Centenary of An Garda Siochana commemorated at Killaloe

THE PROFESSIONALISM, kindness and compassion displayed by members of An Garda Siochána since its foundation was lauded by Killaloe parish priest, Fr James Grace.

A Mass celebrating the centenary of the establishment of An Garda Siochána in Ireland took place in St Flannan’s Church, Killaloe recently.

Speaking at this special Mass, Fr Grace said he had witnessed gardai working beyond the call of duty displaying professionalism, kindness and compassion, in particular during tragic deaths such as suicides.

Fr Grace also welcomed and praised the contribution made by Killaloe Coastguard, Killaloe Firemen, Civil Defence and all volunteers who contribute to the safety of the twin communities.

At the start of the Mass, retired Detective Garda Albert Kelly brought a cap from the original Garda uniform to the altar, representing the establishment of An Garda Siochána and all members past and present who represent the force.

Garda Annette Ryan brought up the official Garda crest as a symbol of the work the police force does to keep communities safe.

In his homily, Fr Grace said the establishment of An Garda Siochána had played a vital role in the emergence of the free state.

“It quickly won the support and trust of the people because from the beginning An Garda Siochána was more of an unarmed community police force that was of the people, for the people and with the people, which has continued up to this present day.

“Gardai play a vital role in our communities, women and men who very often have to risk their own safety in order to protect our own communities. It is a noble profession that gets the required support in the difficult but necessary work you are called to do.

“Today we pay tribute to our local gardai for the invaluable work you do serving the people of our community. We honour the great women and men who served in this area over many years. Many of them have retired and many have gone to their eternal reward, having provided generations a sense of security and peace of mind,” he said.

Adopting the central theme of the gospel, he said gardai had been the “good Samaritan” for countless people, particularly for the vulnerable and those living alone during the Covid-19 pandemic.

After the Mass, Fr Grace performed a special blessing of Killaloe Garda Station, which was witnessed by a large group of retired and current Killaloe Gardai led by Chief Superintendent of the Clare Garda Division, Seán Colleran, Inspector Michelle Moloney, Clare County Council chairman, Councillor Tony O’Brien, Councillor Pat Hayes, Councillor Michael Begley, Councillor Joe Cooney and North Tipperary County Councillor Phyll Bugler.

Killaloe Garda Station hosted an exhibition of Garda memorabilia, including some old photographs, which was specially arranged by Sergeant John Reynolds, Garda Training College, Templemore.
Chief Superintendent Colleran acknowledged all the work that Inspector Michelle Moloney and Garda Annette Ryan before this event.

He said it is great to see so many people, current and retired members of the force with their family. at this ceremony.

“I thought Fr Grace covered very well in the Mass how closely we work with the local community, colleagues in the Coast Guard, fire service, airport police. We depend on our colleagues, we give them as much help and they give us.

“We all appreciate places like Killaloe are the bedrock of this country. Gardai live, work and socialise in small towns and bring up their families in a healthy and safe environment. That is down to the relationship we have with the public.

“We want to thank everyone for all the support we get. Covid-19 presented a lot of challenges but also showcased what we can achieve working together,” he said.

Following his election as council chairman, Councillor O’Brien told the attendance in Killaloe Garda Station he accepted this honour, not only personally and on behalf of his family, but on behalf of people in Killaloe and East Clare.

“I wear this chain on your behalf and I hope ye take great pride in it as well. I would like to thank An Garda Siochána for the work they have done and continue to do in our community and congratulate them on their 100th year anniversary.

“Gardai play a vital part of our local community. Fr Grace mentioned in his homily this morning the amount of unseen work that the gardai do is unbelievable. The work completed by the Killaloe Coastguard, local fire service and other local volunteers is very valuable and valued in our community.”

Killaloe Gardai also participated in the Emergency Services’ Open Day at the Green and Main Street, Killaloe.

They were joined by the Killaloe Coast Guard, Killaloe-Ballina Search and Recovery, Killaloe Fire Brigade, Civil Defence, National Ambulance Service and Mid-West Blood Bikes.

Gardai provided displays from the water unit, the traffic unit, the dog unit, roads and policing, scenes of crime and the mounted unit.