Bravery medals awarded to Granard heroes

Two members of An Garda Siochana based in Granard Garda Station have received medals in recognition of outstanding acts of bravery at the National Bravery Awards ceremony at Farmleigh House.
Garda Padraig McWeeney and Garda James Rowan both received bronze medals and certificates of bravery for their joint efforts in saving a lady from drowning in the early hours of the morning on August 1, 2010 at Tarmonbarry.
The awards are bestowed by the Deeds of Bravery Council which is chaired by the Ceann Comhairle, Sean Barrett.
Garda Padraig McWeeney told The Anglo-Celt it was a humbling experience to receive the medal. “It was a very impressive and great occasion”.
Garda James Rowan, who has served in the force for 13 years, also said he was humbled by receiving the award and was very grateful.
“It was a lovely occasion,” he said, “it was very enjoyable and my family were there.”
Congratulating all concerned, Ceann Comhairle Seán Barrett, said:
“In going to the aid of others at great risk to their own safety, our award winners have brought great pride to themselves and their families and great happiness to the people and the families of those they have helped.
“One cannot fail to be impressed by the strength of spirit shown by the recipients of these awards. It is that strength of spirit that makes our communities better places in which to live, that selfless sacrifice and endeavour that lifts us all and benefits us all.”

Fallen into water
Garda McWeeney, who is 10 years in the force, recalled that night they were on duty.
“We were just finishing up dealing with a prisoner in Longford when the call came through – from 999 call on the radio and we were the first car there.
A lady had fallen into the water – initial attempts to use a boat to get out to her failed, because it was locked. James jumped from the boat straight into the water and got behind the woman and started to move her closer to the shore and I had released a lifebuoy and I threw it out to him. Then I entered into the water to assist James to bring her back up onto the ground.”
Garda Rowan made the right choice in diving in to rescue to the lady:
“I was confronted with the situation and I was comfortable with the decision I made and there was a good outcome.”
Great distress
The citation at the awards read: “At 5.45 am on 1st August 2010, Garda McWeeney and Garda Rowan from Granard Garda Station responded to a call that a woman had fallen into the water at Tarmonbarry. Both Gardaí arrived at the scene and saw the woman in great distress in the water. They noticed a small boat nearby and attempted to untie it to no avail with a view to getting it out to her. Garda Rowan, without any thought to his own personal safety and fully clothed, entered the water and made his way over to where the woman had last been seen. Garda McWeeney threw a lifebuoy in their direction and then entered the water himself. It took both Gardaí, with some difficulty and great effort, to get the woman to shore where they were able to successfully resuscitate her. “If not for the prompt and brave actions of Garda James Rowan and Garda Padraig McWeeney on that early morning in question there is little doubt that this woman would have lost her life and drowned.”