Garda honoured with bravery award for saving drowning man
Sergeant Fergal O'Connor was awarded a bronze medal and a certificate of bravery at the National Bravery Awards 2025, pictured with his wife, Jenny Photo: Maxwell Photography
A guard who was previously stationed in Carlow has been honoured at The National Bravery Awards for saving a young man who had fallen into the River Barrow in 2019.
Sergeant Fergal O’Connor was awarded a bronze medal and a certificate of bravery, which were presented to him by Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy TD in Leinster House on Friday 5 December.
In the early hours of the morning of 28 October 2019, Serg O’Connor and members of his unit were getting ready to finish their shift for the night when they were alerted to reports that a young man was in the River Barrow at Graiguecullen Bridge.
At the time, the Barrow was heavily in flood following significant rainfall, and attempts to save the man using life buoys were unsuccessful as the current swept him further out into the river and towards a dangerous weir.
Gardaí on the scene soon realised that someone would have to jump into the river, and without hesitation, Serg O’Connor removed his stab vest and shoes and entered the water.
The temperature on the night was just above zero degrees but that did not deter Serg O’Connor, who swam out into the darkness to rescue the young man and bring him back to shore.
Gardaí on dry land were able to help the pair back out of the water, where the man was treated by ambulance and fire services before being transferred to Portlaoise Hospital, where he later made a full recovery.
Speaking to guests at the ceremony, the Ceann Comhairle said:
“We don’t all find ourselves standing with someone in the water, or holding onto them on a cliff edge, as some of our recipients have done. But every day we each have a chance to make a difference, by listening, supporting or just being there for someone when they need us.
“To all of our award recipients, on behalf of the people of Ireland let me thank you again for your actions, for your selflessness and for your courage.
“What you have done has made the world feel a little less dark, a little less dangerous and gives hope to us all for the road ahead.” In total, 22 National Bravery Awards were presented to individuals from across the country who risked their own lives to aid others.
