Tributes paid to retiring Clare ‘super’

GLOWING tributes were paid to the work of Superintendent Brendan McDonagh at a recent Joint Policing Committee (JPC) meeting, writes Dan Danaher.

Superintendent McDonagh has completed 40 years’ service with An Garda Siochána, 33 of which were in the Clare Garda Division.

Chief Superintendent Seán Colleran noted Superintendent McDonagh wasn’t in attendance at the meeting ahead of his retirement later that week, and lauded his four decades of service with the force.

Councillor Mary Howard wished Superintendent McDonagh well in his retirement, having served the force very well during his time in Clare.

The Fine Gael Councillor recalled any time an issue was raised with Superintendent McDonagh she knew he would always deal with it in the best possible manner.

Councillor PJ Ryan also praised Superintendent McDonagh’s work ethic.

“Brendan has been a very good friend to Clare people. He is leaving a fantastic legacy behind him. When I served as chairman of the Joint Policing Committee for five years, I always found he was an excellent man to deal with. He was always at the other end of a phone and he would do whatever he could to resolve a problem,” Councillor PJ Ryan.

“We have a problem in Sixmilebridge at the moment. While he didn’t have a magic wand, he tried to do everything he could to solve the issues.

“On behalf of Clare people, I would like to thank him for everything he has done in the county,” he said.

Joint Policing Committee chairman, Councillor John Crowe, thanked Superintendent McDonagh for all the work he has completed in Clare down through the years.

“Brendan was always so approachable. I wish him well and I hope he has a very happy retirement.”

Chief Superintendent Seán Colleran said he would ensure that all the compliments were passed on to Brendan and he was sure he would appreciate all these heartfelt comments.

During a recent visit to Ennis Garda Station with Deputy Commissioner, Dr Shawna Coxon, Inspector Morgan O’Donoghue praised Superintendent McDonagh before his retirement from the force.

“He has been a huge mentor for nearly all the nine inspectors that are currently attached to the Clare Division. He has been a role model personally to me. I was fortunate enough to be allocated the role of Assistant Superintendent under his tutelage,” Deputy Commissioner Shawna Coxon.

“We are going to miss him deeply and his expertise, his knowledge of the division and his very welcoming attitude towards everyone. He treated everyone the same. He is certainly going to leave big shoes to fill in the future.”