Young Roscommon man who saved the life of a swimmer honoured

A young Knockcroghery man who helped save the life of a person who got into difficulty while swimming at Hodson Bay was recognised with a Special Achievement Award at the 2024 Garda Youth Awards presented in Roscommon.

The award is unique in that it is presented to a nominee of outstanding achievement whose skills are universally recognised by the judging panel for his/her immense act of courage and fortitude.

Cormac Petrie (19) was honoured for his part in saving the life of a swimmer who got into difficulty.

Cormac is currently the youngest member of the Roscommon Civil Defence Unit and used his training to save a person’s life in April of this year when he noticed a young woman had gotten into difficulty swimming at the Hodson Bay amenity.

Showing tremendous grace under pressure, Cormac noticed the distressed swimmer floating in the water in an unresponsive state. He calmly took control of this life and death situation, resuscitating the young woman.

In doing so, Cormac reassured the lady’s parents and stabilised her until the ambulance arrived. Showing maturity beyond his years, he was able to keep everybody calm as he worked to resuscitate the unresponsive person in full view of the many panic stricken bystanders.

Undoubtedly, his actions saved this young woman’s life and thankfully, she was released from hospital a few days later, much to the relief of the woman’s family and friends.

As well as being a Civil Defence volunteer, he provides medical back up and assistance at GAA sporting events. He has similarly volunteered his services at fun runs, concerts and notably has 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, charm and an easy-going nature that is admired by all who have the pleasure in coming into contact with him.

Despite his own busy academic, sporting and social schedules, he engages easily with all those around him and they, in turn, trust him to do a great job. His selflessness and dedication through his actions highlight the true spirit of volunteerism.

His ability to step into a life-or death situation went way beyond what is expected of a young person and demonstrates what an outstanding member of the community he is and is so deserving of this Special Recognition Award, said the judges.

Cormac is studying mechanical engineering at TUS Athlone and the university was thrilled at his award.