Northsiders’ acts of bravery recognised

TWO Northsiders have been recognised for outstanding acts of bravery.

Arthur Duff and Elizabeth Barrett were among 21 recipients of the awards which were presented by Ceann Comhairle Seán Barrett TD at a national ceremony in Farmleigh House.

In the late hours of September 5, 2007, Arthur Duff was at his home in the North Strand area when he was disturbed by the noise of people outside his home.

Through his window he observed a couple. When the noise suddenly stopped he once again went to the window where he saw them face down in the Royal Canal which runs by his house.

Without hesitating, Mr Duff went to the assistance of the couple and noticing a boy on his bicycle he called him to raise the alarm and call the emergency services.

Mr Duff jumped into the water and managed to bring the man to the water’s edge and get him out of the canal with the assistance of two gardaí who had arrived on the scene. He then returned to the water to retrieve the woman and again he was successful in bringing her to the canal edge where the gardaí were able to assist in removing her from the canal.

Both people were given CPR at the canal edge by the gardaí before being brought to hospital where they were treated. Sadly the woman later died in the Mater Hospital.

Mr Duff, who at his own personal risk, jumped into the canal to rescue the couple, showed immense bravery and courage in the actions he took. He was awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery.

Elizabeth Barrett was also awarded a Certificate of Bravery. In July 1999, she was a scout leader with the Skerries Unit who were camping along with other units in Lough Key, County Roscommon.

One of the other scout leaders from another unit waded into Louth Key and, as she did, the sands below began to shift. As she couldn’t swim she lost her footing and fell into the water.

The scene was unfolding in front of many young members who were obviously stricken by the sight of one of their leaders struggling in the water.

Ms Barrett took control of the situation and after ensuring that the youngsters were safe and calm, she swam the distance into the lake and rescued her colleague, towing her back to the safety of dry land. If it were not for Ms Barrett’s swift actions, this event could have resulted in a much more serious outcome.

The honours were awarded by Comhairle na Mire Gaile – the Deeds of Bravery Council – which was established in 1947 to provide for suitable recognition by the State of deeds of bravery.

The Ceann Comhairle congratulated the award recipients.

“We celebrate, recognise, and we give thanks to members of our communities who, through their selfless acts of courage have helped other people,

? said Deputy Barrett.

“In going to the aid of others at great risk to their own safety, our award winners have brought great pride to themselves and their families and great happiness to the people and the families of those they have helped.

?