Local man Dermot Mathers was running in Warrenpoint recently when he spotted a young man in the shipping lane in Carlingford Lough trying to retrieve a football. Dermot could see the young man was getting it tough trying to get back to the pier and threw out the life ring to help him back to the shore. Dermot is pictured receiving a token of appreciation for his quick action from (ltor) Kieran Grant, Finance Director, Warrenpoint Port and David Holmes, CEO, Warrenpoint Port.
David Holmes, CEO Warrenpoint Port said, “We would like to thank Dermot for his responsible actions in intervening to support the safe recovery of a young person who entered into Carlingford Lough. This young man was trying to recover a ball which had gone into the shipping lane. This is not the first time that a child or a young person has put themselves at considerable risk entering the Lough to retrieve a ball. There was similar incident recently at Greencastle where our Harbour Master and his Slieve Ban Crew intervened.
We would like to send a very clear safety message with this story. It is important for us all to be able to safely use and enjoy the Lough and its shoreline, especially during the summer but please, please do not put yourself at risk. We at Warrenpoint Port will replace a football if it falls into the Lough. There is no comparison in the cost of a football and the cost of life. We all want to have fun but we also need to be aware of the dangers of playing close to or in the water.”