THE Gold Medal of the ROYAL NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION, which is a much- coveted distinction, only bestowed for deeds of exceptional valour, was awarded in April to the REVEREND JOHN M. O'SHEA, parish priest of Ardmore, Co. Waterford, who, with others, made a noble attempt to save the crew of the ill-fated schooner Teaser, of Montrose.

During a terrific south-easterly gale —the most terrible that had been ex- perienced on that coast for many years —the schooner was driven ashore near Ardmore Bay. Attempts were promptly made to summon the nearest Life-boat, but owing to the storm the telephonic communication failed, and by the time the boat reached the scene all that was possible had been done by a gallant band of men at Ardmore. As soon as the Coastguard observed the vessel the rocket apparatus was despatched to the nearest spot. The Coastguards, with skill, succeeded in throwing rocket lines over the wrecked vessel. The crew were, however, so exhausted by exposure and so numbed with cold that they could not make use of the lines. Seeing that the unfortunate men were unable to help themselves, Petty Officer RICHARD BARRY and Coastguardman ALEXANDER NEAL, regardless of the danger which they ran, plunged into the sea and attempted to swim to the vessel, but the heavy seas were too much for them, and they were beaten back to the shore.

It was then that FATHER O'SHEA, seeing that their efforts were unavailing, remembered that there was a fisherman's open boat nearly a mile away. He gathered a willing band of volunteers, who with him went for the boat, and by dint of great exertions they got it to the scene of the wreck. Then these brave men, which included Barry and Neal, entered the boat, and at very great risk •—the risk on one hand of the heavy sea running and the rocks, and on the other of being dashed against the ship— they succeeded in boarding the Teaser.

Two of the crew were, however, beyond all aid, and the other man succumbed soon afterwards in spite of everything possible being done for him, both on board the -wreck and later " ashore.

Whilst the men were on board Coast- guardman Neal collapsed from ex- haustion, and artificial respiration had to be used to restore him.

The efforts made on this occasion were characterised by exceptional courage, and the Committee of the Institution were satisfied that the gallant and continued attempts at rescue were due to the noble example and initiative displayed by Father O'Shea.

They therefore decided to award him the Gold Medal of the Institution and a copy of the Vote of Thanks on vellum.

They also granted the following awards— To RICHARD BARRY, Petty Officer Coastguard, and to ALEXANDER NEAL, Leading Boatman Coastguard, who attempted to swim off to the vessel, and afterwards boarded her at great risk, the Silver Medal and 51. each and a copy of the Vote of Thanks on vellum.

To Mr. WILLIAM HARRIS, who boarded the vessel at great risk, a binocular glass and a copy of the Vote of Thanks on vellum.

To Constable LAWTON, R.I.C., who also boarded the wreck at great risk, 5Z. and a copy of the Vote of Thanks on vellum.

To PAT PWEER, CoN. O'BRIEN and JOHN O'BRIEN, who went out in the boat but did not board the wreck, 11. 10s. each.

When the decision of the Committee of Management was made known, the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, LORD ABERDEEN, very kindly consented to present the various rewards.

Arrangements were made for the men to travel to Dublin, and at Balls- bridge, where an exhibition was in progress, his Excellency, accompanied by Lady Aberdeen, made the pre- sentation in the presence of many hundreds of people.

His Excellency, who was cordially received, said they had met there that day to render honour where honour was most assuredly due. To celebrate a deed of valour and heroism was some- thing worthy in itself, and beneficial not only to those to whom homage was offered, but also to those who took part in such proceedings. The story of the event which had brought them there had already been narrated, but they could not too often be reminded of the splendid achievement and the noble efforts which they were there to commemorate and to acclaim. That deed furnished a noble example. But they must remember that such deeds meant more than courage and deter- mination at the moment. They meant that there was the quality and the attitude of the brain, and the good principles of life which were tested in time of emergency. These men were not found wanting, but covered them- selves with glory and distinction.

Those brave rescuers had already been honoured by the King, but they who were assembled there that day were behind none in the heartiness with which they saluted them and asked them to accept the tokens offered by the ROYAL NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION as a lasting memento of the feelings of appreciation and grateful thanks for the example and the encouragement given to all those present, who would be stimulated by the admirable conduct of these men. (Applause.) His Excellency then presented the awards, and her Excellency pinned the medals on the breasts of the recipients.

The Rev. Father O'Shea, having expressed deep gratitude on behalf of him- self and his companions, and paid a high tribute to the men who had assisted him, Lieutenant W. G. RIGG, R.N., as repre- sentative of the Institution, cordially thanked Lord and Lady Aberdeen for their kindness, and the ceremony terminated..