Hero tourist Joe treated to night out after Liffey rescue

American tourist Joe (second from left) with Good Samaritans Hugh, Cathal and Katy

American tourist Joe Sheehan (right) and the man he rescued from the Liffey

thumbnail: American tourist Joe (second from left) with Good Samaritans Hugh, Cathal and Katy
thumbnail: American tourist Joe Sheehan (right) and the man he rescued from the Liffey
By Joyce Fegan

American tourist Joe Sheehan, who was robbed while rescuing a man from the Liffey, was treated to a night out in Dublin after his ordeal.

"I gave him €50 straight away just to calm him down and then he didn't have anywhere to stay as he had been headed to a youth hostel," said Hugh, one of the three passers-by who helped him.

Joe (20) had jumped into the river last Saturday to help a man in distress. While he was in the water his phone and wallet with all his cards were stolen.

After he pulled the man from the river, three good Samaritans including Hugh came together to help Joe organise travel, spending money, food and accommodation.

Katie and Cathal, a couple who did not know Hugh, followed the thief's route.

Katie, who is originally from Mayo from where Joe's ancestors emigrated to America, was very emotional and "took action", said Hugh.

The trio took Joe to an internet cafe, cancelled his cards and organised a money transfer.

They also took him to the Irish Tourist Assistance Service in Store Street garda station, which Hugh said was superb.

The four of them then went out for the night, firstly just for a pint but they ended up in Harcourt Street.

"We had a really good night," said Hugh. Joe then spent the night in Katie and Cathal's home before returning to London where he is studying.

Speaking from Nebraska, Joe's grandfather Edward Sheehan - who is "100pc Irish" - said that Joe is a boy scout and a lifeguard. "He takes pretty good care of himself. Joe's a good kid," he said.