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John O’Donoghue, Mitchelstown receiving his Pride of Ireland ‘Child of Courage’ award from Louis Walsh, in the presence of host, Una Foden. Photo: Michael Chester

A young student from Mitchelstown has been recognised nationally for his bravery and courage through the Pride of Ireland 'Child of Courage' awards recently.

John O'Donoghue from Mitchelstown, a student from CBS Mitchelstown, in the summer of last year valiantly rescued his father from being gored by a huge bull on their family farm.

John is a member of Kildorrery Karate Club and his kung fu skills came to hand when he saw his father in distress. He ran to the scene, grabbed the bull by the neck and twisted the ring in his nose sideways, before his father subdued the enormous beast. 

His younger brother, Eugene also played a part in the rescue effort, as he had gotten him to drive the jeep down to them. Then, just as the family thought that they had made their way to safety, the bull ran towards the jeep and made another attack on the O'Donoghues.

Speaking after the incident, John described his father as going up in the air 'like a ragdoll', before John leapt out of the jeep and brought his father to safety. His father had suffered injuries to his cocyx and chest from the attack.

John's quick thinking response has been recognised far and wide with well deserved bravery and youth awards. Firstly, at the Youth Achievement Awards in Mitchelstown run by Tesco and the gardai, where he won the overall award in the 14-18 category for his act of bravery; he was also named as one of nine recipients at the North Cork Garda Division Youth Achievement Awards in Mallow.

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