Two gardaí who rescued a man who became trapped in rocks in the water in Co Galway last week have been awarded commendations with distinction.
Killian Kenny, aged in his 70s, had walked out to a rocky outcrop near Dunguaire Castle in Kinvara last Thursday, 19 September, while the tide was out.
However, as he waded back to the mainland, his left foot and leg became stuck in the rocks and the tide began to come in rapidly.
When Garda Randal Considine and Garda Shane Riddell were called to the scene, only Mr Kenny's head was visible above the water.
Garda Riddle ran to grab a life buoy while Garda Considine swam out to the man, freed him from the rocks and brought him to safety.
Emergency services tended to Mr Kenny, and he made a full recovery.
Presenting Garda Considine and Garda Riddell with the commendations in Gort Garda Station today, Chief Superintendent Gerry Roche said: "You are both awarded commendations with distinction for the rescue of a male from the waters at Dunguaire, Kinvara, in circumstances where the male had become trapped in rocks in rapidly rising tide."
'I wouldn't be here'
At the presentation, Mr Kenny thanked the gardaí for their fast response.
He said: "Had it not been for you, I wouldn’t be here. The tide rose so fast, I could feel it coming up to my shoulders, then I could feel it coming to my chin.
"Randal, after going down to release my boot from the rocks, swam me back to shore.
"It was heroic. Had it been two minutes later, chances are it would be a different story."
Receiving his commendation, Garda Considine said: "We’re glad we got there in time, we got a bit of a shock when we looked over the wall and could only see your head.
"We’re happy to have got you out and safely back to your family."
"Right place, right time," Garda Riddell added.
Superintendent Ollie Baker of Galway County East Community Engagement said: "Our response in management was one of total admiration for what the two members did.
"They just acted on instinct, and it is a real testament to them; everything they did was phenomenal.
"It gives me great comfort that we have members of that calibre working in our area and responding and understanding the need to have an immediate response.
"It was a real team effort and it must have been a frightening, shocking and exhilarating experience all at the same time."
