A BANK holiday tragedy was dramatically averted after a young garda dived into a fast-flowing river in order to save the life of a man.

Garda Stephen Fahy is being hailed a hero following the rescue effort at the Hyde bridge in Sligo yesterday.

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It's understood Garda Fahy was on patrol when he noticed a man jumped into the Garavogue river fully clothed.

Dozens of people watched with some recording the man, believed to be a foreign national, struggling in the water with their mobile phones.

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Garda Fahy and a local man, Adam McGoldrick, dragged the individual to safety.

He was brought to hospital where he was treated for hypothermia.

Garda Fahy has been working with An Garda Siochana for two years.

Senior gardai believe the incident would have ended in tragedy had it not been for the quick actions taken by the two 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 actions," said Chief Superintendent Michael Clancy, who is the Divisional Officer for Sligo Leitrim.

And GRA representative for the division, Garda Ray Wims, told Independent.ie that the act illustrates the commitment local gardai show towards the community.

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"Garda Fahy's actions clearly demonstrates the levels of heroism displayed, he said.

"This heroic act is another indication of type of dedicated committed Gardaí that serve our communities. They are heroes.

"We also acknowledge the heroism shown by Adam McGoldrick."

Mr McGoldrick told Independent.ie that he jumped in in order to assist the garda in the rescue effort.

"I know Stephen from my job and it was the least I could do after seeing the man jump and then when it just Stephen and another guard at the scene I told him I didn't mind going in."

If you have been affected by the issues raised in this article please contact the Samaritans on 116123 for support or visit the website on www.samaritans.org.

Pieta House can be contacted on 1800 247 247. For more information on Pieta House visit www.pieta.ie.

Online Editors