Former Kildare resident to be awarded the State's highest bravery award for a civilian

A former soldier and Kildare resident is to posthumously receive the highest bravery award available to a civilian in the State. 

James ‘Jimmy’ Nicholl, who was in his early 40s, lost his life attempting to save a drowning man in the River Liffey in Dublin last April. 

James, who had been living homeless in Dublin, dived into the cold water and managed to reach the drowning man but sadly both succumbed to the strong river currents. He was hailed a hero following his tragic death.  

Now he is set to become only the 14th person ever to be awarded a Gold Medal for bravery since the Deeds of Bravery awards began 75 years ago in 1947.  

RTE broadcaster Joe Duffy and a number of his listeners were among those who nominated James to the Comhairle na Míre Gaile/Deeds of Bravery awards.   

The nomination was put before Comhairle na Míre Gaile /the Deeds of Bravery Council at their formal meeting which was held on Friday, July 7 in remote, virtual format.

In attendance on the day were Ceann Comhairle, Seán Ó Fearghaíl TD,  Cathaoirleach Seanad Eireann, Jerry Buttimer, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, President Association of Irish Local Government Cllr Pat Fitzpatrick, Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Daithí de Róiste and  Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Kieran McCarthy. 

The Chair, Seán Ó Fearghaíl TD, noted that James was a man for whom life had become dark and difficult through addiction but who saw something in the life of another human being that was worth saving and did not hesitate to step forward. 

“In risking his own life while trying to save the life of a stranger, James Nicholl represented the very best impulse in all of us, the impulse to come to the aid of someone in need, regardless of the fear we feel, or the cost we might bear,” the council noted. 

The Council considered awarding James a Gold Medal for bravery and were unanimous in this consideration. The members present were reminded by the Council Secretary of the extraordinary high bar for the recommendation of a Gold medal award, few of which have been given in the history of the awards.

With this in mind, Comhairle na Míre Gaile felt that James Nicholl was deserving of such an award and recommended a posthumous Gold Medal be given to him at the national awards ceremony to be held on Friday,  November 10, 2023.

The council reviewed 21 submissions, related to the deeds of 28 individuals which involved rescue from fires, water, domestic assault and other dangerous situations. Two weeks prior to the meeting, all members of the Comhairle were provided with copies of the submissions book, which contained excerpts from the nominations in each case, as well as Garda reports and relevant media items. This allowed them to carefully consider each case individually before convening as a council.

https://www.offalyexpress.ie/news/home/1148193/former-localresident-who-died-in-rescue-attempt-hailed-a-hero.html

Options available for the council regarding each submission were as follows; No award, a Letter of Commendation, Certificate of Bravery, Certificate and Bronze medal, Certificate and Silver Medal or Certificate and Gold medal.

For a recommendation to stand, at least four members of Comhairle Na Míre Gaile, the Deeds of Bravery Council, must be in favour and this rule was followed in each instance.

The nomination for James Nicholl was reviewed in depth by members, before and during the meeting.

From the beginning, the magnitude of the sacrifice made by James Nicholl was recognised by the Comhairle.