Byrne’s legacy will follow him into retirement

IT’S an unfortunate coincidence that Garda Commissioner Pat Byrne retires in the same week as six gardaí appear in court charged with assault causing harm against civilians.

The officers, due to appear in the Circuit Court today, face charges in relation to their handling of the Reclaim the Streets demonstration on Dublin’s Dame Street last year.

The trial comes as the Commissioner yesterday carried out his last official public function at the Westmanstown Sports Centre in Dublin.