Praise for inspirational boy who saved family from drowning
A 13-year-old boy who swam for hours to get help for his family after they were swept away at sea in Australia has met Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin.
The Taoiseach told X it was an honor to meet the young man.
“He is a remarkable young man who showed extraordinary courage when his family needed it most,” Martin said.
“Austin’s story is a vital reminder of water safety, and his courage is an inspiration to us all.”
What happened in Australia?
On Friday January 30, Austin and his family were swept out to sea off Australia’s west coast while paddleboarding.
It was a 10-hour ordeal during which his mother Joanne, originally from County Monaghan, asked him to return to shore for help.
While he had a kayak, it capsized and he had to swim the last 4 kilometers (2.49 mi).
Speaking to the BBC at the time, he said it was a moment he would never forget.
“I didn’t think I was a hero, I just did what I did,” he said.
“I was thinking about Mom, Beau and Grace. I was also thinking about my friends and my girlfriend – I have a really good group of friends.”
Praised for his courage
The family returned home two weeks ago for a surprise family reunion, appearing on RTÉ’s The Late Late Show.
“All the bad thoughts that you have in your head as a mother crossed my mind,” Austin’s mother, Joanne, told the show.
“It’s every mother’s nightmare.”
Austin received a civic reception from Monaghan County Council earlier this month.
Cathaoirleach (chairman) Cllr PJ O’Hanlon said the council was “deeply honoured” to recognize the “incredible courage” he had shown.
“Austin’s actions were nothing short of heroic and his courage serves as an inspiration to us all.”
Irish President Catherine Connolly sent a letter of congratulations to the 13-year-old, praising him for his “tremendous bravery”.
In the letter she said: “The story of your courage has spread throughout the world and has been a source of inspiration as well as a source of pride to those Irish people who have heard of your heroism.”
