Waterford mother and son run into burning house to save neighbour from certain death

A Waterford mother and son have been honoured by the Government for their bravery after rushing into a burning house to rescue their neighbour.

Dawn and Shane Mc Lawrence were among those honoured by Ceann Comhairle, Verona Murphy TD, last Friday, December 5, as she presented 22 National Bravery Awards to individuals from across Ireland who risked their own lives to aid others.

Dawn and Shane were each awarded a Bronze medal and a Certificate of Bravery for their actions on November 24, 2023.

At around 10.30am that morning, Dawn McLawrence was walking past a neighbour’s house when she noticed smoke coming from the building. Having earlier spoken to the occupant, who told her she was feeling unwell and going to bed, Dawn tried to get in through the front door, but it was locked and there was no answer when she rang the bell.

The award citation continued: "Dawn then ran into her own house and alerted her 21-year-old son Shane, and together they tried to get in through the back door. The door was locked but Shane grabbed a shovel and broke the glass so that they could reach in to unlock it.

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"When Dawn and Shane got in the kitchen was full of smoke, and after opening an internal door they discovered the smoke emanating from the hallway. Due to the smoke, they found it hard to see anything, but they made out the occupant unconscious and unresponsive on the floor of the hall, with flames coming from the living room.

"The heat from the flames was intense, but Dawn and Shane grabbed their unconscious neighbour and began to pull her back down the hall. Due to the large amount of thick black smoke they had to take turns, one dragging the woman, while the other would protect their mouth to draw a breath. After managing to pull her from the hallway, they made it back out through the kitchen and into the rear garden. All three persons were treated by attending paramedics a short time later and went on to make a full recovery."

Speaking to guests at the ceremony, the Ceann Comhairle said: “We don’t all find ourselves standing with someone in the water, or holding onto them on a cliff edge, as some of our recipients have done. But every day we each have a chance to make a difference, by listening, supporting or just being there for someone when they need us.

"It is also a significant day for all those who will see, or hear, or read about these brave deeds and feel better to know there are still good things being done, by good people.To all of our award recipients, on behalf of the people of Ireland let me thank you again for your actions, for your selflessness and for your courage.

"What you have done has made the world feel a little less dark, a little less dangerous and gives hope to us all for the road ahead."

Recipients from counties Mayo, Galway, Clare, Kildare, Offaly, Roscommon, Dublin, Donegal, Waterford, Cork and Cavan were among those honoured at the ceremony in Leinster House.