{"id":196797,"date":"2025-12-17T16:40:20","date_gmt":"2025-12-17T16:40:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/196797\/"},"modified":"2025-12-17T16:40:20","modified_gmt":"2025-12-17T16:40:20","slug":"in-pictures-water-safety-ireland-laois-hosts-annual-water-safety-awards-ceremony","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/196797\/","title":{"rendered":"In Pictures: Water Safety Ireland Laois hosts annual Water Safety Awards ceremony"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>Pictured are the Water Safety Certificate Recepients with Ann Marie Maher, Laois Co Co, Michael Rainey, C.E.O Laois Co Co, Cllr. Barry Walsh. Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co, Mary Wrafter, James O’Sullivan, Stephen O’Toole, Noel McCarthy, Ireland Water Safety Laois Photo Denis Byrne<\/p>\n

Laois County Council, in partnership with Water Safety Ireland \u2013 Laois, hosted the presentation of certificates and awards to participants of the Water Safety Ireland courses for the 2023\/24 and 2024\/25 periods.\n<\/p>\n

The awards ceremony took place on Thursday, December 11, in \u00c1ras an Chontae, Portlaoise, followed by a reception.\n<\/p>\n

The event celebrated the achievements of local individuals who had completed their water safety training, as well as the invaluable contributions of the volunteer instructors and examiners who dedicated their time and expertise to making Laois a safer place for water activities.\n<\/p>\n

Among the notable attendees was Clare McGrath, Chairperson of Water Safety Ireland, who addressed the gathering and offered her congratulations to the awardees.<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

It was an honour to welcome her to Laois, where her leadership continues to make a significant impact in water safety across Ireland.\n<\/p>\n

Clare also took the opportunity to encourage the public to promote the Water Safety video featuring Liam Neeson, which reflects on the tragic lives lost to drowning and urges everyone to learn swimming and lifesaving skills and to always wear a life jacket when on the water.<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Stephen O\u2019Toole, Chairperson of Laois Water Safety, expressed his pride in the success of the recent water safety classes:\n<\/p>\n

\u201cTonight, we celebrate the hard work and dedication of those who have taken the time to learn essential water safety skills.<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cWe are incredibly proud of all the participants, instructors, and volunteers who have made this programme a success.\n<\/p>\n

\u201cWater safety is not just a lesson in skills. It\u2019s a life-saving initiative that ensures our community can enjoy water activities with confidence.\n<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are especially proud of our initiative to offer free water safety classes to all those involved in rescue services over the past two years.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

\"\"\n<\/p>\n

An Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Barry Walsh, whose son also received an award at the ceremony, praised the value of the water safety classes, saying:\n<\/p>\n

\u201cAs a parent, I know firsthand how valuable these water safety courses are. CPR, for example, is something that everyone should know and dedicate some time to learn those skills.
\n\"\"Harry Doyle presented with his Certificate by Cllr. Barry Walsh Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co with Stephen O\u2019Toole Water Safety Laois and Clare McGrath, Water Safety Ireland Chair Photo Denis Byrne\n<\/p>\n

\u201cMy own son has benefited greatly from the skills learned through this programme, and I am proud to see so many young people in Laois gaining the knowledge that could save lives.\n<\/p>\n

\u201cThese courses are more than just lessons, they are essential tools for keeping our children and families safe while enjoying our beautiful waterways.\u201d
\n\"\"Richie Faulkner presented with his Certificate by Cllr. Barry Walsh Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co with Stephen O\u2019Toole, Water Safety Laois Clare McGrath, Water Safety Ireland Chair Photo Denis Byrne\n<\/p>\n

The event also recognised Padraic Dolan and Sgt. Paul O\u2019Shea, who were recently honoured at the National Water Safety Awards for their exceptional contributions to water safety in Laois.\n<\/p>\n

Padraig Dolan shared his own story of a CPR rescue of 14-year-old Logan Smith a number of months ago.
\n\"\"Tom Gorman presented with his Certificate by Cllr. Barry Walsh Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co with Stephen O\u2019Toole, Water Safety Laois and Clare McGrath, Water Safety Ireland Chair Photo Denis Byrne\n<\/p>\n

Alongside Logan and his father Se\u00e1n who also shared their experience of the incident, it was a startling reminder on the night of the importance of competency in water safety.\n<\/p>\n

Sgt. Paul O\u2019Shea outlined two rescue scenarios that he had been involved in in his capacity as a Garda. This showed how he had used his lifesaving skills to save lives in real-life situations.
\n\"\"Emily O\u2019Rourke presented with her Certificate by Cllr. Barry Walsh Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co with Mary Wrafter, Clare McGrath, Water Safety Ireland Chair and Noel McCarthy, Water Safety Laois Photo Denis Byrne\n<\/p>\n

The bravery and quick thinking of Sgt. Paul O\u2019Shea and Padraig Dolan serve as an inspiration to all, demonstrating the true impact of water safety education.\n<\/p>\n

Lynda Kiernan, a journalist with the Leinster Express known for her support of water safety initiatives, was also recognised for her role in raising awareness and promoting water safety through the local press.
\n\"\"Emily O\u2019Rourke presented with her Certificate by Cllr. Barry Walsh Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co with Mary Wrafter, Clare McGrath, Water Safety Ireland Chair and Noel McCarthy, Water Safety Laois Photo Denis Byrne\n<\/p>\n

The ceremony served as a poignant reminder of the critical importance of water safety education and its vital role in preventing accidents and saving lives.\n<\/p>\n

Laois County Council remains committed to working alongside Water Safety Ireland \u2013 Laois to ensure that these life-saving courses are available to the community and is dedicated to expanding such initiatives in the future.
\n\"\"Roisin Doheny presented with her Certificate by Cllr. Barry Walsh Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co with Stephen O\u2019Toole, Water Safety Laois Clare McGrath, Water Safety Ireland Chair Photo Denis Byrne
\n\"\"Pictured are Padraic Dolan with Logan and Sean Smyth Photo Denis Byrne
\n\"\"Pictured are the Water Safety Certificate Recepients with Ann Marie Maher, Laois Co Co, Michael Rainey, C.E.O Laois Co Co, Cllr. Barry Walsh. Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co, Mary Wrafter, James O\u2019Sullivan, Stephen O\u2019Toole, Noel McCarthy, Ireland Water Safety Laois Photo Denis Byrne
\n\"\"Sophie Rainey presented with her Certificate by Cllr. Barry Walsh Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co with Mary Wrafter, Clare McGrath, Water Safety Ireland Chair and Noel McCarthy, Water Safety Laois Photo Denis Byrne
\n\"\"Alannah Boylan presented with her Certificate by Cllr. Barry Walsh Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co with Stephen O\u2019Toole, Water Safety Laois and Clare McGrath, Water Safety Ireland Chair Photo Denis Byrne
\n\"\"Ellen Comerford presented with her Certificate by Cllr. Barry Walsh Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co with Stephen O\u2019Toole, Water Safety Laois and Clare McGrath, Water Safety Ireland Chair Photo Denis Byrne
\n\"\"Harry Doyle presented with his Certificate by Cllr. Barry Walsh Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co with Stephen O\u2019Toole Water Safety Laois and Clare McGrath, Water Safety Ireland Chair Photo Denis Byrne
\n\"\"James Dunne presented with his Certificate by Cllr. Barry Walsh Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co with Stephen O\u2019Toole, Water Safety Laois and Clare McGrath, Water Safety Ireland Chair Photo Denis Byrne
\n\"\"Rian Fox presented with his Certificate by Cllr. Barry Walsh Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co with Stephen O\u2019Toole, Water Safety Laois and Clare McGrath, Water Safety Ireland Chair Photo Denis Byrne
\n\"\"Tom Gorman presented with his Certificate by Cllr. Barry Walsh Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co with Stephen O\u2019Toole, Water Safety Laois and Clare McGrath, Water Safety Ireland Chair Photo Denis Byrne
\n\"\"Eoin Holland presented with his Certificate by Cllr. Barry Walsh Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co with Mary Wrater and Clare McGrath, Water Safety Ireland Chair Photo Denis Byrne
\n\"\"Ella McCormack presented with her Certificate by Cllr. Barry Walsh Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co with Mary Wrafter and Clare McGrath, Water Safety Ireland Chair Photo Denis Byrne
\n\"\"Charlie McCormack presented with his Certificate by Cllr. Barry Walsh Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co with James O\u2019Sullivan, Clare McGrath, Water Safety Ireland Chair and Noel McCarthy, Water Safety Laois Photo Denis Byrne
\n\"\"Madeleine Mockler presented with her Certificate by Cllr. Barry Walsh Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co with James O\u2019Sullivan, Clare McGrath, Water Safety Ireland Chair and Noel McCarthy, Water Safety Laois Photo Denis Byrne
\n\"\"Alexandra Nicular presented with her Certificate by Cllr. Barry Walsh Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co with James O\u2019Sullivan, Clare McGrath, Water Safety Ireland Chair and Noel McCarthy, Water Safety Laois Photo Denis Byrne
\n\"\"Keelin O\u2019Brien presented with her Certificate by Cllr. Barry Walsh Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co with Mary Wrafter, Clare McGrath, Water Safety Ireland Chair and Noel McCarthy, Water Safety Laois Photo Denis Byrne
\n\"\"Emily O\u2019Rourke presented with her Certificate by Cllr. Barry Walsh Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co with Mary Wrafter, Clare McGrath, Water Safety Ireland Chair and Noel McCarthy, Water Safety Laois Photo Denis Byrne
\n\"\"Abi O\u2019Rourke presented with her Certificate by Cllr. Barry Walsh Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co with Mary Wrafter, Clare McGrath, Water Safety Ireland Chair and Noel McCarthy, Water Safety Laois Photo Denis Byrne
\n\"\"Garda Paul O\u2019Shea presented with his Certificate by Cllr. Barry Walsh Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co with Mary Wrafter, Clare McGrath, Water Safety Ireland Chair and Noel McCarthy, Water Safety Laois Photo Denis Byrne
\n\"\"Thomas Scott presented with his Certificate by Cllr. Barry Walsh Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co with Mary Wrafter, Clare McGrath, Water Safety Ireland Chair and Noel McCarthy, Water Safety Laois Photo Denis Byrne
\n\"\"Sophie Rainey presented with her Certificate by Cllr. Barry Walsh Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co with Mary Wrafter, Clare McGrath, Water Safety Ireland Chair and Noel McCarthy, Water Safety Laois Photo Denis Byrne
\n\"\"Antonina Sroka presented with her Certificate by Cllr. Barry Walsh Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co with Mary Wrafter, Clare McGrath, Water Safety Ireland Chair and Noel McCarthy, Water Safety Laois Photo Denis Byrne
\n\"\"Zuzanna and Antonina Sroka
\n\"\"Zuzanna Sroka presented with her Certificate by Cllr. Barry Walsh Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co with Mary Wrafter, Clare McGrath, Water Safety Ireland Chair and Noel McCarthy, Water Safety Laois Photo Denis Byrne
\n\"\"Ruadhan Toibin presented with his Certificate by Cllr. Barry Walsh Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co with Stephen O\u2019Toole, Water Safety Laois Clare McGrath, Water Safety Ireland Chair and Noel McCarthy, Water Safety Laois Photo Denis Byrne
\n\"\"Cillian Walsh presented with his Certificate by Cllr. Barry Walsh Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co with Stephen O\u2019Toole, Water Safety Laois Clare McGrath, Water Safety Ireland Chair and Noel McCarthy, Water Safety Laois Photo Denis Byrne
\n\"\"Bobby Whelan presented with his Certificate by Cllr. Barry Walsh Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co with Stephen O\u2019Toole, Water Safety Laois Clare McGrath, Water Safety Ireland Chair Photo Denis Byrne\n<\/p>\n

SEE ALSO \u2013 Laois Councillors vote to add extra 202 houses to housing development by rezoning<\/a>\n<\/p>\n

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