while also assisting another boy that was caught in the rushes.   He moved enough rushes to bring the two boys to safety.

Callum receives a Seiko Just In Time award for his efforts.

LIAM GLENDON

CORK, MALLOW

On the 16th of May 2020, Garda Glennon was alerted to a male in danger in the water at the River Blackwater. Garda Glennon who volunteers with Mallow search and rescue entered the water and swam towards the male. He managed to remove him from the water and bring him to safety.

Liam receives a Seiko Just In Time award for his efforts.

DAVID FENTON

CORK, CASTLETOWNBERE

Garda Fenton was alerted to a woman in distress in the water at the pier, Castletownbere.  Garda Fenton (current member of the RNLI) entered the water.  He kept her calm and safe in the water until a small local boat was launched by two men.  He managed to get her safely onto the boat.  He was taken to hospital where she made a full recovery.

David receives a Just In Time award for his efforts.

DEAN PHELAN

WICKLOW, BRAY HEAD

On the 22nd of August 2020, Gardai were alerted to a male in distress in the water at The Cove in Bray head.  The arrived at the scene within minutes. Garda Dean Phelan assessed the situation and with quick decision making, entered the water.  He swam out to the point where the male was floating in the water and appeared to be unconscious.   He took hold of the male and swam with the male back to shore.  Gardai place the male into the recovery position.  The ambulance services took over and took him to hospital.

Dean receives a Seiko Just In Time award for his efforts.

MICHAEL CARROLL

WEXFORD, WEXFORD QUAY

On the 12th of April 2020, Gardai Michael Carroll was alerted to a male in distress in the water at Paul Quay.  He arrived at the scene, removed his PPE and entered the water. Prior to Garda Carroll entering the water, he was aware that other rescue services would not arrive for approx. 15 minutes and in view of those circumstance he entered the water and managed to bring the male safety to shore.

Michael receives a Seiko Just In Time award for his efforts.

BRENDAN CRAWFORD, CIARAN MURRAY & CIARA GALVIN

DUBLIN, CLONDALKIN

On the 17th June 2020, A woman walking her dog by the River Camac, was observed being pulled into the water by her dog.  Gardai were alerted and arrived at the scene. Gardai Murray & Crawford go into the river and tied a rope to each other which was provided to them by Garda Galvin.  Garda Galvin remained on the riverbank holding the rope.  Both the female and her dog were subsequently rescued and brought to safety.

Brendan and Ciaran receive Seiko Just In Time awards while Ciara receives a Seiko Rescue Appreciation award for her efforts.

JACK GROVES, CHRISTOPHER SMITH & JAMIE LILLIS

DUBLIN, DUN LAOGHAIRE

On the 18th of February 2019, Gardai were alerted to the fact that there was a man in distress in the water at Newtownsmith, Dun Laoghaire.   Garda Smith entered the water with a member of the public, Jack Groves, to rescue the man.  Garda Smith had brought a lifebuoy with him and persuaded the man to take a hold of it.  Garda Lillis remained on the shoreline communicating with command & Control and with the RNLI.  The man was taken to nearby rocks where they waited for the coastguard.  The man was subsequently brought back to the East pier by the coast guard and treated at the scene.

Jack and Christopher receive Seiko Just In Time awards while Jamie receives a Seiko Rescue Appreciation award for their efforts.

ROISIN O’DONNELL & KEENAN MCGAVISK

LOUTH, ARDEE

On the 30th of March 2020, Gardai were alerted to the fact that there was a male in distress in the water at the River Dee. Upon arrival to the scene, Gardai located the male with a torch and entered the water.  The crossed the river and managed to reach the male and pull him to safety.  The man was taken to hospital by ambulance where he made a full recovery.

Roisin and Keenan receives Seiko Just In Time awards for their efforts.

CALLUM CURTIN KEVIN SHARKEY

CLARE, SPANISH POINT

On the afternoon of the 20th of September, Callum & Kevin were approached by a member of the public regarding a child that was being swept out to sea at the far end of the beach. The grabbed surfboards and went to the scene.  They observed a child in difficulty along with another member of the public who had attempted to bring the child to safety. Callum paddled out to the two people in distress, by then they were being helped by two surfers and a swimmer. Kevin paddled out and placed the child onto the front of his surfboard and took her safely to shore. A short time after, both Callum & Kevin were alerted to three more children struggling in the water that had be swept out by the rip current.  They both re-entered the water with their surfboards.  Callum provided his board as a floatation device for two of the children.  Kevin took one child onto his board and took them safely to shore. He returned to continue with the rescue.  They managed to bring all four children from two separate incidences safely to shore. Kevin paddled back out to the area and a few mins noticed that there was a ringbuoy floating in the water. He paddled out to a young girl, by the time he had got to her, two members of the public had reached her in the hope of bringing her to safety, they too started to get into difficulty.  He advised the two people to hold onto the ringbuoy as he assisted the girl back to shore. Callum had entered the water again at this stage and assisted the two members of the public back to shore.  Over 45 minutes, they collectively rescued 8 people from drowning.

Callum and Kevin receive Seiko Just In Time awards for their efforts.

JOE BREEN

WATERFORD, TRAMORE

On the afternoon of the 3rd of June 2020, Joe along with members of the public noticed two SUP paddle borders paddling on an off shore wind on Tramore beach ,after about 30 minutes it came very noticeable that they were struggling to come to shore and were drifting further out . Joe went on a board into the water and managed to paddle out to the couple. It became apparent as Joe reached them that they were very distressed and didn’t know how to get back to shore. At this stage onlookers had called the lifeboat for assistance. Joe managed to place the lady onto his board and her husband paddled along side Joe and his wife.  He suc-cessfullybrought the couple safely to shore.

Joe receives a Seiko Just In Time award for his efforts.

JIM SWIFT

WATERFORD, TRAMORE

On the 28th of May 2020, a young girl got into difficulty in a RIP at ladies slip, Tramore beach.  The RNLI were alerted to the incident.  Meanwhile, local surfer Jim swift entered the water and managed to reach the girl.  The lifeboat arrived around the same time.  The girl was taken to safety.

Jim receives a Seiko Just In Time award for his efforts.

CLODAGH WEST KEOGH & LORNA KEOGH

KILKENNY, RIVER DINAN

On the afternoon of the 1st of June 2020, at the River Dinan, Clodagh and Lorna were painting on the side of the riverbank when they heard two men shouting downstream.  Lorna told Clodagh to grab a ringbuoy and ran towards the men.  The observed that the two man were struggling.  There was a number of very young children screaming from the other side of the Riverbank.  Lorna swam across to the children to keep them from entering the water. Clodagh calmly entered the water and using a ringbuoy managed to pull the first man to safety.   She then went and pulled the second man to safety.  Emergency services arrived and both men were taken to hospital where they made a full recovery.

Clodagh and Lorna receive Seiko Just In Time awards for their efforts.

PADDY COLLINS, TONY COLLINS, CONOR HAYES & BEN TENNYSON

KILKENNY, RIVER NORE

On the afternoon of the 6th November 2019, at the River Nore, Tony, Paddy, Conor and Ben were walking across St John’s bridge when they noticed something bobbing up and down in the water.  They went towards the object and realised that it was in fact a man in distress in the water.  Tony grabbed a nearby ringbuoy, paddy (his brother), Conor and Ben helped his to untangle the rope. Paddy threw the ringbuoy towards the man.  The first throw was unsuccessful. The quickly retrieved the ringbuoy and threw it in for a second time.  The man managed to grab hold of the ringbuoy.  The four friends successfully brought the man to safety.

Paddy receives a Seiko Just In Time award while Tony, Conor and Ben receive Seiko Rescue Appreciation awards for their efforts.

PATRICK & MORGAN OLIVER

GALWAY, GALWAY CITY

On the 13th of August 2020, Patrick Oliver and his son Morgan rescued two paddleboarders, Ellen Glynn and Sara Feeney after they had become lost at sea overnight.   The two paddleboarders The two young women spent the better part of 15 hours in the water overnight after getting swept out to sea while paddle boarding at Furbo., Co Galway.  After a massive search and rescue effort involving the Coast Guard, RNLI, local fishing vessels, and private aircraft, the Oliver’s found the girls clinging to a lobster pot south west of Inis Oírr, after using their local knowledge to estimate where the currents might have carried them.

Patrick and Morgan receive Seiko Just In Time awards for their efforts.

Community and Social Responsibility Awards

HENRY O’DONNELL, FINSWIM 2020

COMMUNITY & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

On September 17th last, Donegal man Henry O’Donnell started a solo finswim expedition in aid of Water Safety Ireland and the Irish Cancer Society. His goal is to swim around the entire coast of Ireland during 2020 and 2021. To date, Henry has fundraised over €9,000 for the two charities and is attempting the heroic feat in an effort to become the first person in history to circumnavigate Ireland by finswimming. The expedition is a unique approach to raise awareness of water safety and drowning prevention issues.If you would like to donate to Finswim 2020, you can find out more on www.finswim2020.com. You can also find Finswim 2020 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates.

Henry receives a Community and Social Responsibility Award in appreciation for his fundraising efforts for Water Safety Ireland.

MARY O’DONNELL

COMMUNITY & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Mary O’ Donnell is a Beach Lifeguard in Youghal, Co. Cork and is also a Water Safety Instructor. She has illustrated a fun educational resource which draws attention to the do’s and don’ts of water safety on the beach. Mary also filmed a Story Time Piece with the Cork Beach Lifeguards for use in online safety education sessions with primary schools throughout the Cork area. She receives a Community and Social Responsibility Award in appreciation of her commitment to water safety initiatives and drowning prevention.

CLAUDIU POTLOG

COMMUNITY & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Claudiu Potlog is a Graphic Design Masters student in Technological University Dublin and as part of his studies created a dynamic water safety animation video highlighting at risk groups and best practice advice for aquatic environments. The video incorporated eye catching visuals and overlayed a narrative telling the story of two friends, who experience difficulty in the water and successfully resolve the situation. A cautionary tale and one that conveys the importance of learning lifesaving techniques like those taught by Water Safety Ireland volunteers nationwide. Claudiu receives a Community & Social Responsibility Award in appreciation for donating his project to Water Safety Ireland for use in schools.

MATTHEW SILLS

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Matthew Sills started his time with Water Safety Ireland – Waterford at the age of 4 years when he began his swimming lessons. From there he developed a love of lifesaving skills and Lifeguarding. Matthew worked as a Lifeguard on Tramore Beach for 4 years and got very involved in the training of our Surf Lifesaving Team. In his personal life he began training to become a doctor but this didn’t stop his involvement at a local level in the local Water Safety Area Committee. He was one of the stalwarts in the funding and development of the National Lifeguard Training Centre in Tramore.

Over the past number of years he has served as a committee member and Sports Officer in Waterford. He continues to coach Surf Lifesaving and is one of Waterford’s COVID officers. He also is involved in Rescue Boat Training. Matthew has been and continues to be a Doctor at all local, regional and National Surf Lifesaving Competitions. When he is not being called on for his medical experience he can be seen holding flags in the water or assisting in anyway he is needed. Mathew is Water Safety Ireland’s National medical advisor and to say he has taken on this role above and beyond what would be expected of any volunteer is not an exaggeration. He was instrumental in the production of BVM training for lifeguards and is always at the end of the phone for the Board and Executive to support and advise in this difficult time. Matthew is happy to sweep the floor, answer the phone, wash the equipment or do anything to support his local Water Safety Area Committee.

Although a relatively young man he has been an exceptional volunteer and has many years more to give.

BRENDAN MCGRATH

LIFE GOVERNOR
OF THE YEAR

Life Governor – Brendan McGrath

A Life Governor is a person who has demonstrated substantial commitment to water safety and made a significant contribution to the prevention of drowning.

In terms of promoting the development of safe aquatic activities Brendan McGrath in County Clare is a deserving recipient of the title Water Safety Ireland Life Governor.

Brendan began lifesaving as a trainee instructor 50 years ago, teaching lifesaving and swimming in summer and winter. He quickly became a full instructor in 1973, an Examiner in 1986, and to this day is a tutor and risk assessor who has tirelessly instilled the water safety ethos for five decades.

CATRIONA MCMAHON

SPORTS PERSON OF THE YEAR

Catriona is a volunteer with Water Safety Ireland for more than 10 years. She is the lady permanently sitting at the recorders table at all National competitions and National trials, both pool and beach. She is the “meet manager” expert and is always able to solve the timing and recording issues.

Catriona has spent many days, sat in the rain, laptop in a plastic bag – in the front seat of the car, laptop on the dash or in a caravan, chipvan, camper – always to ensure the results are processed correctly and accurately.

During the European Junior Championships in 2018, in Ireland, Catriona bravely ensured all the European and World records, complete results and international protocols were correctly processed – regardless of any language barriers.

Catriona always says YES – when asked to help, regardless of the location, weather conditions or involvement of her own family.

JOHN SHANNON

SPORTS PERSON OF THE YEAR

John is a volunteer with Water Safety Ireland for more than 15 years. He is the organiser of equipment for all pool competitions, and the expert in sand event courses, for beach competitions. John is the man with the stakes and ropes to ensure the flags courses are a full 90 degrees, right angle – all lanes are the correct 2 meters x 90 meters. He is the equipment expert who ensures all the manikins are fully filled, sealed, correctly placed and returned to be used again – time and time again. He is also MR Ocean Course – ensuring the correct equipment is in place for all the ocean events.

John is a team player, always offering to help, transport and organise – with a smile.

When asked to help John always says YES and is a true team player.