Laois Garda Sergeant saved male from drowning in Barrow River

A Laois Garda Sergeant has won a national award for his part in saving a person from drowning in the River Barrow this year.

Sgt Paul O'Shea from Portlaoise was presented with his Water Safety Ireland Lifesaving Bravery at the 2025 national awards ceremony in O'Reilly Hall, UCD on Tuesday, October 21.

His proud daughters Niamh and Katie went along to the awards in support.

The dramatic incident involved Sgt O'Shea along with fellow award winner Garda Colin Mallick from Carlow, pulling a drowning man out of the river at 4am in the morning.

The Awards MC, RTÉ's Síle Seoige read out the citation describing the incident in full.

Paul O’Shea (Sergeant, Garda) and Colin Mallick (Carlow) are presented with Lifesaving Bravery Awards by Jane Humphries, Chief Superintendent, An Garda Siochana (left) and Jerry Buttimer, TD, Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht (right). Photograph: David Branigan/Oceansport

"On July 12 2025 at the River Barrow, Garda Mallick and Sergeant O'Shea responded to an incident involving a male who had gotten into difficulty in the water. Upon assessing the situation, both members quickly located and deployed a lifebuoy in an attempt to assist the man.

"Recognising the urgency and the continued risk to the individual, both Garda Mallick and Sergeant O'Shea entered the water and made their way toward him. They successfully reached the man and, working together, brought him safely to the riverbank.

Garda Colin Mallick, Supt Anthony Farrell and Sgt Paul O'Shea. Photo: Leinster Express

"Emergency medical services arrived shortly thereafter and took over. The man subsequently make a full recovery".

Sgt O'Shea spoke to the Leinster Express / Laois Live after the ceremony.

"I am delighted to win it. It was a case of thinking and acting at the same time, I'm delighted," he said.

In all, 73 individuals were were presented with awards at the Water Safety Ireland national awards ceremony in O'Reilly Hall, UCD on October 21. They include Marlins Swim Club coach Padraic Dolan and the team who helped save the life of one of the members, and two Mountmellick born journalists, Leinster Express reporter Lynda Kiernan and Irish times reporter Sylvia Thompson who each received media awards.

Over fifty lives were saved from drowning over the past year in Ireland, thanks to the swift and selfless actions of rescuers who were recognised at the ceremony. 

The event also celebrated the enduring dedication of over 70 Water Safety Ireland volunteers who received Long Service Awards, some for up to 50 years, for teaching swimming, water rescue and survival skills. 

Read also: Laois store scoops national award for excellence

Water Safety Ireland CEO is Joanne Walsh.

"These awards shine a light on real-life heroes, ordinary people who made extraordinary decision in moments of crisis. Their actions saved lives and serve as an inspiration to us all.We urge everyone to reflect on these rescues and take time to become more aware of the risks," she said.

Jerry Buttimer, Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Affairs and the Gaeltacht, presented the awards while the event was MC'd by Síle Seoige.

Read Water Safety Ireland's guidelines at www.watersafety.ie