Heroine Meghan, nine, saved her father’s life

By Mark Evans A BRAVE little girl who saved her father’s life revealed last night: “I was nervous and scared but it came as second nature to me.”

Meghan Cleary, nine, was among a number of youngsters who were honoured yesterday for bravery as part of National Children's Day. Meghan was at home with her father in Waterford when she heard a loud thud from the bathroom. Her dad had suffered a massive brain haemorrhage and collapsed behind the locked door.

She quickly went outside and climbed onto the windowsill where she saw her father slumped over and getting sick. Meghan rushed back to the kitchen and climbed on top of the work top, remembering where her mother's emergency numbers were kept.

She contacted her mother and then took care of her panic-stricken seven-year-old brother. She kept her cool, even remembering to turn off the oven and deep fat fryer. "I was scared but I knew what to do," said Megan who was honoured, last night at the National Children's Day gala awards' ceremony.

Her father, Martin, later recovered form the ordeal after surgery at Cork University Hospital. Little Meghan was presented with her Outstanding Bravery/Courage Award by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern last night. "I couldn't be more proud of her," said Martin.

Meghan was among eight children presented with awards on the 40th anniversary of National Children's Day.

The other winners were:

Michael Costello, 11, from Dublin 1 for outstanding contribution to the community.

Molly Kate Yon Hin, 4½, from Lucan, Co Dublin for selfless time given to assist others.

Aishlinn Bowe, 13, from Kilkenny for outstanding achievement in education.

John Glynn, 15, from Swords, Co Dublin for outstanding achievement in sport.

Liam Stewart, 15, from Cavan for outstanding contribution to the environment.

Aaron McCarthy, 8, from Caherciveen, Co Kerry for outstanding contribution to the arts.

Bernadette Sweeney, 10, from Letterkenny, Co Donegal for outstanding determination in coping with illness.

The first recipient of the "Jack" Award was Barnardos for outstanding contribution to the welfare of children. Speaking at the ceremony, the Taoiseach said: "We should never underestimate the huge contribution children make to our society. "These Children of Ireland Awards and National Children's Day highlight their sense of values, the respect they have for other people and the pride they take in their approach to everyday life."

A host of celebrities attended including the Corrs, Keith Duffy and fellow Coronation Street cast members, as well as Paul McGrath and Linda Martin. Entertainment was provided by Six, Bellefire and Mickey Graham, supported by Broken Hill, Mankind, and Luke Thomas.