The US tourist whose phone and wallet were robbed while rescuing a man from the Liffey River in Dublin has said he is overwhelmed by the response he's had from the Irish public since the incident.

Nebraska man Joe Sheehan said he would like to thank the Irish people, especially passers-by Hugh, Cathal and Katie who came to his aid after he was robbed, treating him to a night out and ensuring he had somewhere to stay.

"The kindness of everyone around me, especially the Dubliners has replaced anything that I could have lost," the 20-year-old told the Independent.

(READ the story from the Irish Independent)

Photo credit: Liffey River at sunset in Dublin – by Philip Milne via CC license