Long-serving North Cork superintendent retires

Many tributes have been made to a man believed to be the longest-serving garda officer in the country.

Just days ahead of his retirement, hundreds of people gathered at the Hibernian Hotel in Mallow, Co Cork, to honour Supt Pat McCarthy .

Born in Caheragh, near Skibbereen, he joined the gardaí in October 1975, and spent 36 out of his 40 years policing the North Cork area. The married, father of five, was also known for his rugby prowess playing for Charleville, Garryowen, and the garda national team.