West Clare woman becomes deputy Garda commissioner

By Fiona McGarry

A KILMURRY McMahon native has been appointed as one of two new deputy commissioners of An Garda Síochána.

Anne Marie McMahon was appointed to the role on an interim basis last March and, now that she had been formally appointed, makes history as one of the highest ranking female members of the force.

Ms McMahon joined the Gardai in 1986 and was stationed at Coolock Garda Station, Dublin and Henry Street in Limerick.

In the early ‘90s, she served with a United Nations mission in Cambodia and in 1995 was promoted to sergeant and instructor at the Student Probationer School, Garda College. Between 1997 and 2002, she served as Operational /Community Policing Sergeant in Henry Street District.

After being promoted to the rank of inspector in 2002, she served in Newcastle West and Henry Street Districts. In 2007, she rose to the rank of Superintendent and served in Bruff and Roxboro Road Districts.

She became Chief Superintendent in 2010 and served at the Garda Community Relations Bureau, Harcourt Square, Dublin, until August 2015. In addition, she served as Director of Training, Garda College between April 2011 and August 2016.

Ms McMahon was promoted to Assistant Commissioner in 2016 and assigned to the Southern Region. Last year, she became Acting Deputy Commissioner and assigned Governance and Strategy.

Her formal qualifications include a Diploma in Business and Executive Coaching from the Smurfit Business School, an MBS in Human Resource Management, a BA Degree in Police Management, and a Diploma in Management.

Ms McMahon’s formal appointment to the role of Deputy Commissioner makes her one of two female officers to hold the role.

The other appointment is Dr Shawna Coxon, who was Deputy Chief of the Toronto Police Service for the last three-and-a-half years.

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee welcomed the appointments this week saying “Both of these officers have solid records of achievement and delivery and bring deep skill, experience and huge personal commitment to policing to these important senior positions.”

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said he is looking forward to working with both of the new deputy commissioners.

“I wish to congratulate Anne Marie McMahon on her appointment as Deputy Commissioner,” he said.

“Anne Marie brings huge policing experience, competence in difficult senior command roles, and drive and determination in delivering change through the Policing Service for the Future reform agenda.

“Through the exercise of positive leadership and example she has earned the trust and respect of members and staff within An Garda Síochána.

“I look forward to working with Anne Marie in the months and years ahead as we continue to deliver a policing service that keeps people safe through a strong relationship with everyone in our society.”

Ms McMahon has been appointed with effect from 10 February. Dr Coxon will take up duty on April 19.