A four-year-old girl who fell into the River Lee in Cork city centre after going to look at the water has been saved by a passer-by who jumped in and kept the child afloat until the emergency services arrived.
The incident happened just after 12pm at St Patrick’s Quay in Cork.
The child was with a minder who was also caring for a younger child.
She got under railings and went to the edge of the quay to look at the water but fell five metres into the water below.
The water was at low tide at the time and was shallow.
Maria Foley from Cobh in Co Cork, who was passing by at the time, jumped into the water and kept the child afloat while the emergency services were alerted.
Cork City Fire Brigade, gardaí, the coastgaurd team from Crosshaven and the ambulance service attended the scene.
Both the child and the woman were lifted onto the quay by members of the Cork City Fire Brigade.
They were taken to hospital but sustained no obvious injuries and both are said to be doing well.
A spokesman for Cork City Fire Brigade, third officer Victor Shine said, "We recognise this woman’s bravery. She was very heroic. It was an amazing outcome".
