Two Gardai honoured for Athlone river rescue bravery

Two local Gardai were among those honoured at Water Safety Ireland’s National Annual Awards Ceremony at the O’Reilly Hall, UCD, Dublin on Tuesday, October 21.

On March 1, 2025, Gardaí Cathal Daly and Dylan Dunleavy were alerted to a male in distress in the River Shannon near Burgess Park in Athlone. Both Gardaí entered the water and successfully rescued the man, bringing him to safety. The male subsequently made a full recovery.

For their courage, Gardaí Daly and Dunleavy were honoured with Lifesaving Bravery Awards

Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Jerry Buttimer presented Seiko Just in Time Awards, Rescue Appreciation Awards and Bravery Awards to 73 individuals whose bravery prevented water tragedies across Ireland and abroad.

The event also celebrated the enduring dedication of over 70 Water Safety Ireland volunteers, who received Long-Service Awards for teaching swimming, water rescue, and survival skills – representing a combined 1,755 years of voluntary service.