Kerrykeel man Davitt Walsh with the baby he saved. Pic courtesy of NorthWestNewsPix
The man who saved a four month old baby girl from drowning in the Buncrana pier tragedy has said he believes he was “part of a miracle” on that fateful Sunday night when the sea claimed five lives.
Speaking at the official launch of the ‘Uptown Copper Hopper’ initiative which will raise money for an education fund for Rioghnach-Ann whose life he saved – Davitt Walsh said at another time, seven people, himself and the baby, as opposed to five, could all have perished on March 20th
Speaking after the tragedy which claimed the lives of Rioghnach-Ann’s father Sean McGrotty (49) her brothers Mark (12) and Evan (8), her grandmother Ruth Daniels (57) and her auntie Jodie-Lee (14), in a freak accident, Davitt revealed that initially, he wasn’t aware there was a baby in the car when he saw out.
The reluctant hero recalled Sean McGrotty breaking the window, seeing him sitting on the ledge and the baby being handed over to him.
“When I swam out Sean told me to save the baby. Those were his last words. Within a matter of seconds the car just disappeared,” he told the Donegal People’s Press.
“I feel I was part of a miracle because it was so difficult initially to stay afloat after the car went down due to the suction. On another occasion, all five seven – myself and the baby – could also have drowned. On the way back to the pier I kept talking to the baby and reassuring her that she going to be ok. I suppose I was also trying to reassure myself that I was going to be ok, too.
“I felt Sean’s words didn’t just relate to saving her from the water and bringing her to shore – I felt from that moment compelled to be there for her and to watch over her. Obviously she isn’t aware yet, but she lost her mother, her two brothers, her granny and her aunt.”
Davitt said it has been God’s will that the paths of Rioghnach-Ann and her mother Louise Daniels crossed the way they did. An unbreakable bond between all three no exists. He visits them once a week and they have, understandably, become extremely close.
Davitt explained the background to the “Uptown Copper Hopper” initiative which was prompted by his friend, Aidan Cannon, from Milford.
“Aidan is life-long friend and wanted to do something to help. I know himself and his wife, Sharon, like so many people, had been been deeply affected by the tragedy. After a bit of discussion we decided on establishing an education fund for Rioghnach-Ann.
“I’ve gotten so much support from family and friends. And I am really grateful to everyone for their messages of goodwill. Some people just don’t know what to say to me when they meet me, which I understand. Other people have told me how proud they are of me for what I did,” he said.
“I do have bad days and wouldn’t be getting a lot of sleep yet, but overall I’m coping not too bad. I’m just trying to get on with things as best I can. When I get a quiet time a lot of what happened does play back in my head.
“I have still thought to myself that maybe I could have done more. But Louise has reassured me that there wasn’t. Speaking to her has helped me find a bit of peace. I see both Louise and the baby once a week – she’s gotten so big over the last few week and it’s nice to see her healthy and well.”
A number of schools in the Milford, Ramelton and Letterkenny are have accepted buckets and there is a big push on for as much money as possible to be raised through the donations of loose copper change. On Wednesday, May 18th, the buckets will be collected by Donegal senior football team captain, Michael Murphy, who has given his full backing to the campaign. A bucket collection will also take place in Letterkenny on Saturday, May 21st and donations of all types – notes and silver coins – will be most welcome.
A coffee morning has been organised at the Uptown Cafe in Letterkenny on Saturday, May 28th and donations can be made.
“It’s also a fun day and an opportunity for us to thank all those who have helped in the campaign,” Aidan explained
“The response so far has been great. With Davitt and Michael coming on board and giving it their full support means a lot,” he added.
Details of all the campaign details are available on the Uptown facebook page.
