Shot garda looks forward to getting back to beat

A Garda who was shot and left for dead in New Orleans is “looking forward” to getting back to work and is “hopeful” of returning home in Ireland next week.

Brian Hanrahan, 30, is in “positive” form, colleagues said, after been shot on January 27.

Gardai came together yesterday to raise funds to aid his recovery and return home to Ireland.

Sgt Denis Woods, a close friend who also runs the Garda crime unit at Newcastle West garda station, of which Garda Hanrahan is a member, said: “He’s looking forward to getting back as soon as possible. He is in positive and good spirits and hopefully we will have him back next week, back in Ireland again. All he wants to do is just get on a plane and get back to Ireland. Unfortunately that will depend on medical clearance.”

Police are treating the shooting as attempted murder. Officers arrested local brothers, Keith and Melvin Galle Jr, on Tuesday.

Speaking at Henry St station, Limerick’s Chief Superintendent David Sheahan paid tribute to the police who apprehended the two main suspects.

“Brian went out there on holidays, and to come to that detrimental thing was chronic for him and his wife and entries family and we wish the New Orleans Police Department well in their investigation.”

Sgt Woods added: “I also want to compliment the police in both New York and New Orleans — they’ve absolutely been excellent and they have organised fundraisers. We are just looking forward to getting Brian back here to Ireland, and obviously there are flight costs and expenses.”

He said Garda Hanrahan was walking around after undergoing surgery on his wounds. “Yeah, he has been walking. He’s very sore, and even with the few jokes we had, he was saying not too make him laugh because of the soreness.”

Asked if Garda Hanrahan was likely to return to the force, Sgt Woods replied: “Oh he is indeed. He’s looking forward to getting back as soon as possible.”

Inspector Brian O’Donovan, Newcastle West Garda station, said: “We’re delighted and overwhelmed with the [financial and emotional support] and we’ve passed on all these good wishes to Brian and he’s overwhelmed by it as well.”

Paying tribute to the injured garda, Ins O’Donovan said: “Brian is an outstanding garda.”

A motorcycle run from Newcastle West Garda station to the Garda Training College in Templemore, Tipperary, to raise funds for Garda Hanrahan, will take place on February 22.