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Alan Gallagher first posthumous winner of ISIA National Courage Award

The irish security Industry National Courage Award was awarded posthumously, for the first time, to Alan Gallagher of Clyhore, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal. Alan died from a fall after he had ran to help a friend who was hanging from a grass verge over a 100 foot cliff face - his friend had slipped and fallen at Rossnowlagh. Alan's parents Brendan and Joan Gallagher are both long-serving ESB staff in Training and Cathleens Fall respectively. As Alan tried to pull his friend to safety the grassy bank collapsed and both young men fell to the rocks below. Tragically Alan died five days later in hospital and his friend Niall Anderson died at the scene. The accident happened on November 27th last year. Alan's act of bravery was recognised at the inquest when local coroner, Dr. Desmond Moran described him as "a true hero who gave his life for a friend."

The awards were presented by Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Noel Dempsey T.D. at a ceremony in Dublin.

Paul Williams, Crime Editor, Sunday World was declared the winner of the ISIA Premier Award 2006. Paul's award follows in the footsteps of people like John Hume, Fr Aidan Troy and Minister Michael McDowell, who made a difference in regard to our overall security.

Also honoured at the ceremony was former ESB staff member Leo O'Toole, now working for BDS Security Management. Leo received a merit award.

Irish Water Safety also recognised outstanding contributions from ESB at its national awards ceremony held in Dublin Castle. Turlough Hill Stations' staff Eamonn Murray and Patsy O'Brien received Seiko Just in Time awards for their part in the rescue of six people in the water at Blessington lakes after a boat capsized. The rescue happened in July of this year.

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Pat "the Cope" Gallagher TD, Minister of State at the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Batt O'Keefe TD, presented the award.

At the same ceremony, ESB received a CSR award for its sponsorship of the Irish Water Safety research into suicide by drowning. Minister O'Keefe praised ESB for its role in supporting what he described as the important work of preventing suicide. Chris McNally, Manager Safety and Environment, received the award on behalf of ESB.

  A photo of Eamonn Murray and Patsy O'Brien from the Turlough Hill Stations
receiving their Seiko Just in Time award for their part in rescuing six people from
Blessington Lakes in July of this year. Pictured presenting the awards are
Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Pat
Pictured: Eamonn Murray and Patsy O'Brien from the Turlough Hill Stations receiving their Seiko Just in Time award for their part in rescuing six people from Blessington Lakes in July of this year. Pictured presenting the awards are Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Pat "the Cope" Gallagher TD and Minister of State of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government Batt O'Keefe TD, and Frank Nolan Chairman of Irish Water Safety.
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