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
Laois County Council, in partnership with Water Safety Ireland – Laois, hosted the presentation of certificates and awards to participants of the Water Safety Ireland courses for the 2023/24 and 2024/25 periods.
The awards ceremony took place on Thursday, December 11, in Áras an Chontae, Portlaoise, followed by a reception.
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.
Among the notable attendees was Clare McGrath, Chairperson of Water Safety Ireland, who addressed the gathering and offered her congratulations to the awardees.
It was an honour to welcome her to Laois, where her leadership continues to make a significant impact in water safety across Ireland.
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.
Stephen O’Toole, Chairperson of Laois Water Safety, expressed his pride in the success of the recent water safety classes:
“Tonight, we celebrate the hard work and dedication of those who have taken the time to learn essential water safety skills.
“We are incredibly proud of all the participants, instructors, and volunteers who have made this programme a success.
“Water safety is not just a lesson in skills. It’s a life-saving initiative that ensures our community can enjoy water activities with confidence.
“We are especially proud of our initiative to offer free water safety classes to all those involved in rescue services over the past two years.”
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:
“As 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.
Harry Doyle presented with his Certificate by Cllr. Barry Walsh Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co with Stephen O’Toole Water Safety Laois and Clare McGrath, Water Safety Ireland Chair Photo Denis Byrne
“My 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.
“These courses are more than just lessons, they are essential tools for keeping our children and families safe while enjoying our beautiful waterways.”
Richie Faulkner presented with his Certificate by Cllr. Barry Walsh Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co with Stephen O’Toole, Water Safety Laois Clare McGrath, Water Safety Ireland Chair Photo Denis Byrne
The event also recognised Padraic Dolan and Sgt. Paul O’Shea, who were recently honoured at the National Water Safety Awards for their exceptional contributions to water safety in Laois.
Padraig Dolan shared his own story of a CPR rescue of 14-year-old Logan Smith a number of months ago.
Tom Gorman presented with his Certificate by Cllr. Barry Walsh Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co with Stephen O’Toole, Water Safety Laois and Clare McGrath, Water Safety Ireland Chair Photo Denis Byrne
Alongside Logan and his father Seán who also shared their experience of the incident, it was a startling reminder on the night of the importance of competency in water safety.
Sgt. Paul O’Shea 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.
Emily O’Rourke 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
The bravery and quick thinking of Sgt. Paul O’Shea and Padraig Dolan serve as an inspiration to all, demonstrating the true impact of water safety education.
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.
Emily O’Rourke 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
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.
Laois County Council remains committed to working alongside Water Safety Ireland – Laois to ensure that these life-saving courses are available to the community and is dedicated to expanding such initiatives in the future.
Roisin Doheny presented with her Certificate by Cllr. Barry Walsh Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co with Stephen O’Toole, Water Safety Laois Clare McGrath, Water Safety Ireland Chair Photo Denis ByrnePictured are Padraic Dolan with Logan and Sean Smyth Photo Denis ByrnePictured 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 ByrneSophie 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 ByrneAlannah Boylan presented with her Certificate by Cllr. Barry Walsh Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co with Stephen O’Toole, Water Safety Laois and Clare McGrath, Water Safety Ireland Chair Photo Denis ByrneEllen Comerford presented with her Certificate by Cllr. Barry Walsh Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co with Stephen O’Toole, Water Safety Laois and Clare McGrath, Water Safety Ireland Chair Photo Denis ByrneHarry Doyle presented with his Certificate by Cllr. Barry Walsh Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co with Stephen O’Toole Water Safety Laois and Clare McGrath, Water Safety Ireland Chair Photo Denis ByrneJames Dunne presented with his Certificate by Cllr. Barry Walsh Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co with Stephen O’Toole, Water Safety Laois and Clare McGrath, Water Safety Ireland Chair Photo Denis ByrneRian Fox presented with his Certificate by Cllr. Barry Walsh Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co with Stephen O’Toole, Water Safety Laois and Clare McGrath, Water Safety Ireland Chair Photo Denis ByrneTom Gorman presented with his Certificate by Cllr. Barry Walsh Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co with Stephen O’Toole, Water Safety Laois and Clare McGrath, Water Safety Ireland Chair Photo Denis ByrneEoin 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 ByrneElla 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 ByrneCharlie McCormack presented with his Certificate by Cllr. Barry Walsh Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co with James O’Sullivan, Clare McGrath, Water Safety Ireland Chair and Noel McCarthy, Water Safety Laois Photo Denis ByrneMadeleine Mockler presented with her Certificate by Cllr. Barry Walsh Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co with James O’Sullivan, Clare McGrath, Water Safety Ireland Chair and Noel McCarthy, Water Safety Laois Photo Denis ByrneAlexandra Nicular presented with her Certificate by Cllr. Barry Walsh Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co with James O’Sullivan, Clare McGrath, Water Safety Ireland Chair and Noel McCarthy, Water Safety Laois Photo Denis ByrneKeelin O’Brien 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 ByrneEmily O’Rourke 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 ByrneAbi O’Rourke 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 ByrneGarda Paul O’Shea 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 ByrneThomas 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 ByrneSophie 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 ByrneAntonina 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 ByrneZuzanna and Antonina SrokaZuzanna 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 ByrneRuadhan Toibin presented with his Certificate by Cllr. Barry Walsh Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co with Stephen O’Toole, Water Safety Laois Clare McGrath, Water Safety Ireland Chair and Noel McCarthy, Water Safety Laois Photo Denis ByrneCillian Walsh presented with his Certificate by Cllr. Barry Walsh Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co with Stephen O’Toole, Water Safety Laois Clare McGrath, Water Safety Ireland Chair and Noel McCarthy, Water Safety Laois Photo Denis ByrneBobby Whelan presented with his Certificate by Cllr. Barry Walsh Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co with Stephen O’Toole, Water Safety Laois Clare McGrath, Water Safety Ireland Chair Photo Denis Byrne
