Hero gardaí praised for daring rescue from River Corrib

Two city gardaí who risked their lives in rescuing a man from the waters of the River Corrib have been hailed as heroes for their actions.

The incredible rescue took place close to O’Brien’s Bridge after the two on-duty gardaí were alerted by a member of the public to the fact that a young man was in danger, close to the river bank.

Offaly native, Sergeant Brendan O’Grady, and Garda Aidan McTigue from Mayo – both based at Mill Street Station – arrived on the scene within seconds, but on getting there, discovered that the young man had entered the river.

Garda McTigue – a strong swimmer – immediately entered the river that was in full flow at the time and swam after the man who was being swept away in the current.

The garda managed to bring the man to the bank of the river at which point he was joined in the water by Sergeant O’Grady, who kept the man safely on the edge of the bank until the Fire Brigade arrived.

Former Mayor of Galway, Cllr Donal Lyons, said that the successful rescue of the man, was ‘an incredible piece’ of bravery by both members of the Gardaí.

“It really was above and beyond the call of duty but it shows their commitment to what they do. Obviously, their training was also a big help to them but it still took a lot more than that to do what they did.

“Gardaí can ship criticism at times, but this kind of bravery needs to be publicly acknowledged. They are real heroes and all we can do is thank them for their courage and skill,” said Cllr Lyons.

(Photo: Sgt Brendan O’Grady and Garda Aidan McTigue alongside the River Corrib this week).
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