Knockcroghery's Cormac Petrie received a special recognition award at the Longford Roscommon Garda Youth Awards last week for a lifesaving rescue of a young swimmer in Hodson Bay, Athlone. Cormac is pictured here with Supt Jason Miley, of Roscommon Gardai.

Knockcroghery's Cormac (19) honoured for lifesaving rescue at Hodson Bay

Nineteen-year-old Knockcroghery native Cormac Petrie has been honoured for saving the life of a young swimmer who had gotten into difficulty in the Hodson Bay area of Lough Ree earlier this year.

The Longford Roscommon Garda Youth Awards were held on Thursday last, October 24, and saw Cormac being singled out for the 'special achievement' award as a result of his courage and quick action.

The rescue, which took place in April of this year, began when Cormac noticed a distressed swimmer floating in the water in an unresponsive state at Hodson Bay, Reacting quickly, he calmly resuscitated the young woman.

He then reassured her parents, and stabilised her until the ambulance arrived.

Pictured at the Longford Roscommon Garda Youth Awards were: (L to R) Shane Tiernan, Chief Executive, Roscommon County Council;  Cormac Petrie, Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice, Cathaoirleach, Roscommon County Council and Supt. Jason Miley, Roscommon Gardai.

A citation issued on behalf of the Longford Roscommon Garda Youth Awards said Cormac had shown maturity beyond his years during the incident.

He was able to keep everybody calm as he worked to resuscitate the unresponsive person in full view of some panic-striken bystanders.

Cormac is currently the youngest member of the Roscommon Civil Defence Unit, and provides medical back up and assistance at GAA sporting events.

He has also volunteered his services at fun runs, concerts, and notably volunteered his services at a boxing competition between the Irish and Ukrainian National Boxing teams prior to last summer’s Olympic Games.

In receiving the award nomination, it was clear to the judging panel that Cormac goes about all of his voluntary work with dedication. His selflessness and dedication through his actions embody the true spirit of volunteerism.

In addition to receiving the Special Achievement Award at the Longford Roscommon Garda Youth Awards, where were held in Roscommon County Council's Áras an Chontae, Cormac was shortlisted for the Garda National Youth Awards.

The attendees at the awards event were addressed by the Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice and the Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Mark Casey.

The presentations were made by Superintendents Jason Miley and Michael Dorrigan. The respective Chief Executives of Roscommon and Longford County Councils, Shane Tiernan and Paddy Mahon also attended the ceremony.

Speaking at the event, Cllr Fitzmaurice said the awards honour the many achievements of outstanding young people in the Roscommon Longford Garda Division.

"Very often, we can allow ourselves to be consumed by cynicism, pessimism and inaction. Without people to inspire us like those nominated this evening, our world becomes very self-centred and embittered," he said.

On behalf of An Garda Síochána, Inspector David Cryan also commended the nominees and award winners: "Tonight is our way of saying thank you to the individuals and groups who make the lives of their families, peers and communities better places for everyone to enjoy.

"To all of you, I salute your efforts and thank you for your selfless work,” he remarked.