Shocked sheepdog Bonnie saved from 'grave danger' by RNLI

At around 4pm, two women who were walking along Courtmacsherry Bay spotted a dog in difficulty off the sandbank of Burren Rock.

The women immediately alerted the RNLI crew who raced to save Bonnie who they said was in "grave danger of being washed away in a strong running tide".

The lifeboat pagers were activated by lifeboat operations manager Brian O'Dwyer and within minutes help was on its way.

Station Coxswains Ken Cashman and Mark John Gannon headed out in the rigid inflatable boat (RIB) while more crewmembers also responded to the call.

When they reached frightened Bonnie, she was struggling in the water channel currents.

Mr Gannon said the dog was caught in a fast incoming tide, unsure of which direction to go to get to safety, and was clearly in a state of distress.

"We managed to get up close to Bonnie and we managed to comfort her and reassure her that we were there to help her," he said.

With the help of local man Dave Edwards, who was in another small craft, the crew managed to coax the dog aboard.

They quickly returned to dry land with the shocked dog and Bonnie's relieved owners arrived shortly afterwards.

"Great praise must go to the two concerned ladies on the shore today who alerted the authorities immediately when they spotted the dog in difficulty," said Courtmacsherry Lifeboat launch authority and press officer Vincent O'Donovan.

He also praised the fast response of the lifeboat crew which ensured that Bonnie was reached before being taken out to sea.

"It was so great to see the joy on the owners' faces on being reunited with Bonnie and thus a very happy ending for all concerned," said Mr O'Donovan.