Blue Light award for Ballinahown native

By Kevin O'Neill

Some years ago, Ballinahown native Kieran Daly had a dream to become a fully qualified paramedic with the ambulance service.

His ambition, which often seemed distant for Kieran, who has autism, eventually became a reality about seven years ago.

And such was his heroic journey that he was recently awarded with the 'Overcoming Adversity' accolade at the Ireland Blue Light Awards at The Clayton Hotel, Dublin.

Kieran, also a former member of Kilbeggan Fire Service, was often written off in his quest to qualify as a paramedic, having several applications rejected to study the role in higher educational programmes.

However, he persevered and eventually got accepted onto a course in Dublin.

Such was his commitment, Kieran drove to the capital each weekday to arrive two hours before other course participants, as part of his individual programme involving visual learning.

Afterwards, he would join his class-mates for theoretical lectures, and it was this determination – along with his wonderful contribution to the ambulance service in recent years - that earned him the honour at the Blue Light Awards, which recognise the dedication, bravery, and professionalism of the incredible individuals and teams in Ireland’s blue light and frontline services.

The scheme has been modelled on the Blue Light Awards that have been held in Northern Ireland since 2024.

Since qualifying as a paramedic, Kieran has served in the Athlone and Roscommon regions, but in more recent years has been a long-time member of Edenderry Ambulance Service, where his work-ethic and knowledge of the role has earned him the utmost respect of his colleagues. Kieran was accompanied to the awards' ceremony in Dublin by colleague and supervisor Yvette Millington, who described the occasion as an extremely proud moment for Kieran, herself, and the Edenderry Ambulance Service.

Twice in recent years, Kieran's excellent work has also come to national attention. In 2023, Aoife Horisk, a Tyrone Gaelic footballer, experienced tingling and pain in her neck and upper back after colliding with a Westmeath opponent and it looked like a potentially serious injury.

Kieran took on the role of clinical lead and assisted Order of Malta personnel with proper spinal immobility for the player in case of serious injury. After the game, Tyrone officials and team management were quick to thank Kieran for his exemplary work.

An active member of the Kilbeggan Shamrocks club, Kieran is a native of Ballinahown and his brothers, Tommy and Mick, were well-known players with Castledaly.

Kieran has been involved with the Kilbeggan club for many years, and has also been part of the backroom team with the Westmeath senior football squad as a kitman.

Previously, Daly was hailed a hero after administering first aid on a young player who collapsed during a Westmeath U15 football final between Inny Shamrocks and Lilliput Gaels in which he was the referee.

Kieran administered first aid on an Inny Shamrocks player. At the time, Ballynacargy GAA (the adult club of the player involved) acknowledged the "fast action" of Kieran, saying he was "very quick to notice something was wrong".

In acknowledging the Blue Light award, Kilbeggan Shamrocks GAA said: 'Kieran was chosen from over 170 nominees for overcoming the additional challenges he faced whilst training to become a paramedic. He has since turned that experience into a strength using his insight, intelligence and empathy to deliver exceptional patient care and show other neurodivergent people what is possible within a frontline career. Kieran has served us well both as a team medic and a referee, and is looking forward to taking up the whistle again in 2027 after taking a break this year'.

Athlone's Morgan Fagg was also recognised at the awards when named 'Youth Champion of the Year' for his work with Water Safety Ireland.