Bravery awards for three who rescued woman from blaze

Three Mullingar men who helped rescue a woman from a burning building last year have been recognised for their bravery at an event in Dublin.

Chris Carr was awarded a bronze medal for his part in the rescue, while certificates of bravery were awarded to Ross Brunton and Leon Matthews.

The awards were presented by Ceann Comhairle Seán Barrett, TD, at a ceremony at Farmleigh House in Dublin.

The event for which the Westmeath men were awarded occurred at Harbour Street in March 2014, after a building containing a number of apartments went on fire.

Chris Carr was passing the building and saw the fire and smoke. He obtained a fire extinguisher from a nearby pub and was assisted by Ross Brunton and Leon Matthews.

The National Bravery honours are awarded by Comhairle na Mire Gaile – the Deeds of  Bravery Council – which was established in 1947 to provide for suitable recognition by the State of deeds of bravery.

The Council, which is chaired by the Ceann Comhairle, includes the Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, the Lord Mayor of Cork, the Garda Commissioner, the President of the Association of City and County Councils and the Chairman of the Irish Red Cross.