Geraldine Mullan praises Kevin Barr in winning gold medal at National Bravery Awards

One of Inishowen's bravest sons has been honoured at the National Bravery Awards.

Quigley's Point man Kevin Barr received the prestigious gold medal for his courageous actions in rescuing Moville woman Geraldine Mullan from Lough Foyle two years ago.

The car Geraldine and her family had been travelling in lost control and entered the water at Quigley's Point on the night of Thursday, August 10, 2020.

A member of Greencastle Coast Guard Unit, Kevin Barr, who lives locally was quickly on the scene. He observed Geraldine on the bottom of the car as the car had turned over and landed on the roof. The waves were washing over her and she was in danger of being washed off the vehicle.

Without any hesitation Kevin made his way down to the vehicle and held onto her until the other emergency services arrived and helped get her to safety.

Tragically Geraldine lost her husband John, son Tómas and daughter Amelia in the accident.

Paying tribute to Kevin for his intervention, Geraldine said: “Kevin thoroughly deserves to be honoured in this way. If it wasn't for Kevin I wouldn't be today.

“Being a member of the coast guard Kevin's used to putting his life on the line you would never know it because he's such a humble person.

“I'm so pleased that he has been recognised for everything that he has done.”

Prior to the accident, the pair did not know each other and a lasting friendship between Geraldine and the Barr family has emerged.

“I didn't know Kevin before the accident but since then I have become good friends with the family.

“His wife Grace and her father, John McCarron helped me create the 'Field of Hope'.

“It was an honour for me to be there on such a proud day for Kevin and his family,” Geraldine added.

Also paying tribute, local councillor Terry Crossan congratulated Kevin on receiving the award which only one other Donegal man has received.