Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council Cllr PJ O’Hanlon and Robert Burns, Chief Executive, making presentations to the Appelbee family at the civic reception that was held for them in The Shirley Arms Hotel, Carrickmacross. From left Beau Appelbee; Cllr P.J. O’Hanlon, Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council; Austin Appelbee; Joanne and Grace Appelbee and Robert Burns, Chief Executive, Monaghan County Council.Photo: Rory Geary

Freedom of the county

Veronica Corr

Published: Tue 12 May 2026, 2:17 PM

The Australian family with local roots, who made international headlines after a heroic sea rescue earlier this year, were honoured in Carrickmacross on Monday evening, at a civic reception dinner hosted by Monaghan County Council in the Shirley Arms Hotel.

The Appelbee’s story had a happy sequel this month as they were flown home by the Late Late Show to surprise her parents Doreen and Packie Cunningham and also receive a civic reception in Monaghan. For a full interview with the family on their experiecne on the show, get tomorrow's newspaper.

It was January 30 when Joanne and her children Austin (now 14), Beau (12) and Grace (8), found themselves in a near-death situation, swept out to sea at Quindalup Beach in Dunsborough, Western Australia. On vacation, they had hired a small kayak and two paddle boards to enjoy the shallow waters of Geographe Bay.

Their predicament worsened until eventually Joanne was forced to allow brave Austin swim around 4km to shore to get help and raise the alarm. By the time the Coast Guard rescued the family, 10 hours in the water had taken its toll, it was pitch dark and they had drifted about eight miles from the shore.

Now safely back in Monaghan, Cathaoirleach, Cllr P.J. O’Hanlon, praised the survivors and their "unbreakable strength" as a family.

"Austin's bravery not only saved his own life, but the lives of his mother and siblings. Tonight, it's not just about one individual, it's about a whole family. The strength, composure and courage shown by the entire Appelbee family during those long and frightening hours at sea is something that deserves our deepest respect. May this evening serve as a small token of our deep admiration.”

Chief Executive of Monaghan Co Council Robert Burns was delighted that Joanne and her children were being honoured in the place that meant so much to them: “These civic receptions don't happen that often. They are reserved for achievements or feats at a national or a world level.”

Austin said he was trying not to laugh during the presentation, when his mum looked over at him: “In every special moment, I always smile in the wrong place! Thank you very much.”

His little sister Grace, who got the giggles, told everyone present: “Austin didn’t pass his swimming test!” Their proud mum Joanne, who is originally from Magheracloone, expressed her pride and gratitude: “Austin done a fantastic job. He knows that I tell him every day. Grace and Beau were outstanding, out there for 10 hours, they held on. This is an absolutely beautiful honour, thank you so very much.”