Offaly teen saved mother from road tragedy before tragic death on same day

An Offaly teenager has picked up a special award from An Garda Síochána after his quick actions when his mother suffered a cardiac arrest while driving in 2020.

Ian Flood collected a Special Recognition Award as An Garda Síochána presented their annual National Youth Awards 2023.

The citation for Ian's award read: "None of us can really predict how we might react in a moment of panic that requires quick-thinking and clarity of mind.

"That’s what Ian Flood was faced with as his mum, Julia was driving him to school one morning. Julia was experiencing a cardiac arrest while behind the wheel and was unable to keep control of the vehicle.

"With Ian’s rapid response, he brought the car under control and prevented a potentially serious road traffic collision. Ian carried his Mam from the vehicle for CPR to be safely performed.

"Tragically however, his Mum Julia passed away that morning.

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"This must have been a deeply traumatic loss and in such upsetting circumstances yet Ian has gone on to achieve great things including attaining his full drivers licence after passing on the first attempt.

"He now goes to great efforts to promote road safety. His family, friends and all of us here today have every reason to be uplifted by his strength of character and ability to keep going."

An Garda Síochána held its annual National Garda Youth Awards which recognise exceptional young people aged 13-21 who have positively contributed to their community at the Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise last week.

The awards acknowledge the remarkable contributions made in a number of Garda Divisions which included Offaly, Dublin, Kerry, Cork, Sligo/Leitrim, Mayo/Roscommon, Longford and Donegal.

The Garda National Youth Awards were promoted and expanded by the then Assistant Commissioner, Anne Marie McMahon and who now as Deputy Commissioner continues to recognise the meaningful work of so many young people in communities all across Ireland. Deputy McMahon presented each of the 25 awards.