Group rewards fire brigade for rescuing stricken horse from muddy river

Pic via the ISPCA.

Remember the heroic firefighters who last week

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They've been honoured with a ‘Compassionate Action Award’ by the Animal Rights Action Network (ARAN) for their "heroic compassion and swift, on-the-ball action" in rescuing the horse which has been named Gerry, after one of the rescuers.

Each member of the Ballyvolane Amber Unit got a framed certificate of the award today and they were absolutely thrilled with being acknowledged.

One of the firefighters, Mark Coughlan, said: "I am delighted that myself and the crew have being recognised for rescuing the helpless horse called Gerry last week. We just done what we feel is right, and would happily do it all over again.

"It wasn't an easy task by any means, but we did it and now there's an animal alive and well as a result. We share this world with animals so it's all in a days work."

ARAN's spokeperson, John Carmody, said it was possibly the first time any emergency service in Ireland had received such an award.

He said: “The heroic compassion and swift on the ball action shown by members of the Ballyvolane Amber Unit is nothing short of inspiring.

“The residents of Ballyvolane and beyond are incredibly fortunate to have emergency personnel who are standing by ready to protect and serve their residents, and that includes animals too. ARAN hopes that their kind actions will emulate across the country for other animals who are often in troubling situations, but who are not always so lucky to receive the attention of our emergency services.”

It's not the first ‘Compassionate Action Award’ ARAN have given out.

Many will recall

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