In Pictures: New garda recruits to take up operational duty following passing out ceremony

THIS Friday saw 126 gardaí being formally attested as sworn members of An Garda Síochána.

The newly-sworn members of the force, who were recruited as part of the 2022 recruitment campaign, brings the total number of sworn gardaí to 14,032.

They commenced their garda training in February 2023, and have undertaken a blend of online learning, on-site learning in the Garda College in Templemore and experiential learning in training garda stations. 

Speaking at this Friday's ceremony, Commissioner Drew Harris welcoming the new Garda probationers who will now take up operational duty.
 
"Thank you to our new gardaí for choosing a career in An Garda Síochána. I know you will have had plenty of other opportunities available to you. But, instead, you chose to serve the people of Ireland. To put them first. To put them at the heart of your professional career. Because that is what Gardaí do. The decision you have made will make a real difference in people’s lives.”

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Of the 126 newly-sworn gardai, 91 are men and 35 are women. Five of the new recruits were born outside of the State.

Also speaking in Templemore, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said: "I want to congratulate the recruits passing out in Templemore today and wish them all the best in their future careers. Their commitment to public service and building stronger, safer communities is something to be commended and which we are all grateful for.”

While the majority of the new recruits will initially be stationed in Dublin, 23 have been assigned to Southern Region. It's not know how many, if any, will be based in the Limerick garda division.