President Catherine Connolly has sent a letter of commendation to 13-year-old Austin Appelbee, after he heroically swam for four hours through choppy waters off western Australia to get help for his family who were swept out to sea.
The family, Austin's mother Joanne Appelbee (neé Cunningham), from Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan, and his siblings 12-year-old Beau and eight-year-old Grace who live in Australia, were on holidays in the Quindalup area last month when they hired out kayaks and paddleboards to take out on what looked like calm waters.
The family soon found themselves in grave danger as the weather changed, and Austin Appelbee, managed to swim for hours across 4km of ocean to raise the alarm.
President Connolly praised the teenager for his "immense bravery", describing his efforts as a reason to celebrate Irish-Australian relations and bonds.
"The story of your courage has spread around the world and has been an inspiration as well as a source of pride to Irish people who have heard of your heroism.
"I would like to extend my personal best wishes to you, your mother and the other members of your family in Australia and in Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan, for 2026 and into the future," she said in her letter.
The letter was presented to the Appelbee family in Perth by Minister of State Kevin 'Boxer’ Moran during his visit to Australia as part of St Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Mr Moran said that he felt honoured and privileged to meet Austin Appelbee, describing him as a "young hero" that Ireland should be extremely proud of.
