Update: The faces of Mullingars three heroes
This photo shows the faces of the three Mullingar men honoured yesterday for their bravery.
Taken by Ger O'Connor, who generously supplied it to The Westmeath Examiner, it shows, from left, Ross Brunton, who received a certificate; Chris Carr, who received a bronze medal, and Leon Matthews, who received a certificate.
It was actually Mr O'Connor who nominated postman Leon and bar managers Chris and Ross for the bravery awards, after they sprang into action upon realising there was a fire at 4, Harbour Street, Mullingar on March 5 2014.
"Having secured a ladder from Kerrigan’s Pub across the road, the trio launched a dramatic and daring rescue attempt, freeing two men from upstairs in the building and a woman who was trapped on the ground floor. Their intervention most certainly saved lives," Mr O'Connor told The Westmeath Examiner.
The awards were presented by Ceann Comhairle Seán Barrett, TD, at a ceremony at Farmleigh House in Dublin.
The National Bravery honours are awarded by Comhairle na Mire Gaile – the Deeds of Bravery Council – which was established in 1947 to provide for suitable recognition by the State of deeds of bravery.
The Council, which is chaired by the Ceann Comhairle, includes the Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, the Lord Mayor of Cork, the Garda Commissioner, the President of the Association of City and County Councils and the Chairman of the Irish Red Cross.
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