Heroic action by sergeant praised

A GARDA sergeant who tackled one of the armed men trying to extort cash from his brother-in-law was hailed a hero yesterday and could be in line for a Scott medal for bravery.

Although unarmed, Blackrock-based Sergeant Gary McPolin tackled one of the raiders as he fled from his brother-in-law, Gary O'Donovan's house early yesterday morning.

Sgt McPolin was at home in bed when he received a phone call from a distraught Mr O'Donovan, who had managed to escape from the house where his pregnant wife, Katie, and four children were being held by two masked men.

The 35-year-old sergeant left his home immediately and alerted gardaí at Anglesea Street.

He met Detective Garda John McDonagh and Garda Joe Young en route.

Other garda units took up positions around the estate but out of sight of the O'Donovan home.

"We passed the house and observed the scene but kept uniformed gardaí out of the way," said Sgt McPolin.

He declined to give exact details of the circumstances surrounding the arrest of the raiders. But he described the incident as "a heinous crime".

"It is the worst form of intimidation when you intimidate a mother and children in their home.

"It is disgusting to think that people planned this, did this to a mother, her children and her unborn child.

"This should be a time when they are enjoying their life and their home. It was a horrible situation for any family one you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy. I have very strong feelings about this but I'm not going to impart them now," he said.

He said the O'Donovan family while traumatised, are very strong, and will have strong family support in the weeks and months ahead.

"They will be coming back here; this is their home and we will support them. We'll rally round them, they'll be fine."

Sgt McPolin, who is sergeant-in-charge at Blackrock Garda Station, was aided by detectives John McDonagh and Joe Young, who are both based in Anglesea Street.

Chief Superintendent Kevin Ludlow yesterday complimented those involved in the operation.

"The work done by the gardaí was excellent. It was a very successful outcome and we are happy that nobody was seriously injured," said Chief Supt Ludlow.

Sgt McPolin is well known in sporting circles, having played GAA and rugby at senior levels. He won two All-Ireland medals at junior and minor level and a senior Munster medal in 1994. He also played senior rugby, lining out as a winger with Highfield as well as junior rugby with Bandon and Douglas. He trains the Muskerry divisional football team.

His father, Séamus, is a retired member of the gardaí and his elder brother, Barry, is serving as a superintendent in Mallow.

His other brother, Gene, is a regional director with AIB.