Cahir McCallion (10) and his sister Beth (8) were swimming close to the shore on a beach in Bundoran in May 2018 when they became caught in a rip current which dragged them out to sea.

Their father, Ryan McCallion, got Beth safely back to shore but was unable to reach Cahir. 

With the help of locals, the Bundoran lifeboat crew rescued Ryan and Cahir from the sea.

The pair were transferred to hospital by helicopter and ambulance. 

Both made a full recovery and the family shared their story about their rescue at half time in Croke Park.

Fainche McCallion, Cahir’s mother who watched the drama unfold from the beach said, “I can’t thank the RNLI, Coast Guard and locals enough for saving Ryan and Cahir. I’m so proud of Ryan who brought Beth to safety and went back for Cahir. 

Watching it happen from the shore was terrifying. The sea is unpredictable and it’s easy to get caught out by it. I’d like everyone to know how quickly things can change and to be aware of the risks while in the water. Luckily the children were wearing wetsuits that day which helped to keep them warm. This partnership is a wonderful way of highlighting the message of water safety to more people.”