ANTRIM footballer Paddy McAleer has been hailed a hero after swimming out to save three children in distress in waters off a Co Donegal beach.
The Antrim forward (26) and his girlfriend Sinéad Donnelly came to the children's aid after they were pulled out by dangerous rip tides, swimming through a treacherous current to bring them to shore one by one.
The drama unfolded as a family enjoyed a day at Pollin Beach in Ballyliffin last Wednesday.
Bob Brady told how his son Bobby (12) had been using a boogie board and was joined by friends Caomhan (16) and nine-year-old Padraig McCleary in the sea.
"The sea looked completely calm, you'd never have thought they were in any danger", said Mr Brady.
As he took his dog for a walk he received a frantic call to say the children were in trouble.
"I ran back up the beach and could see the boys were about 100 yards out and in serious trouble".
The two younger children were gripping onto their boogie boards while Caomhan McCleary was trying to keep them calm, while also struggling to keep his head above the water.
"Caomhan said the sand just started falling away from under his feet", said Mr Brady.
"I got there too late. Paddy and his girlfriend Sinéad had already got to the children at this stage and were pulling them to safety.
"They handed the boys to me and the two of them went back out again to bring the third boy to safety."
Mr Brady said both sets of parents were "eternally grateful" to the Ballymena All Saints player and Ms Donnelly for saving the children's lives.
"All you can do is shake their hand and say thank you. Words are never enough, but we were so grateful.
"They were both very modest about it. The boys and us parents will be eternally grateful to Paddy and Sinéad for putting their lives at risk to save them.
"They just got there on time and were it not for their physical condition we could have lost them all.
"Caomhan was also a star. He's just 16 but he stayed calm and kept the boys calm, it was terrifying experience but thankfully had a happy ending."
