News
Hero Declan to the rescue on Killarney’s High Street
W
WHEN Declan Corcoran popped into town in Killarney on his day off he had no idea his life-saving nursing skills would be put to the toughest of tests.
Off-duty nurse Declan went to the aid of Gabriel Divilly, 58, when he suffered a massive heart attack on High Street.
Declan, 46, spent 40 excruciating minutes giving CPR to Gabriel in his desperate fight to keep him alive.
For Athenry visitors Claire and Gabriel Divilly, the date May 8, 2013 will be forever ingrained in their memories. A day of sightseeing and shopping was brought to an abrupt end when Gabriel complained of dizziness before dropping in the street. “I screamed with fright. I knew in a matter of moments he was gone because he stopped breathing altogether and started turning blue,” Claire said.
Thankfully, Declan’s wife Tina witnessed the heart attack horror unfold and rang him for help.
Declan, from Milltown, explained: “I came running up the street and I could see the man was turning blue. He had been down about six minutes at that stage and there was no pulse.”
Keeping a calm head, Declan immediately started CPR on Gabriel. A member of staff from Scéal Eile restaurant across the street ran and got a nearby defibrillator and Declan shocked Gabriel twice, bringing him back to cling onto life.
“I found a weak pulse and kept giving CPR until the ambulance arrived. The sweat was dripping off me, but we were always told the best thing was to keep going if we thought there was any chance at all,” he said.
For 40 excruciating minutes Declan gave CPR to Gabriel in his desperate fight to keep him alive. Claire said: “Gabriel and I and our family will be forever indebted to him. I could have been a widow without Declan bringing my husband back. He was sent by an angel.”
The judges noted: “An emergency services hero is someone who goes above and beyond their job and Declan certainly did that. When off-duty he didn’t give-up on saving Gabriel Divilly’s life.“He gave CPR for 40 minutes and the fact this was the first time Declan had to use his skills outside a hospital environment make his life-saving actions all the more remarkable.”
Declan was honoured at the Pride of Ireland Awards this week at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Donnybrook.
Declan was feted at the star-studded event by celebrities such as Hozier, Shay Given, Katie Piper and Sean O’Brien, who shone a light on inspirational, unsung heroes behind incredible stories of courage and selflessness.
Declan was presented with the Emergency Service Hero Award by X-Factor star Mary Byrne and Eurovision legend Linda Martin.
Declan said: “It’s very special to get this award – it really is once in a lifetime. I feel very proud and it is recognition of all nurses.”
Mary, who sat on the Pride of Ireland judging panel, said: “Declan stood out in my eyes. I championed him. I’m very honoured to be presenting Declan with his award.”
Linda added: “Nurses as far as I’m concerned are angels. You couldn’t pay them enough money or credit them with enough thanks. They are magic people.”
A special programme, to be broadcast on UTV Ireland on Sunday, September 18, at 7.30pm, has captured all the emotional moments of the event.
Emergency Services Hero Award winner Declan Corcoran who was presented his trophy by Mary Byrne and Linda Martin during the Pride of Ireland Awards at the Doubletree Hilton on the Burlington Road, Dublin. PICTURE: GARETH CHANEY COLLINS
Gardaí have officially upgraded their investigation into the death of a woman in Killarney to a murder investigation.
An Garda Síochána are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the discovery of the body at a domestic residence on Tuesday, 7th July 2026.
A post-mortem examination on the remains has been completed by State Pathologist Dr Linda Mulligan. The results of the examination are not being released for operational reasons.
The scene at Muckross Road remains preserved today, and a technical examination of the location is ongoing. A Senior Investigating Officer is leading the investigation from an incident room established at Killarney Garda Station.
Gardaí continue to appeal for witnesses to come forward. Anyone who was in the Muckross Road area of Killarney between 11pm on Monday, 6th July and 5am on Tuesday, 7th July 2026, and who may have camera footage, including CCTV or dashcam, is asked to provide it to investigating officers.
Anyone with information can contact Killarney Garda Station on 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
Women’s Aid highlights rising femicide figures following Killarney death
Following the violent death of Jamey Carney in Killarney on Tuesday, national charity Women’s Aid has released a stark update regarding violence against women in Ireland.
According to the Women’s Aid Femicide Watch for the Republic of Ireland, eight women have died in violent circumstances so far this year.
This figure already exceeds the total of seven women recorded during the entirety of 2025.
Sarah Benson, CEO of Women’s Aid, said:
“Violence, abuse, and even at its extremes, death, are still a reality for many women living in Ireland. After the devastating murder of Ashling Murphy in 2022, Ireland said never again. But Ireland has not lived up to that promise.
“Since then, 40 women have died violently in Ireland. That is 40 women with lives, dreams, family, friends and communities.
“Since we started the Women’s Aid Femicide Watch in 1996, 286 women have died violently in Ireland. Every death is an outrage. An absolute tragic loss of life resulting in utter heartache and trauma for those left behind.
“We are thinking today of those who will be deeply impacted by the loss of life in Killarney. Prevention of all domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is crucial and urgent.”
“The Women’s Aid Femicide Watch shows that 87% of women (where the case has been resolved) were killed by a man known to them. We also know that in Ireland, one in three women has been subjected to domestic abuse of some kind.
“Every woman has the right to be safe in her home and in her community, and this is just not the case. We must do the work required to achieve equality and safety for all, to make Ireland a country that truly has zero tolerance for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.”
Support is available on the Women’s Aid 24-Hour National Freephone Helpline on 1800 341 900, or go to womensaid.ie to use the Instant Message Service or for more information on domestic violence and abuse.”
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