Waterford garda who saved a young man's life receives bravery award
Sergeant Fergal O’Connor is awarded a Bronze medal and a Certificate of Bravery for his actions at the National Bravery Awards 2025. Pictured with with Jenny O'Connor. Picture Credit: An Garda Síochána Waterford Facebook page.
A Waterford garda sergeant who saved a young man's life has been awarded a bronze medal and a certificate of bravery at the National Bravery Awards.
In a post on social media, Waterford gardaí commended their colleague, Sgt Fergal O’Connor, whose swift action and courage saved a life.
In their post, An Garda Síochána Waterford said that around 3:13am on October 28, 2019, Sgt O’Connor responded to a report of a young man entering the River Barrow near Graiguecullen Bridge in Carlow Town.
“Despite several lifebuoys being thrown towards him, the man made no attempt to reach them and was being swept dangerously close to a weir as the river surged in heavy flood.
“Recognising the immediate danger, Garda O’Connor removed his shoes and stab vest and, without hesitation, entered the freezing, fast-flowing water - with temperatures hovering around 2°C.
“Navigating the darkness and powerful current, he reached the man, took hold of him by the collar, and began swimming away from the weir.
"With support from Garda colleagues on the riverbank pulling the lifebuoy rope, both were brought safely back to shore,” said An Garda Síochána Waterford.
The man later made a full recovery at Portlaoise Hospital.
