A heroic garda who saved a drowning woman's life after he entered a freezing river to rescue her has been named as former Donegal footballer Peter McGee.

Garda Peter McGee, of Letterkenny Garda Station, responded to an emergency call on Tuesday evening when a woman had slipped into the water near Port Bridge.

McGee went into the water and saved the woman by holding on to the wall of a tunnel under the bridge until further assistance arrived at the scene.

The Gaoth Dobhair man, who is the younger brother of All-Ireland winners Neil and Eamon, was a member of the 2012 All-Ireland winning Donegal squad and came off the bench to help his club to an historic Ulster SFC title with a final victory over Scotstown after extra-time three years ago.

A statement by An Garda Síochána said the incident was 'likely to end in tragedy" if it weren't for the bravery and quick actions of Garda McGee.

"A potential tragedy was averted on Tuesday November 30 following the swift action of Garda Peter McGee of Letterkenny Garda Station," the statement reads.

"Garda McGee responded to an emergency call that a woman had slipped into the water close to Port Bridge in Letterkenny on Tuesday evening.

"On arrival Garda McGee entered the water assisted the woman and held to the wall of a tunnel under the bridge until further assistance arrived.

"This incident was likely to end in tragedy and we commend Garda McGee for his bravery and quick actions."

I need to get my finger out. One mans a multiple football all star the other is jumping off bridges to save someone’s life. pic.twitter.com/DNBhwzkgts

— Eamon Mc Gee (@EamonMcGee) December 2, 2021

 

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