Garda hailed a hero for jumping into fast-flowing river to save drowning tourist in West of Ireland
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Garda hailed a hero for jumping into fast-flowing river to save drowning tourist in West of Ireland

TRAGEDY was averted in the West of Ireland after a young garda dived into a fast-flowing river to save a man’s life.

Garda Stephen Fahy is being hailed a hero after he took part in the rescue under the Hyde Bridge in Sligo yesterday.

The brave officer was joined in the Garavogue River by local man Adam McGoldrick as the pair dragged the man to shore following the incident.

Chief Superintendent Michael Clancy has praised the heroics of both men.

“I personally commended Garda Fahy and also Adam McGoldrick on their courage and heroism and a life has being saved as a result of their brave action,” he said.

It's understood Garda Fahy was on patrol when he noticed the man in difficulty in the Garavogue River.

He jumped into the water fully clothed and swam to the man as he struggled to stay afloat.

Dozens of bystanders watched as Mr McGoldrick joined Garda Fahy in the river to drag the man back to safety.

The man involved, believed to be holidaying in Sligo, was saved from his ordeal and brought to Sligo Hospital where he was treated for hypothermia.

The recent incident is just the latest in a number of rescues at the same spot near to the Hyde Bridge.

At least four similar cases have occurred in the river this year, including a teenage girl who had to be saved by her friends.