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12th November 2013 • Volume 20, Issue 43 • Leader House, North Street, Swords, Co. Dublin. • Tel: 8•400•200 • info@northcountyleader.ie
Skerries Woman Rewarded For Bravery The bravery of a local woman has been recognised, when she was presented with an award for bravery, 14 years after the event. She received the award from Ceann Comhairle, Sean Barrett at a ceremony at Farmleigh House last week, after she saved a scout leader from drowning.
In July 1999, Elizabeth By Patrick Finnegan the water. Elizabeth Barrett from Skerries, was @TheCountyLeader explained, “Helen was in the lake and thought it then a 19 year old Scout Leader with the Skerries unit who was the same as being in the sea, were camping, along with other However, a lake is totally different to scouting units at Lough Key, near the sea and she took one step too many, and dropped into deep water. Boyle in County Roscommon. Elizabeth, who is now a lieutenant in Helen was a practical joker, and we the Naval Services, told the County all thought at first that she was just Leader about what happened on that messing, but she disappeared under eventful day. “Skerries scout group the water and was actually were at Lough Key, along with drowning.” Balbriggan scouts, when one of the At this point, Elizabeth hurried to Balbriggan scout leaders, Helen Helen’s assistance, but luckily she Lynch waded into Lough Key and, as kept her wits about her and didn’t she did, the sands below began to just jump in. She explained, “ I got shift. As she couldn’t swim, she lost into the water, and as I got close to her footing and fell into the water. her, she grabbed me and tried to The scene was unfolding in front of drag me under, as people in this situmany young members, who were ation will always do. I stayed calm obviously stricken by the sight of one and shouted at her not to pull me of their leaders struggling in down. Luckily, I had trained as a life-
guard in Gormanston and our training involved simulation exercises, but this was the real thing. Eventually, we were able to rescue Helen, much to the great relief of all.” Elizabeth’s initial reaction was annoyance at Helen putting herself in danger, not being able to swim. But this soon dissipated and was replaced by a feeling of relief and thanks for being in a position to be able to save a life,” she said. Elizabeth received a bronze medal from the scouting body shortly after the incident happened and she received this award from Eddie Darcy, leader of the Balbriggan Scouts. Indeed it was Eddie who nominated Elizabeth for her Certificate of Bravery, which she received last week. He was the Balbriggan group leader at the time
Skerries woman, Elizabth Barrett is pictured with her husband, Gary Farrell, after receiving her Certificate of Bravery from Ceann Comhairle, Sean Barrett at Farmleigh House on Friday, 1st November last.
the incident occurred. He told the County Leader, “Soon after the incident, I actually nominated her for an award and she received a Bronze Award for Bravery from Scouting Ireland. I’m delighted she received this award, as it’s very well deserved.” The citation read, “Elizabeth Barrett took control of the situation and after
ensuring that the youngsters were safe and calm, she swam the distance into the lake and rescued her colleague, towing her back to the safety of dry land. But for the swift actions of Elizabeth, this event could have resulted in a much more serious outcome. For her efforts, Elizabeth Barrett is awarded a Certificate of Bravery.”.
Determined Kinsealy Woman Gets Bus Shelter Delivered
There is just one week to go to until Swords school, Gaelscoil Bhrain Boroimhe's main fundraiser of the year, 'Stars in Your Eyes,' taking place on November 15th in the CityNorth Hotel. The singers are working hard to perfect their performances. The wigs have been fitted, the bell bottoms dusted off and the medallions polished ‘til shinning! They have 13 acts that need votes and support. It promises to be a great night’s entertainment to remember, with raffles and prizes galore. Last year’s fundraiser was a huge success, funding the installation of a new all-weather play area. This year the school aims to raise funds to support English and Irish reading schemes, and if funds permit a running track. Pictured here are the teachers female band “the spice girls” Emer, Sylvane, Laura, Clar, and Ciara.
The determined actions long time, as this particular of a local woman, has area is poorly served by resulted in the delivery of public transport. I took a much needed bus matters into my own hands shelter in Kinsealy. Local and decided to conduct a resident, Clodagh Collins campaign to have a shelter is a regular bus user and put in place. I contacted had become exasperated Brendan Ryan and the at the lack of a bus wheels were put in motion,” shelter outside Scoil an she said. Dhunninigh in Kinsealy. Ryan said, “We’ve been Single minded Clodagh campaigning with Clodagh showed true grit and Pictured at the new bus shelter beside Scoil an since 2010. Planning permisDhunninigh in Kinsealy, are local resident Clodagh determination and she Collins and Brendan Ryan TD. sion was needed for the made her mind up to do project, which was finally something about it. She decided to contact local TD, granted the green light last February. It was a long Brendan Ryan (Lab) to see if something could be done road, but we never gave up. This is a very busy bus to have this problem sorted out, once and for all. stop and the need for a shelter is now satisfied and the Clodagh told the County Leader, “This is a very busy new shelter makes a huge difference for bus users in bus stop, which serves the Holywell, Kinsealy and the area. I am very impressed with the spirit and deterRussell Terrace areas, and bus users have had to wait mination of Clodagh in seeing this important project in all weathers for buses. Sometimes, this could be a coming to pass,” he concluded.