Gardaí decorated with Scott Medals for Bravery

TWO women were among five gardaí decorated with Scott Medals for Bravery at Templemore yesterday.

Garda Ann Roche, who is a native of Coachford, Co Cork was awarded a Silver Scott Medal along with Garda Fergus McGroary from Donegal town.

The 27-year-old garda, who is stationed in Howth, got decorated for tackling two armed and masked raiders on November 11, 2004 in a branch of Permanent TSB while on duty in Sutton with the only weapon she had - her standard baton.

Garda Roche hit one of them on the shoulder and as they sped off in a getaway car she smashed the windscreen with her baton. As a result of her actions, one of the raiders was later arrested.

Garda Fergus McGroary who is stationed in Bunbeg got a Silver Scott Medal for his bravery while on duty on July 18, 2004. On receiving a report that a car had driven over Bunbeg Pier, Garda McGroary, 33, ran to the scene, dived in and managed to bring the woman driver to safety.

Garda Adrienne Condon, 28, from Waterford city, stationed in Pearse St, Dublin got a Bronze Scott Medal for rescuing a man by diving into the River Liffey.

Garda Darran Kirwan, who is stationed in Dundalk, got a Bronze Scott Medal for rescuing a man from the Castletown river.

Garda Patrick Casey, who is stationed in Pearse St, Dublin, also got a Bronze Scott Medal for pulling a man from the Liffey.

The medals were presented by Justice Minister Michael McDowell and Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy.

Three new graduates also received awards at yesterday’s graduation ceremony.

Garda Ian Coughlan from Ballinlough, Co Cork received the Commissioner’s Medal, Garda Geraldine Flannery, from Woodford, Co Galway, was awarded the Gary Sheehan Memorial Medal and the Templemore Town Council Medal went to Garda Bridget O’Callaghan from Kilcummin, Killarney.