'Those who rescued Machaire Rabhartaigh students should be given awards'

The bravery and courage of those who heroically saved the lives of students who got into difficulty on Machaire Rabhartaigh beach, in 2019,  should be acknowledged, a councillor has said. 

Students who were in attendance at Coláiste Mhachaire Rabhartaigh were enjoying activities in the area when they were swept out by a riptide in August, 2019. 

Cousins Daniel Ferry, Eugene Ferry and Christopher Mc Garrigle were among those who rushed to the rescue of the Gaeltacht students.

Christopher and his cousin Donal went out on a boat when the emergency signal came from the Malin Head Coast Guard. Meanwhile, Eugene sped to help the  students on a surf boat.

Emergency services and the Rescue 118 helicopter were also at the scene. Fifteen people were taken from the sea during the course of the rescue. 

A number of students were brought to Letterkenny University Hospital following the incident. 

Speaking at a recent meeting of the Glenties Municipal District, Micheal Cholm Mac Giolla Easbuic asked that the heroic actions of the men had to be recognised. He said that those involved in the rescue should be rewarded for their bravery. 

The CEO of Gael Linn thanks all those who took part in rescue of college students

Fifteen lives saved at sea in dramatic rescue

In 2019, the Chief Executive of Gael Linn, Antoine Ó Coileáin, paid tribute to the local heroes of the day and visited the college in Machaire Rabhartaigh following the incident to see the students who were back in class. 

“I would like to pay tribute to the local boat men and surfers who successfully took the swimmers from the water. The assistance of the Irish Coastguard  and Rescue 118 is gratefully acknowledged. The college staff responded magnificently to the alarm and took the greatest care of students,” Mr Ó Coileáin said.