Quick thinking: Speedy the dog saves elderly owner’s life
Mary Nolan, 84, is recovering in the Mid Western Regional Hospital from hypothermia after a dramatic mission by Shannon-based air sea rescue helicopter.
Ms Nolan, who lives alone, revealed: “The water came in when I was asleep. My little terrier, Speedy, jumped on the bed barking and woke me. When I put my hand out I could feel the water. It was about 2 o’clock. It was all dark as the electricity was gone.
“When I tried to get out of the bed the water was up to my waist. I thought I would drown as it was getting higher and I could not swim. I fell at one point. Then I heard somebody calling ‘Mary’, ‘Mary’ from outside.
“It was my neighbour Joe Hurley who came across fields to get to my house. And he had a triple bypass last year. He tried to get into near the cottage in a JCB by the road but couldn’t. He eventually got to the house by going over fields and when he got to the house he helped push in the door. I couldn’t open it because of the height of the water.”
Ms Nolan went on to reveal how she fell at one stage and how water went into her mouth.
“Joe picked me up and got me out over the fence and he also rescued Speedy. They had called the rescue helicopter from Shannon, but it couldn’t land in all the floods. The lads came down from the helicopter and put something around me and wenched me up in the air into it. I asked them to take Speedy but they couldn’t.
“I was drenched wet, all my clothes were wet and I was shivering They put a silver-type blanked over me and they were great and so nice. And the people in the hospital were great and the attention and care they game me. You know there are marvellous people out here in the hospital. They couldn’t do enough for me. I am fine now thank God.”
Ms Nolan also revealed her relief at hearing her dog was also safe.
Mary, who lived in New York for 30 years, said: “I thought I’d never see him again but Joe Hurley found him later and gave him to my brother, Ed, to look after.”
She said: “I want to thank Joe, the helicopter crew and the nurses and doctors here in the hospital. It’s so nice such marvellous people helping you.”
Mary hopes to return to New York for a holiday.
