What's it really like to be a community garda in Cork?

As Ireland slowly returns to normal after Covid-19, we tag along with the community gardaí around 'Jewtown', Magazine Road and Cork city centre. 

Sgt Mike O'Connell (front) with community policing gardaí Lorraine O'Donovan, Damien Desmond and Patrick Collins at Anglesea Street garda station. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

In warm afternoon sunshine, across the river from City Hall, Garda Lorraine O’Donovan is talking with a rueful-looking young man, her tone friendly, but firm. He was arrested the night before for a public order offence, and she tells him he needs to cop himself on. Agreeing to meet again later in the week, he leaves, looking happier.

“We tend to meet the same people a lot, and we get to know them,” she says, as we cross the Éamon de Valera Bridge, heading for Shalom Park.