The Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council Councillor Hubert Keaney has paid tribute to the Gardaí serving in the Sligo-Leitrim Division.
Garda Ceremony
Cathaoirleach pays tribute to Gardaí at City Hall ceremony
He was speaking at a special ‘Commemoration and Commendation’ ceremony hosted outside City Hall on Saturday 6th May.
In his address the Cathaoirleach said
"This is a unique occasion, where members of the Garda are joined by their families for this special ceremony, in the presence of the community they serve with distinction and pride. It is also a privilege for Sligo County Council to be associated with this ceremony, as it affords us the opportunity to publicly acknowledge and commend the Gardaí for their individual and collective service to our state and its citizens."
Universal Respect
In a modern society with changing demographics and many diverse influences, one constant that infuses every sector of our community is universal respect for our Gardaí. Respect cannot be demanded, it has to be earned, and your re-assuring presence has been a gift to this and previous generations. Fairness, integrity, diligence, impartiality and respect; These five words lie at the core of the Garda Oath of Office, they form the backdrop to your engagement with the community you serve, and are valued and cherished by every member of the force. These values symbolise the ethos of the Gardaí as truly as the emblems on their uniforms.
Exemplary Service
This is foremost a day of celebration with the presentation of medals and commendations. But the ceremony will also provide a moment to reflect on deceased members of the force, people who have died as a result of violent crime in this Division, and we also pay tribute to the brave Coastguard Crew 116. The true value of exemplary service lies not in the historic, but in the mundane. History will not record, or posterity will not recall, the countless acts of everyday courage and individual generosity carried out by Gardaí in the course of their duty. The people of our community join with me today in public affirmation of your courage, professionalism and dedication.’