A hero who saved a drowning woman from the Liffey on Tuesday around lunchtime said that "adrenaline kicked in" when he came across the scene.
Michael Hanley jumped out of his car when he spotted someone in difficulty near the Ha'penny bridge. He didn't think twice about running towards the river to help.
Inspirational Michael told Dublin Live that he didn't even feel the cold of the water as he was so focused on the task at hand.
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He said: "I was heading down the quays in a bit of traffic when I noticed the crowds on the Ha'penny Bridge and along the side walls. I got out of my car purposely to see what was going on while traffic was stopped. I saw the woman under the water for at least a minute. I put my car hazard lights on and left it in traffic.
"As the girl was going with the tide I saw her trying to breath. It all happened so fast. The ambulance and fire brigades were stuck in heavy traffic on the other side .
"The guards threw in a ring but it was no advantage so I took my shoes and top off and gave my phone to the police and jumped in. I don't remember how cold or what way it felt as it was probably a shock.
"She was not conscious so I thought she was actually dead. Soon the fire brigade got to us. I was holding the Liffey ladder with one hand while holding her with the other."
After the fire brigade assisted Michael in getting the woman to safety, he received an applause from onlookers.
"A lot of people were clapping and saying I was a hero but I always believed if there's a chance to save someone's life I should do it. When I rang the fire station obviously they couldn't give me much information but said that she survived and was on the mend.
Read more: Hero garda saves unconscious man from near death in the River Liffey
"It feels good to know I saved someone's life and yes if I could save a life again I definitely would again."
A garda spokesman said: "Gardaí and Emergency Services were alerted to an incident in the water at the Ha'penny Bridge in Dublin city centre on Tuesday 23rd August 2022 at approximately 1.10pm.
"A female was rescued from the water by Dublin Fire Brigade. She has been taken to The Mater Hospital by ambulance."
Dublin Live has contacted Dublin Fire Brigade for comment.
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