ACHILL MEN AND ACHILL COASTGUARD AWARDED FOR BRAVERY. Tony and Patrick McNamara, Dooagh, attended the National Marine Gallantry and Meritorious Service Awards in Farmleigh House yesterday, Thursday 23rd October to receive an award for their bravery in rescuing a man in extreme difficulties after his kayak capsized while he was helping his son who had also capsized in August 2012. The father had lost consciousness under water and his son let off a flare. Patrick and Tony were returning from Purteen by car when they saw the flare and immediately went to Dooagh pier, launched a currach and went to their rescue. The two men were brought back safely to Dooagh pier where they were met by the Achill coast guard and ambulance and transferred by rescue helicopter to hospital. Happily the man went on to make a full recovery thanks to Patricks and Tonys quick thinking. Achill Coast Guard were awarded a Marine Meritorious Service Medal for their courage, tenacity, initiative and professionalism to save a man’s life in dangerous conditions of darkness, rough terrain, poor weather and an extended period of being exposed to such a difficult mission on Slievemore mountain, in November 2009. Congratulations to all involved.
Posted on: Fri, 24 Oct 2014 09:22:02 +0000