Waterford locals awarded for acts of outstanding bravery
Picture shows Garda Seamus Ronan, Sergeant Cyril Meehan , retired Garda Liam Fitzpatrick and Garda Seamus Ronan who were each awarded a Certificate of Bravery for their actions at the National Bravery Awards 2024.
23 National Bravery Awards have been awarded to individuals from across Ireland who risked their own lives to aid others in peril.
Recipients from county Waterford were among those honoured at the ceremony in Farmleigh House in the Phoenix Park, Dublin, for their acts of bravery and courage.
On the evening of 19 February 2001, a man entered the public office of Waterford Garda station brandishing a knife.
Garda Noel Power (RIP) and Sergeant Cyril Meehan tackled the man, who made several attempts to stab them. They disarmed him safely before he could hurt himself any further or endanger members of the public.
For their actions, Garda Noel Power and Sergeant Cyril Meehan are each awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
In the early hours of 7 June 2002, Gardaí responded to reports of a distressed man on the Quay in Waterford.
The man had doused himself in petrol and was threatening to set himself on fire. After attempts to calm the man had been unsuccessful, the man tried to strike his cigarette lighter and the Garda members decided they had to intervene.
The man was later taken to hospital where he was treated and placed under observation.
For their actions, Garda Seamus Ronan, Garda Liam Fitzpatrick, Garda Conor Lucey and Sergeant Cyril Meehan are each awarded a Certificate of Bravery.
On Sunday 9 July 2023, a strong swell had swept a swimmer out to sea near Stage Cove in Co. Waterford.
Local fisherman Daniel Dwan was on the shore when he saw the man struggling in the water. He grabbed a kayak from a neighbouring garden and began to paddle out into the sea.
Due to the strong current and growing swells, it took Daniel some time to reach the man.
In the course of the rescue, Daniel suffered a gash to his head. Thankfully both men made a full recovery.
For his actions, he is awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery.
On 7 June 2023, Thomas Shaw Hamilton was near the shore at Clonea Strand with his mother, Natatlie and sister Anna, when he saw in the distance two boys in trouble in the water.
Thomas entered the water and swam out to the boys who were a significant distance from the shore.
Swimming against the current and high waves it took Thomas nearly 10 minutes to reach the boys.
Thomas was wearing a life jacket at the time, which he took off and got the boys to hold onto as he slowly dragged them out of the rip current.
For his actions, Thomas Shaw Hamilton is awarded a Silver Medal and a Certificate of Bravery.
