'He was a good one' - Tributes paid to Longford resident, Garda Dermot Bland
Killoe resident Garda Dermot Bland passed away on Tuesday August 11
Gardaí from around Ireland have been paying tribute to Garda Dermot Bland, a Killoe resident who passed away unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday.
He was a devoted husband to Caitríona and loving father to their eight children, Eva, Killian, Conor, Kian, Jimmy, Sean, Daniel and Callum.
Originally from Leitrim, Garda Bland was stationed in Cavan, having previously served in Dublin’s Store Street and Castleblayney in Monaghan.
Tributes from colleagues, past and present, have highlighted the impact he had during his years of service.
One Garda described him as “a witty character that would bring a smile to everyone’s face,” a sentiment echoed by countless others who had worked with the man affectionately known as ‘Blandy.’
Reflecting on Garda Bland’s time in Store Street, a former colleague recalled his kindness and loyalty, writing, “I remember Dermot as a young Guard coming down to Court 44, in his early days in Store Street and always found him to be an exceptionally decent, kind, fair and loyal colleague.”
A number of colleagues remembered their training days at Templemore Garda College, describing Garda Bland as “an absolute gentleman”, and “full of wit,” while a colleague from his time in Dublin wrote, “Caitríona and kids, I am so so sorry to hear of Dermot's untimely passing. It's a big shock. Dermot always was a family man, and such a great colleague to work with when I knew him in Store Street.”
Fenagh St Callins GAA in Leitrim also paid their respects to their “former player and lifetime supporter of the club.”
One sympathiser described Garda Bland as “first and foremost a gentleman and an excellent and professional Garda”, while another fondly remembered him as a hard-working and helpful colleague.
They wrote, “Heartfelt condolences to Caitríona and the children on the passing of a wonderful man. Dermot and I worked together in Store Street, he always brought a smile with him, on and off duty, a hard worker, and was always there to help out a colleague. RIP Blandy.”
The Funeral Mass for Garda Bland will take place tomorrow, Friday August 14, in St Mary’s Church, Ennybegs at 12 noon with burial afterwards in the New Cemetery in Cullyfad.