From one big engagement to another for Martina

From in-laws to outlaws, it’s been a busy few days for Martina Hellen.

On Saturday, she got engaged to long-time boyfriend Shane Crowley; yesterday she was one of 100 members of the Garda Reserve who graduated at Templemore College.

Martina, who lives in Clonakilty, Co Cork, and works at The Source Health and Fitness centre, said: “It’s been a very busy few days, getting engaged and preparing for the graduation. I would love to become a full-time garda and join the force. It’s been great so far and I am really enjoying what is involved being a reserve member. I am stationed in Bandon and all the members of the force are very helpful and the locals have been very welcoming.”

Another new member, Ray Moore, 24, from Castleiney, Co Tipperary, is also aiming to become a full-time garda. “I am stationed in Thurles and I work for an agricultural contractor. All the gardaí in the station are very helpful and my experience already is making me more determined to get into the force full time.”

Emma Cremin, 21 from Lombardstown, Mallow, has started work as a Garda reserve at Kanturk. She said: “I have also recently started work with Aldi.”

Amy Jenkins, 22, from Clondalkin, works in high finance as a renewal administrator with a Dublin stockbroker. “I have two degrees, a BA and MSc. I am stationed in Tallaght, and all the gardaí there are great in showing me the ropes.”

Linda Bynre, 30, from Ballaculla, Co Laois, said: “I joined the Garda Reserve as I love working in the community. I am a fitness instructor and am stationed in Carlow.”

There are now 1,163 fully trained Garda Reserve members and a further 106 in training. Of the 100 who graduated yesterday, seven are non-Irish nationals, bringing to 72 the number of non-Irish members, who come from 26 countries.