State marks Caitríona’s bravery with medal

Coast Guard volunteer Caitríona Lucas, who died last year following a rescue mission off the coast of Kilkee, Co Clare, was awarded a posthumous gold medal for her outstanding act of bravery.

It is the highest award that the State can present to an individual, and it was accepted yesterday by her son Ben and Ms Lucas’ father, Tom Deely.

Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl, who presented the national award,