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Gabriel gets Bravery Council award

2011-11-30 09:46:46

AGSI member Sgt Gabriel Plower was presented with a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery by the Ceann Comhairle Seán Barrett, TD at the recent annual awards of Comhairle na Mire Gaile – the Deeds of Bravery Council. Gabriel, then based in Arklow but now in Wicklow, received his award for the rescue of a man drowning in the Avoca River in July, 2008. He was assisted during the rescue by another AGSI member, Sgt. Fergal McHugh. Four other gardaí also received awards for bravery at the same ceremony.

The stories:

Sgt Gabriel Plower

At 8.30 pm on the 6th July, 2008, a man entered the Avoca River at the Riverwalk, in Arklow, County Wicklow. The river was swollen and fast flowing following three days of heavy rain. Despite this, civilian Mr Richard Coates entered the river and swam to where the individual was. Richard then brought him to a raised bank where both could stand waist deep in the water. The rescued individual tried to break free from Mr. Coates and return to the water. It was not possible for both men to wade back to shore and the lifebelt on the riverbank was unable to reach them.
In the meantime Sgt Plower had arrived at the scene with Sgt Fergal McHugh and Garda Donal O’Leary and they were also assisted in the eventual rescue by another civilian, Mr Billy Ryan. Sergeant Gabriel Plower, Arklow Garda Station, dived into the water with a long rope and swam out to where the two men were stranded and he brought the victim back to shore with the assistance of the other two gardaí and Mr Ryan who pulled the rope.

The swift actions of Richard Coates and Sergeant Plower averted a possible loss of life and both were awarded bronze medals and certificates of bravery.

Garda Linda O’Donnell

On 17th July, 2002 Garda Linda O’Donnell, who was off-duty at the time, was walking with her family at Ashe Quay, Fermoy, County Cork. She was approached by a man and woman who informed her that a woman had jumped into the river.

Garda O’Donnell climbed over the river wall, swam out to the woman and brought her to safety with the help of her husband.

But for the efforts of Garda O’Donnell there is little doubt that this incident could have resulted in loss of life and she was awarded a Silver Medal and a Certificate of Bravery.

Garda Margaret Purcell

On St. Patrick’s Day 2003, Garda Margaret Purcell responded to an emergency call where a woman had entered the water at Cappa Pier, Kilrush, County Clare. On arrival at the scene, and without regard for her own safety, Garda Purcell entered the water and found a woman lying face down. With the assistance of a member of the public Garda Purcell was able to bring this woman to safety and she later made a full recovery in hospital.

The selfless efforts of Garda Purcell led in no small way to the saving of this person’s life and she was awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery.

Garda Eileen Murphy and Garda Kevin Mooney

On Friday, 2nd April 2010, Garda Eileen Murphy and Garda Kevin Mooney were on duty in Mullingar when they were informed by a colleague from Mullingar Garda Station that a call was received from a person in a distressed state on the Dublin Bridge.

When they arrived there they were unable to locate the individual. So they searched the area and eventually found a man on his back in the canal. A struggle ensued but with assistance Garda Mooney and Garda Murphy managed to bring the victim to the bank of the canal.

Garda Kevin Mooney and Garda Eileen Murphy displayed exceptional courage in entering the water to save this person and both were awarded a Certificate of Bravery.

Comhairle na Mire Gaile

The Council, which is chaired by the Ceann Comhairle, includes the Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, the Lord Mayor of Cork, the Garda Commissioner, the President of the Association of City & County Councils and the Chairman of the Irish Red Cross. The Council was established in 1947 to provide for suitable recognition by the State of deeds of bravery.

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