Donegal, Ireland – Four men are being hailed as heroes after a dramatic rescue that saved a man and two young children from a strong current at An Trá Mhór beach in Co Donegal last Friday. The swift actions of Maitiú Clerkin, Dualta Bracken, Turlough McDaid, and Joe Herron prevented a potential tragedy.
The incident occurred when Donegal Sinn Féin Councillor Brian Carr got into difficulty while attempting to rescue his son and niece, who had been swept out by a strong current.
Maitiú Clerkin, speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, recounted how he and Dualta Bracken heard a woman screaming for help and quickly paddled out on their boards. “I could see there were two kids further out in the water,” Clerkin said. “Me and Dualta had our boards so I started paddling out towards the two kids and got them.” He praised the children’s bravery and calmness, noting that the young boy, who had just started swimming lessons, was treading water remarkably well despite having no flotation device.
Meanwhile, Dualta Bracken made his way toward Councillor Carr. Bracken described the “critical” situation, explaining that the councillor had swallowed water and was struggling to stay afloat. Bracken managed to get him onto his board, but it took the combined efforts of all four men—including Turlough McDaid and Joe Herron—to bring him safely to shore.
“We genuinely needed all the manpower we could get to bring Brian in to dry sand,” Bracken said, emphasizing the importance of having basic first aid and water safety skills. He credited his own experience in these areas for helping him respond effectively during the crisis.
Councillor Carr is currently recovering at Letterkenny University Hospital, and both children are reported to be doing well. Although unable to speak to the program, Cllr Carr expressed his immense gratitude, stating that he is “only alive because of the men” and is eager to thank them personally.
