Buncrana pier tragedy hero, Davitt Walsh, has been awarded with the Gold Medal for Marine Gallantry at the National Marine Gallantry and Meritorious Service Awards this evening.
The Fanad man risked his life to save four-month-old Rioghnach James from drowning at the pier, where her dad, two brothers, grandmother, and aunt all perished.
Sean McGrotty (46), his two young sons Evan (8) and Mark (12), plus his mother-in-law Ruth Daniels (58) and Ruth’s teenage daughter Jodie Lee Daniels (15) all died when the vehicle slipped into Lough Foyle from the pier in March last.
Mr Walsh was awarded the Gold Medal for "showing bravery at huge peril to his own safety to risk life, in an effort to save the life of a child".
Minister for Transport, Tourism Sport, Shane Ross, presented the National Marine Gallantry and Meritorious Service Awards at a ceremony in Farmleigh House in the Phoenix Park, Dublin.
Minister Ross praised the “courageous achievements and service of this group of brave Irish men and women who have faced crises and dug deep, offering their skills and in many cases placing themselves in danger in order that others might be safe on our waterways.”
The awards are to recognise outstanding acts of courage, heroism, skill and initiative in the context of marine emergency incidents.
The scheme also recognises exceptional dedication to duty in the execution of Ireland’s marine emergency response.
The Marine Gallantry award is presented in the form of a medal (called the Michael Heffernan Medal for Marine Gallantry, in memory of an individual who lost his life during a marine incident a number of years ago).
Three levels of medal may be awarded, based on the level of gallantry involved. The medal is awarded in gold, silver or bronze.
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