Two men from Fermanagh were recognised for their outstanding acts of bravery at the prestigious National Police Public Bravery Awards. Bernard McDonald and Paul Shannon were awarded for their efforts during a fatal house fire which took place at the Molly Road area of Derrylin back in February, 2018.
Despite their selfless acts, four people lost their lives - including a 16 month old baby girl. According to Paul Shannon, the pair entered the house that day, despite the air thick with black smoke and with their access blocked due to a burning joist. They then managed to clear entrances, that would be later used by Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service colleagues.
The intense heat and smoke, not only caused injuries to the men but made searching the property almost impossible. The men left the house, but continued to search around the area before the Emergency Services arrived.
Although four people lost their lives, the efforts of both Bernard and Paul during that time and their subsequent information provided as part of the investigation, helped charge a man with four counts of murder and four counts of arson.
Our reporter Jodie Curran spoke with Paul Shannon and began by asking him to explain his memories of that tragic day:
