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Little champion is big hero

Thursday, 26 November 2009

A NORTHSIDE boy who co-ordinated a mountain rescue on a hiking trip gone wrong has received an award for his astonishing heroism. Calbhach Harte O’Reilly (8), from East Wall, won the Maternity & Infant Little Champion of the Year Award 2009, sponsored by MiWadi, for saving his mother, Alison O’Reilly, who fell unconscious after slipping and hitting her head during a walk in the Cooley Mountains, County Louth. The quick thinking child demonstrated maturity and knowledge beyond his years and helped to get his mother to safety, as well as alerting the gardai and rescue services. Calbhach’s mum Alison O’Reilly told Northside People that her son has always been very independent but that his actions that day astonished her. “He is my hero and I am very proud of him, he really deserved this award,” she said. “Calbhach was learning about the Brown Bull of Cooley at school and we thought it would be a great idea to organise a picnic and explore the Cooley Mountains. “We were in an isolated area known as the Long Woman’s Grave when I fell and hit my head off a rock, which rendered me unconscious.  “I lay there until dark but Calbhach phoned my mother and then unfortunately, the phone signal went dead.  “He kept talking to me, trying to comfort me and keep me warm and eventually, when the signal returned, he dialled 999 and asked for the gardai and an ambulance.” Ms O’Reilly said that despite their difficult location, Calbhach was able to explain to the emergency services where they were and what had happened. “In the meantime, I had come round and he led me back to the car where he locked the doors, gave me water, comforted me and kept the radio on to keep me awake and alert,” she stated. “Although we were in a remote area, Calbhach’s presence of mind meant that the gardai and ambulance were able to locate us. I was taken to hospital where I was treated for a head injury.  “Thankfully, things turned out okay but I dread to think what might have happened were it not for Calbhach’s quick thinking and ability to act calmly in a very difficult situation.” Ms O’Reilly said that as an only child and being in a single parent family, Calbhach has always acted as the man of the house. “It wasn’t like I was being looked after by a child that day, he was acting like a little man,” she added. “I trained as a lifeguard for years so I have always been aware of the need to deal with emergency situations. “Whenever I get a new phone I teach Calbhach how to use it and I think all parents should make sure their children know what to do in an emergency situation. “I’m so proud that my eight-year-old son is the winner of the Little Champion Award for 2009 and am so grateful to him for getting me off the mountain to safety.” Calbhach is hoping to embark on a football career with Liverpool, as well as pursuing his passion for reading and writing when he gets older. Sian Price of award sponsor MiWadi presented him with his award at a ceremony at the Shelbourne Hotel. Ms Price said she was amazed at the bravery and skill of the children nominated and had wished that all nominees could receive an award.  “We became involved with this particular award as there are so many young, unsung heroes across Ireland who have conducted selfless acts of bravery and are truly deserving of recognition,” she stated. “The courage demonstrated by these children is incredible and singling out just one for special mention is a hugely challenging task.  “We would like to congratulate and thank all those children who were nominated and recognise the hundreds of courageous children that carry out amazing acts every year.” The Maternity & Infant Awards 2009, in association with Hibernian Aviva Health, which are now in their second year, recognise and honour a select group of products and people including midwives, business parents, child heroes, young achievers, parents, nurses, obstetricians and pediatricians.