Bravery honoured

It is one of the many cruelties of war that more brave soldiers are killed in action than their more circumspect comrades.

Their bravery puts them in dangerous positions, positions they would not contemplate if they were of a less robust character. Unfortunately, they often pay a very high price for this selflessness, a selflessness often recognised by that most poignant of ceremonies — the posthumous award of a bravery honour.

Thankfully, the 15 people given bravery awards in Dublin yesterday were all present at the Farmleigh ceremony.

Some rescued people from rivers, others from lakes. One rescued a man from a burning building. Two others intervened to defend a stranger from violent attack. All of these interventions had one thing in common — that indefinable human instinct to help those in jeopardy. It is right that such bravery and humanity be honoured.