Drogheda and District Chamber has honoured the memory of a local man who saved three people from drowning in the river Boyne exactly 100 years ago.
Pictured Front row Des Flangan with his sisters Marie and Nuala, Back row Catherina McGuirk (BD) Ronan Quinn (BD) and Hubert Murphy (Drogheda & District Chamber CEO)
As part of the Chamber’s community inclusion strategy, Matthew Flanagan has become the latest recipient of a ‘Community Champion’ as part of the Chamber’s corporate partnership with BD.
A local painter and decorator by profession, Matthew’s story has long since been part of the Flanagan family history and now he has been recognised formally for an amazing feat of courage.
Addressing a family gathering at the offices of the Chamber, CEO, Hubert Murphy, explained the remarkable tale of valour.
“100 years ago, Drogheda was a different place. Just a few short years earlier, the town was at war, civil unrest was commonplace and in Gormanston train station, on May 29th 1922, a young man, Capt James ‘Tim’ Flanagan of the irregular forces was shot and killed by the RIC,” he stated.
“Bravery certainly ran in the Flanagan family as on three occasions during the course of 1925, Capt Flanagan’s younger brother, Matthew, a 17-year-old from Bolton Street, risked his life to save others.”
The first was John Gallagher, a neighbour from Bolton St, who was swimming at the Ramparts when he went beyond his depth and began to struggle. Spotting him from the bank, Matthew, a very able swimmer, rushed to the rescue and brought him in.
Weeks later, Thomas Murray of the Green Lanes, swam out to the island in the river and became exhausted and was being swept away when Matthew again was on hand to dive in and bring him ashore.
And again, weeks later, Joe Bailey from Green Lanes, also began to drown while out swimming and this time Matthew, in a brand new suit, saw him. Bailey went down twice into the depths of the Boyne but Matthew plucked him to safety at the last second.
“While Captain Flanagan had Flanagan Terrace named after him for his courage, it has taken 100 years to recognise the bravery of his brother. With our partners in this Community Champion series, BD, it is our honour to mark the outstanding community spirit and valour of Matthew Flanagan,” the CEO stated.
The event was attended by Matthew’s children, Des, Marie and Nuala and supported by another sister, Bredeen, and fondly remembered was their brother, the late Jim Flanagan. Matthew’s grandson, Neil and family also watched on.
Catherina McGuirk, Plant Manager, BD Medical and Ronan Quinn from the firm also attended.
“We are delighted to be associated with such an event and the whole Community Champion series, and it is a remarkable story,” Catherina remarked.
Des Flanagan said it was a proud moment for the family to see their father honoured after so many years. The family accepted the 3D Portraits Ireland designed award in memory of their hero.
It is now hoped that the family of the people he saved will get in touch and a memorial plaque can be erected by the Boyneside to remember all those involved in such a dramatic sequence of events 100 years ago.