A MEMBER of New Ross Rugby Club is being hailed as a hero after he rescued a little toddler who had wandered from his home in Limerick in the early hours of the morning.

James Ryan, from Graiguenamanagh, is a prominent member of the local sports club and has been selected for the first team this coming season. He was also a member of the team that won the Division 2B Leinster League.

However, his onfield heroics pale in comparison to his actions in Limerick city last week when he came to the aid of two-and-a-half year-old Theo Costello who he found wandering along the Dublin road in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The little boy managed to open the front door of his home while his mam was asleep.  The little boy was only wearing his pyjamas and holding a blanket when he made his way to the busy N7 Dublin road before he was ultimately spotted by Mr. Ryan at around 2.20 a.m. The 21 year-old immediately went to his assistance and the Gardai at Henry Street Station were contacted. They took the boy into protective custody and investigated where he had come from.

The investigation led the Gardai to his home where his mam, Christine Costello, was completely unaware that her little son had gone out on a big late night adventure. A leading member of the force in Limerick highlighted the fact that Theo was lucky it was Mr. Ryan who found him: “The little boy is incredibly lucky. It’s fortunate that he wasn’t knocked down by a car or worse, kidnapped.”

His sentiments were echoed by Theo’s mam who praised Mr. Ryan as a hero.

A student in the University of Limerick he was returning home from work when he spotted the little boy. Highlighting that the outcome could have been far less positive Ms. Costello said: “It could have been a completely different outcome. I am grateful to the Gardaí and I am very grateful to James for staying with him until the guards turned up.”

Quick thinking Mr. Ryan stayed a safe distance away from the youngster while still close enough to ensure he was safe as he contacted the Gardai. He also flagged down a passing taxi driver and the two men remained with Theo until the Gardai arrived.

Thankfully, because of the quick actions of Mr. Ryan it was a story with a very happy outcome as Theo was reunited with his mam a short time later.

Members of New Ross Rugby Club were full of praise for their colleague who they described being someone who shies away from publicity.

However, on this occasion he had the spotlight cast on him for all the right reasons.