A NURSE who stopped a runaway bus after the driver had a heart attack was last night honoured for her contribution to Dublin society.
Aoife McGivney, who works in the ENT department at Dublin's Mater Hospital, was among the recipients of this year's Dublin lord mayor awards.
The 25-year-old came to the aid of a Dublin Bus driver after he fell ill as he was driving on O'Connell Bridge in March.
Realising he was unconscious, she reached through his door and shook his legs to ensure they weren't on the pedals, before the engine cut out and the bus stopped moving.
Passengers manoeuvred him off the bus and Ms McGivney put him in the recovery position and began to administer CPR.
In honour of her heroic efforts, Dublin lord Mayor Nial Ring last night presented her with an award at an event at the Mansion House. He presented seven individuals and a voluntary organisation with accolades to mark their contribution to Dublin society.
Among the other recipients were Irish amateur boxer Kellie Harrington, businesswoman and former Dragon's Den panellist Norah Casey and musician John Sheahan, the last surviving member of The Dubliners.
Christy Dignam, lead singer of the popular Irish rock band Aslan and community worker Marie Tyrrell were also honoured.
Parkrun Ireland - a volunteer-led free-to-enter 5k weekly run - was also recognised at the event and there was a posthumous award for Noel Carroll, an Irish middle distance runner who set European and world records in the 1960s.
Speaking about the awards, Mr Ring said the ceremony was "one of the highlights of my term of office".
"I have chosen to honour individuals and a group from many different walks of life," he said.
"However, all of them have one thing in common - they have enriched all our lives in some way, whether through their music; their sporting achievements or simply their work in supporting and caring for others.
"This acknowledgement of their contribution is richly deserved.
"The wonderful work the volunteers do in supporting people in keeping fit is to be applauded.
"I congratulate all the recipients and thank them on behalf of the people of Dublin for their contribution to this great city."
