Today, we were joined by Madeleine Shinnick — a devoted grandmother who raised her children in the coastal village of Doonbeg before moving to Galway in 2011.

What was meant to be a joyful family outing turned into a heart-stopping moment of fear along the shores of Lahinch — a place as beautiful as it is dangerous when the tide rolls in.

Her 11-year-old grandson Michael was swept into the sea by a sudden riptide — a terrifying force that catches even the strongest swimmers off guard.

For a few long seconds, he vanished from view. But thanks to the quick, selfless actions of four complete strangers, Michael was pulled from the waves and brought safely back to shore.

To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by grandmother, Madeleine Shinnick.

Photo(C): Madeleine Shinnick.