Minister for Justice Michael McDowell has presented medals of distinction to three of the 142 gardaí who graduated from the Garda College, Templemore, Co Tipperary.
The Commissioner's Medal, which is awarded to the student achieving the highest aggregate marks in academic subjects, was awarded to Garda Timothy O'Connell, Dublin, who will be stationed at Tallaght Garda station in the city. The Gary Sheehan Memorial medal, for the best all-round student, was presented to Garda John Dineen, Carrigaline, Co Cork, who will be stationed at Sundrive Road Garda station, Dublin.
The medal commemorates a Garda recruit, Gary Sheehan, who was killed while on duty in Ballinamore, Co Leitrim, in December 1983. He was shot dead by the IRA during the kidnapping of Don Tidey.
The Templemore Town Council medal, for outstanding achievement and appreciation in the area of social science studies, was presented to Garda Aidan Lonergan, from Clonmel, Co Tipperary, who will be stationed in Ballinasloe, Co Galway.
The medals were presented by Mr McDowell at a graduation ceremony at the Garda College yesterday. He was accompanied by Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy and the secretary general of the Department of Justice Seán Aylward.
