Garda’s torch saved life in shooting

Garda Joseph Glackin counted himself lucky to be alive as he sat among guests yesterday at Templemore College watching 97 gardaí march past at their graduation.

On receiving a Bronze Scott Medal for bravery, he relived the moment which is every garda’s nightmare: confronting an armed criminal who opens fire.

His life was saved when a bullet was deflected by the torch he was holding.