THE lifesaving actions of courageous Donegal people will be acknowledged as part of an awards ceremony to honour them.
Water Safety Ireland announced that over three dozen lives were saved from drowning nationwide.
Its national awards ceremony will be held in the Mansion House, Dublin tomorrow.
Water Safety Ireland chief Joanne Walsh said: “Some 38 lives were saved from drowning thanks to the swift and selfless actions of rescuers.
“These awards shine a light on ordinary people who made extraordinary decisions when faced with an emergency.
“Their courage and quick thinking saved lives and serve as an inspiration to us all.”
“Every rescue recognised today is also a reminder of how quickly a situation can become an emergency around water.
“We encourage everyone to learn the risks, develop their water safety skills and look out for those around them.
“A simple water safety conversation with family, friends and colleagues can help prevent a tragedy.”
Minister of State Jerry Buttimer will present the rescue awards to the Donegal heroes.
He said: “It is a privilege to honour these extraordinary individuals who responded swiftly and acted selflessly and courageously in moments of crisis.
“Their quick responses to people in difficulty are a powerful reminder of the importance of water safety awareness whenever we are near our canals, rivers, lakes and coastline.”
DONEGAL HEROES
Chief Superintendant Goretti Sheridan presenting a certificate to recipient Caitlin McFadden . (North West Newspix)Matthew Corr and Caitlin McFadden
At Lough Na Tooey, Co Donegal, on September 6, 2025, Matthew Corr and 17-year-old Caitlin McFadden responded when a teenager and his uncle fell from a rowing boat.
Caitlin swam more than 100 metres to reach them while Matthew also entered the water and brought the rowing boat back towards the casualties.
Together, they managed to get both men onto the boat and returned them to safely to shore. They both made a full recovery.
Alan Clancy, Trish Corr, Nicky Corr
At Bundoran Main Beach on January 15, 2026, Alan Clancy witnessed a child being swept towards the sea by a large wave, followed by the child’s mother who was also caught in the current.
Without hesitation, Alan entered the water with a ring buoy, reached both casualties and guided them safely back to shore.
He then remained with the child, providing reassurance and care until assistance arrived.
Shortly afterwards, Trish and Nicky Corr arrived at the scene and provided vital support.
Recognising that the child was suffering from the effects of cold exposure, they wrapped her in additional blankets and carried her up the beach, continuing to care for her until emergency services took over.
Thanks to the swift actions, courage and compassion shown by Alan, Trish and Nicky, both mother and child made a full recovery.
Stephen Curran
At Tra Beag, Co Donegal, on August 1, 2025, Stephen Curran saw a woman struggling in difficult sea conditions and entered the water in an attempt to help her.
He soon realised that they had both been caught in a rip current.
Recognising the serious danger they were in, Stephen made the difficult decision to swim diagonally across the current in an effort to reach the shore.
Although the rescue attempt was ultimately unsuccessful, Stephen demonstrated exceptional courage and selflessness through his willingness to try to help another person in distress.
Iarom Madden, Clem McInerney, Gerald Ardbuckle, Kevin Brandley, Adam Gallagher, Aaron Dees, Ruby Knox, Matthieu Glemarec
At Main Beach, Bundoran, on May 25, 2026, surfer Iarom Madden noticed two teenage swimmers caught in a powerful rip current.
He reached them and used his surfboard to provide flotation while carefully navigating them through hazardous waves and around dangerous reef areas.
After travelling a considerable distance, Iarom reached fellow surfers and coordinated a team rescue, with the group eventually bringing both swimmers safely to shore.
His exceptional knowledge, judgement and leadership were central to the successful rescue.
Garda Stephen McGonigle
Garda McGonigle demonstrated exceptional courage and selflessness during a life-saving rescue at Swan Park, Buncrana, Co Donegal, on October 8, 2025.
While in the area, Stephen noticed a man in distress on a bridge overlooking the Crana River and attempted to intervene by speaking with him and encouraging him not to enter the water.
When the casualty subsequently entered the river and sustained injuries after striking rocks, Stephen immediately responded by entering the water and making his way to the casualty.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Stephen was able to reach the injured man and bring him safely towards the riverbank.
Emergency services attended, and the casualty was transported to hospital for treatment.
Stephen’s quick thinking, bravery and decisive actions were instrumental in saving the casualty’s life and preventing a potentially tragic outcome.
A number of people from Donegal are to be honoured for their bravery at a special event at Dublin’s Mansion House on Tuesday.