Two Irish soccer fans who were inebriated and fell onto the tracks at Times Square in New York late on Sunday night were saved when perfect strangers jumped down on to the track and pulled them to safety.
The latter part of the rescue was witnessed by a reporter, Raphael Orlove for the web site Jalopnik.com who wrote about it on the site.
He wrote that “The last thing I want is any drama but the first thing I see is a couple of people in street clothes lifting a body up from the tracks on the opposite side, then scrambling and jumping up onto the platform itself."
He explains that the two inebriated fans toppled in and “two brave strangers ignored all safety recommendations and jumped in after them.”
The Irish couple had been watching the Ireland-Croatia game in Manhattan and were returning to Yonkers.
Apparently they and some other Irish fans had been “horsing around” waiting for the train to come when they both toppled over onto the tracks.
Orlove wrote “There is a young girl, practically my age, who is lying flat on her back wearing a green shirt (Go Ireland!) and this intensely bright shade of red lipstick. Her friends and some strangers were standing over her, fanning her, keeping her awake. I feel like I have to go over there to help even though I have no kind of special training or any skills that'll actually help anyone.
"I look at the girl soccer fan and I realize she doesn't have red lipstick — that's blood.
"Her hand is bleeding, too, and there are thick grease marks over her arms and her head where she fell. Her friend in orange is fanning her, and so is a fit black guy in a white shirt.”
The black guy he discovers is the person along with one other who saved the girl and her male companion who is unhurt but dazed.
He heard the commotion when he arrived at the track and saw the girl on the tracks out cold.
"For a minute you just think 'Jesus Christ.' And I didn't even think, he tells the reporter, “You don't even think and I jumped down. I just wanted to make sure she was okay. Because I remember when I used to get...twisted…and I just wanted to help.
“It's not even a color thing! That's what's great about New York. We can shove each other on the subway, but when it comes down to it, we just get down to it…And I felt like I was already taking too long!"
He and another man who had already left lifted them off the tracks and onto the platform just before a train arrived.
The girl and her friends were from Yonkers, a strong Irish neighborhood near The Bronx one of them told an officer filling out a report.
Orlove reports that “The girl is sitting up, finally, and she gives a weak smile. "I'm fine!" she says.
Orlove comments “It is very much not my plan to ever fall onto subway tracks, but if I do I hope I'm in New York and I hope I'm surrounded by strangers.”
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.Tracey | Jun 24, 2012, 07:51 PM EDT
When I looked at this initially, I thought two Irish people had fallen onto an underground line in America. The rescue is a heart-warming story but it seems the fans weren't actually Irish. It's so ludicrous that the registration form for this site asks you for "degree of Irishness"; this includes those with Irish great-grandparents or "a distant ancestor"! If this were the definition of being Irish it would mean most of the population of England, Wales & Scotland are Irish too!! It just seems so silly to Irish/British folk that born & bred yanks call themselves 'Irish'. I met a girl in Canada once who told me she was Irish. She had a North American accent, which seemed odd, so I asked her what part she was from. It turned out her Irish link was tenuous to say the least (great-great granddad, I think) & she'd never even been to Eire & didn't know anything about the place! I can understand Americans wanting to be something else & you are free to support the Irish National Football team if you want, Great! But don't pretend your Irish! All the best,T. Tir gan teanga, tir gan anam.
ciaradexy | Jun 15, 2012, 12:59 PM EDT
Allan, NI didnt even qualify! Those players from NI chose to play for us over playing for NI. They werent poached. Get over yourself you saddo! Angry, I have quite a few mates who were over for the Euros and every single one of them have really good well paid jobs so when it comes to topics you know nothing about, you should keep your gob shut. Over 30,000 Irish fans went to Poland and there were 8 arrests. Thats 8. We are the best fans in the world regardless of what an angry old American like yourself thinks, you moany aul pr1ck.
EamonnDublin | Jun 15, 2012, 11:08 AM EDT
I was going to drop a note to "AngryPaddy" and "Allan07", but then I realised the two twits would think they had got under my skin. So I'll just say for them both: have a happy life, whoever you are and wherever you're from. I would change the tablets if I were them, but, other than that, if they continue to improve, they should at some stage in the future register a "one" on a straightforward IQ test. When they get their first "one" on the IQ test, that means they have found the correct tablets, so then they should continue on the same tablets, but double the dosage. By doubling the dosage, after a few more years they could possibly register a "2". But, in all honesty, I consider that would be at the top of their scale. Oh, and by the way, as for living in Ireland, my family and I are here by choice and loving every single second of it. Éamonn, Dublin, Ireland.
EamonnDublin | Jun 15, 2012, 10:55 AM EDT
I was going to drop a note to "AngryPaddy" and "Allan07", but then I realised the two twits would think they had got under my skin. So I'll just say for them both: have a happy life, whoever you are and wherever you're from. I would change the tablets if I were them, but, other than that, if they continue to improve, they should at some stage in the future register a "one" on a straightforward IQ test. When they get their first "one" on the IQ test, that means they have found the correct tablets, so then they should continue on the same tablets, but double the dosage. By doubling the dosage, after a few more years they could possibly register a "2". But, in all honesty, I consider that would be at the top of their scale. Oh, and by the way, as for living in Ireland, my family and I are here by choice and loving every single second of it. Éamonn, Dublin, Ireland.
allan07 | Jun 14, 2012, 06:41 PM EDT
@Bythebay what a disgrace the Republic of Ireland football team are. Complete idiots. First they get easily beaten by Croatia and now tonight its a 4-0 stuffing by the Spanish. Still i predicted it all and i did say they will be home before the postcards. Its party time tonight here in Northern Ireland. That will teach your lot for stealing players from Northern Ireland. Hope you get stuffed in the Italy game as well. Even Roy Keane said tonight they think they are good when in reality they are at best average. (On a good day). Stick to the GAA sports and stop pretending the Republic can play the British game of football. Back to the classroom mate. The other side of woeful defending. Disgrace.
ciaradexy | Jun 14, 2012, 03:24 PM EDT
WoundedKnee, George would be entitled to an opinion about Ireland immigration policies if this was HIS country but its not. He has an irish passport, he'd still a migrant when hes here just like all those people who received their Irish citizenship here today and who are now also Irish passport holders.
WoundedKnee | Jun 14, 2012, 08:24 AM EDT
Bythebay you think Irish people don't have a right to an opinion about their country's immigration policies? You just want them to be quiet and accept everything the government decides. Wow, you really are pretty spineless. But while you keep quiet about your government you seem to shout down everyone here who expresses an opinion you don't like. And before you shout me down, I'd remind you that Dillon has said he's an Irish citizen--he has as much right to an opinion as you.
firehawk | Jun 13, 2012, 01:33 PM EDT
They'd be better off spending their money on 1916 Easter Rising Centenary Commemorative Coins (google it) At least they'd have a lasting mememto of the event! They're so pissed they probably dont recall falling onto the tracks. 1916uprising.ie
Bythebay | Jun 13, 2012, 01:24 PM EDT
GeorgeDillon, despising multiculturalism in Ireland which is the same multiculturalism as the US, Canada, the UK, France and many, many other countries. Nothing he can do about any of it except useless railing and bigotry.
Pazuzu | Jun 13, 2012, 01:20 PM EDT
GeorgeDillon hits the nail on the head yet again at 12:57. I don't know why everybody attacks him. He only serves back the nastiness that certain supposed Irish-born people show to Irish Americans in general and himself in particular here.
Bythebay | Jun 13, 2012, 01:06 PM EDT
I see the operational word for dunks at Irish events in the US now is inebriated. Another word won't make it any better.
Bythebay | Jun 13, 2012, 01:04 PM EDT
GeorgeDillon, you should be looking at the diminution of Irish emigrants in the US by booze and cloistering in so caslled Irish ghettos, drinking at Irish bars which does far more harm than those immigrant groups in the US who mainstream and advance themselves. Separate and always subservient.
Bythebay | Jun 13, 2012, 01:02 PM EDT
GeorgeDillon, you're delusional.
ciaradexy | Jun 13, 2012, 12:00 PM EDT
Dildo, yeah so some Irish people are getting drunk but you cannot tar everyone with the same brush here just as I cannot say that every American is off raping and strangling young Irish girls in Japan.
ciaradexy | Jun 13, 2012, 11:57 AM EDT
JamieLM, if you have ever felt personally insulted by any of my posts then i am truly sorry. I apologise whole heartedly. The only Americans who disgust me are those who bleat on telling the world that they are Irish (its obviously they are American born and bred) and yet take every given moment to slag off the Irish. Anyone who actually knows me, knows I have friends from all over the world. I don't judge people on where they are from (hence I don't have issues with migrants into Ireland), I do however judge people on how they behave and what they say. GD is a complete plank as the majority on this site are well aware. last weekend, i ensured that a group of Americans had a brilliant time when I brought them on a tour of Kerry, Connemara and Mayo. As an Irish person, I feel its my duty to ensure that tourists (especially Yanks as i have Yank cousins)have a great time when they are here and so far, I have had no complaints and plenty of compliments. Oh and i dont drink either. I am very sorry for the loss of your niece. I cant imagine life without my gorgeous nephews. Have you noticed that 'Angrypaddy' who also tells us he's irish refers to the Irish as 'Dumb paddies'? Angry, Insulting yourself makes you look even more foolish! how thick are you?
Bythebay | Jun 13, 2012, 11:55 AM EDT
jamieLM, your and others opinion on this forum matters not one iota to Ireland or to what Ireland does despite your inflated American ego.
Bythebay | Jun 13, 2012, 11:30 AM EDT
You know you're in New York when..." Two Irish soccer fans who were inebriated and fell onto the tracks at Times Square", supporting those Irish bar owners and rendering themselves incapacitated. No wonder they can't mainstream.
jamieLM | Jun 13, 2012, 10:06 AM EDT
@EamonnDublin, thank you for your kind words of condolences. I know that GeoDillon routinely insults the Irish. His insults just lead to anger and defensiveness, serve no purpose, and don't reflect the viewpoint of all Americans. He rudely speaks for himself. I disagree with individual posters, but I don't insult the Irish as if they all think and behave alike. The Irish are as individual as Americans are. I've been to beautiful Ireland numerous times and I've found the Irish to be just like Americans - some good and some not so good. I have nothing negative to say about the Irish or Ireland as a whole - just individual posters, like bythebay/ciradexy/stevenstar who are always making snide, insulting remarks about Americans. I despise that childish "my country is better than your country" attitude that often appears on this site by some of the posters. Grow up. Be it Ireland or the U.S., most of us love our country, warts and all, because we identify with its culture. Btw: GeoD insults me, too, and others who don't agree with his opinions. I don't get him. I do understand your point of view. No one likes someone posting such nasty, disdainful comments about their country and countrymen. I expect the Irish to forcefully object to these types of comments. They're really unproductive and unnecessary and are typical of someone who has a small mind.
IrelandNorth | Jun 13, 2012, 05:30 AM EDT
It's possible to be an Irish soccer fan without being Irish. This human interest story behoves us all to examine our consciences about the incideousness of the intoxication industry, and it's shameless exploitation of adolescent naivete. As also to wonder about Irish/American websites which accept commercials from such dubious purveyors.
bogsidebunny | Jun 13, 2012, 01:41 AM EDT
Irish binge drinkers? That's a myth. The Irish are sensible enough not to do anything to excess, like buy overpriced houses with loans they could never hope to pay back. Nothing to see here folks. Move along.
angrypaddy | Jun 12, 2012, 09:45 PM EDT
i made a comment about seeing that group on my way to work on Sunday night at about 10:30 I was hoping that they would get arrested for their own safety i worked in bars for 20 years and i never saw people so drunk i am glad that they are ok but i am still ashamed of them and know that they will do the same on Thursday for the Spanish match Thats what Ireland is like every weekend in towns and villages its sickening to see dumb Paddys
Jakester1 | Jun 12, 2012, 07:05 PM EDT
Maybe they were depressed over the Irish losing and decided to throw in the towel. Thank God for the good samaritans!
borefield | Jun 12, 2012, 06:13 PM EDT
Gotta love New York. The best and most diversified city in the world. I am so proud of NY and those two good Samaritans . Every day something good and something bad happens, it all evens out in the end.
EamonnDublin | Jun 12, 2012, 03:59 PM EDT
"jamieLM" - I fully appreciate what you say, and I offer my most sincere condolences for the tragic loss of your niece. My comment was intended - as addressed - for "GeorgeDillon". George is a regular contributor on these boards and he uses the boards almost exclusively to rudely attempt to insult the Irish people. I was, therefore, just making a point, specifically to George. As an aside, regular readers of these posts will also know that I am a great fan of the United States of America - and they will know that I was not insulting the country or its citizens in any way. We all have our problems - it's just that GeorgeDillon regularly throws ours in our faces, and conjures up a lot of his own malicious fiction to boot. I think, perhaps, with the name "Dillon", the bould George might well be doing what an ex-British Member of Parliament, who had an Irish background, said about the Irish Republican prisoners when they were in the middle of their "dirty protest" in British prisons: "The Irish were never known for their cleanliness". Methinks GeorgeDillon has the same problem, basically saying "I may have an Irish background, but I'm NOT bloody Irish" (Apologies for the swearword, but in this case I think it gives the matter of GeorgeDillon's stance more clarity). By the way, you will see that George has had yet another go at us! George, do you never get fed up dreaming up insults? Where is the better side of your nature? Do you have one? Or are you just a worthless snake in the grass who is no good for anything other than having a bite at whatever happens to be passing? Éamonn, Dublin, Ireland.
GeorgeDillon | Jun 12, 2012, 02:54 PM EDT
The Irish usually have an excuse in circumstances such as these. Just wait, they'll be telling us that they weren't used to American beer, that it's stronger than beer in Ireland etc. etc.... Just to nip that one in the bud, I'd point out that the young Irish have en masse adopted Budweiser as their drink of choice. Shows they have as little taste as sense.
Kells46 | Jun 12, 2012, 01:02 PM EDT
Thank you to the 2 brave men who rescued these idiots. It does not matter whether it is NY, Ireland or Poland, drunks are disgusting stupid morons. Get a life young Irish, it is not necessary to live up to the stereotype and embarrass those of us who choose to live in a civilized manner.
misneac | Jun 12, 2012, 12:24 PM EDT
Typical bloody soccer supporters !
citizen69 | Jun 12, 2012, 12:00 PM EDT
Living up to the stereotypes i see. Thank god for the kindness of strangers or we could have been taking about a tragedy here.
dev4 | Jun 12, 2012, 11:17 AM EDT
a bloody discrace!
jamieLM | Jun 12, 2012, 11:16 AM EDT
@EamonnDublin, the article is not about America's criminals, but about drunken dangerous behavior by 2 Irish citizens that embarrasses everyone, here and at home. We can all, Irish & American, relate to this scenario. As an American, I cringe when Americans act like drunken fools at home and it's even worse when they act like that abroad. Every country has its share of people who drink to excess and most drunks behave badly. I know these 2 drunken fans do NOT represent everyone in Ireland, but they remind all of us that it can be dangerous when people get over-the-top drunk; they often do stupid things. I know because an unlicensed American drunk killed my 19 yr. old niece.
greensod | Jun 12, 2012, 11:10 AM EDT
A brave act so two people can live.The world needs more of that.
RedBranch | Jun 12, 2012, 11:04 AM EDT
GBA
ePHraimAg | Jun 12, 2012, 10:41 AM EDT
fLat out....Two application forms for jobs in - el-Sharriff, Jobs eDwards !
pilib04 | Jun 12, 2012, 10:41 AM EDT
Perhaps something should be posted thanking the "good sams" in this situation. "Two brave strangers, ignoring safety reccommendations, jumped in after them." Go raibh mile maith agat to the two strangers. Now, one of the strangers was a "fit black guy in a white shirt." Is that opposed to an unfit black guy? Really?
handsome68 | Jun 12, 2012, 10:36 AM EDT
I agree with Ancavker's summing-up, "What an embarrassment!!!" Being a New Yorker who had Leitrim-born parents, I remember being in the Pigalle section of Paris when the Ireland/France soccer games was going on. Two Irish pubs bookend(ed) the area -- psychologically interesting in itself, perhaps -- and the Irish fans were packed into them like sardines. I spent the evening drinking 2 but not more than 3 merlots (my upper limit) singing (badly) Edith Piaf's "La Vie en Rose" at a karaoke place and then going to a "cabaret-type" place about which may neither the Pope nor mom, ever know. Had a good time. Today's sermon: Listen to your body. Your body is NOT telling you to drink more.
EamonnDublin | Jun 12, 2012, 10:08 AM EDT
"GeorgeDillon" - I saw recently where there was just one more incident of many students being murdered on an American college campus, by an American citizen. The word for these guys is neither "inebriated" nor "drunk". It's "Evil Mass Murderers". Just sayin'. Éamonn, Dublin, Ireland. (No offence intended to the normal, vast, vast majority of the American people)
esatdigiwank | Jun 12, 2012, 10:02 AM EDT
We're the 'Drinking Irish' in this present day are we not? Fighting Irish; what was all that about (*sarc). We don't recall because we prefer killing the grey matter with the devil's buttermilk
ancavker | Jun 12, 2012, 09:56 AM EDT
What an embarrassment!!!
GeorgeDillon | Jun 12, 2012, 09:50 AM EDT
Not surprised. On another site a poster described the stupid behavior of young Irish he saw in Manhattan on Sunday. And I posted details of YouTube clips which show more stupidity from Irish "fans" in Poland. By the way O'Shea, what's with the word "inebriated"? The word for these guys is DRUNK.