Staff representative's 'significant contribution' lauded by Garda HQ as retirement announced
AGSI general secretary Antoinette Cunningham is to retire on April 2. Picture: Colin Keegan/Collins
Garda HQ and representative bodies have praised the contribution of Inspector Antoinette Cunningham to the working lives of gardaí after she announced her forthcoming retirement and departure as general secretary of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI).
Ms Cunningham, from Knocklong, Co Limerick, is set to retire on April 2, after 33 years working in the organisation.
In 2016 she was elected as president of the AGSI, the first woman to serve in such a role in any Garda staff body.
Two years later Ms Cunningham became the first female full-time official of a Garda staff body when she became deputy general secretary.
As president, she led her members to the brink of unprecedented strike action over pay and conditions in late 2016 before the issues were resolved at last-minute talks.
In January 2023, in her role as AGSI general secretary, she made strong remarks in relation to Garda Commissioner Drew Harris on the roster row. The dispute escalated that March when 100 AGSI representatives marched on Garda headquarters to hand in a letter to the commissioner over rosters.
Also that month, AGSI launched High Court action against the commissioner over rosters.
Her announcement today, coinciding with St Brigid’s Day, comes as the negotiations on rosters are in the process of being finalised and after public pay talks concluded.
However, it is thought that the AGSI will not be recommending acceptance of the pay proposals to members.
One senior Garda source said Ms Cunningham had “calibre, drive, and ability” and was a "huge loss" to the AGSI. The source said she had "huge contacts" in human resources and Garda HQ, with a commissioner willing to engage with her directly.
The source added that she was a "formidable person and exceptional communicator" and the "most experienced negotiator" across the four Garda associations.
In a statement, Garda HQ said: “An Garda Síochána thanks Antoinette for her 33 years of service to the organisation and the State.
"Antoinette also helped advance gender equality in An Garda Síochána by becoming the first full-time female official in a Garda representative organisation.
“An Garda Síochána wishes Antoinette and her family well in her retirement.”
Garda Representative Association president Brendan O’Connor said: “The GRA wish Antoinette well in her retirement. We as an association have enjoyed an excellent relationship with Antoinette, who has made a valuable contribution to policing and representation of those delivering that essential service.
“She is a valued colleague whose informed and measured approach has contributed significantly to many of the industrial relations forums that influence working conditions of all serving members.”
Detective Superintendent Mick Comyns, general secretary of the Association of Garda Superintendents, also wished her well.
“I have worked closely with Antoinette for the past five years," he said.
"Antoinette has also had what is best for An Garda Síochána as an organisation as a priority. Personally, I want to thank Antoinette for her very valued advice."
The National Executive of the AGSI said: "Today is a very fitting day for Antoinette to announce her retirement; St Bridget’s Day is a day to reflect on the achievements of Irish women and Antoinette has achieved so much on behalf of the Association."
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