Two new gardai from Offaly among latest graduates
Two people from Offaly became sworn members of An Garda Síochána at a graduation ceremony in Templemore recently.
The new gardai were among a group of 154 who graduated at a ceremony at the Garda Training College on Friday, August 22.
Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris were in attendance, as well as family members of the new gardai.
The two gardai from Offaly are Josehph Pike, who will be stationed at Roxboro Road, and Geoffrey Corrigan, who will be stationed in Thurles.
The graduating class of 154 gardai was made up of 122 men and 32 women, with 26 of the new gardai being born outside of the state and coming from Australia, Belarus, Brazil, England, Germany, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Northern Ireland, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, Romania, and United States.
Four of the probationer gardaí were former Reserve gardaí.
These newly attested 154 members of An Garda Síochána were recruited as part of the 2023 and 2024 recruitment campaigns. The new gardaí commenced their Garda training in December 2024 and have undertaken a blend of online learning, on-site learning in the Garda College, and experiential learning in training Garda stations.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Commissioner Drew Harris welcomed the new Garda probationers: "Today is indeed a day to celebrate, but it is also a day for reflection. It is a time to reflect on what it has taken to get to this juncture in your lives. To decide how you will make the most of this important opportunity. To consider what kind of Garda you are going to be.”
He added: "Do make the most of the opportunities presented to you. I also urge you to consider that each engagement and each interaction be it with an individual, group or community, can and does, have a lasting impact. These sometimes brief encounters stay with people. Whether it is the time you took to chat with an older person; or to sit and comfort someone at a time of sorrow, or in returning as stolen item to a victim of crime.
"These are the moments people remember always. These are moments when we can shine for those in the dark. These are also moments that will stay with you as you go through your careers as Gardaí."