Speculation top Garda will row back on retirement

SPECULATION intensified in Limerick last night that one of the city’s most experienced detectives who recently announced his intention to retire will change his mind to become Chief Superintendent of the Limerick Division.

Detective Superintendent Jim Browne had handed in his resignation, but following approaches by community and political leaders in the city it is understood that Det Supt Browne is reconsidering his resignation.

There is great concern in Limerick at the exodus of senior experienced gardaí in the force. The development comes as Chief Superintendent Gerry Mahon takes retirement in the next few weeks.

Meanwhile, the man who, for many years, led the fight against serious crime in Limerick yesterday praised the people of the city for refusing to bow down or be cowed by violent gangs.

Chief Supt Gerry Mahon said that since 1996 when the major city feud began to fester, Limerick and the criminal justice system had faced may challenges.

“The criminal justice system, in its entirety, rose magnificently and has not bowed,” he said. “The result is that today the city is progressing and has turned the tide.

“The people of Limerick have also been magnificent to the gardaí and they have not been cowed down in the face of criminal elements.”

Chief Supt Mahon made his comments when he attended Limerick District Court for the last time before his planned retirement, next month.

He said challenges will continue but he had no doubt both the public and the gardaí will face them.

Chief Supt Mahon spent all, but a few months of his 38 years in the force in Limerick.

He served much of his career in the detective branch and played a key role in all major investigations in the city since 1971. He has been to the fore, in particular, in investigating all 19 feud-related murders.

In a tribute, Judge Tom O’Donnell said the hallmark of Chief Supt Mahon’s watch was his cool, calm and reflective approach as a garda and his ability to cope with an enormous workload.

He said: “He can look back on his career with enormous pride and satisfaction on a job well done.

“You have done this city enormous service and you have done the Garda in Limerick, and nationwide, enormous service and this country enormous service.”

At yesterday’s court sitting, Insp Seamus Gallagher conveyed the thanks of Garda colleagues to the retiring chief.

Chief Supt Mahon said he would like to be remembered as somebody who contributed to, and had left, a legacy of professionalism in the gardaí.