President Michael D Higgins said a traveller boy who rescued a mother and daughter from drowning in the River Barrow in Carlow last month is 'one of life's true heroes.’
In a message to Miley Doran, the President praised the 17-year-old for his heroic actions.
He said, “I was, along with citizens across the country, enormously impressed to hear of the courage and generous instinct which saw you rescue Stacey Foley and her daughter Sophie from the River Barrow," President Higgins said.
"That you did so with no thought for your own safety marks you out as one of life's true heroes, and a citizen of whom we can be very proud indeed."
He added: "You are also an inspiring role model for a generation of young Irish citizens."
Miley Doran sprung to action when he noticed that 13-year-old Sophie Foley was in difficulty after losing her footing and falling into the river.
Sophie’s mother, Stacey, then jumped into the river to try and save her daughter, but she too found herself in difficulty.
Without hesitation or regard for his own safety, Miley jumped in to rescue both of them.
Speaking of the incident to RTE News at One, Miley Doran said, “When I ran over to see what was happening… the woman was screaming in fear of her life, she was drowning.
“I had no time for a lifebuoy or anything like that. I had no choice but to jump in and pull the two of them out.
"I had to try and do the right thing.”
President Higgins said he plans to invite Miley to Áras an Uachtaráin when it is safe to do so.
