Student Garda, who carried out placement in Longford, graduates from Templemore

A trainee Garda who served his probationary period in Longford last year, was among the 215 students to graduate from Templemore recently.  

Garda Mark Isbotis received his formal Garda identification card and a word of congratulations from both the Garda Commissioner, Justin Kelly, and the Justice Minister, Jim O'Callaghan, during the passing out parade.

The presentation of the ID card represents a graduating Garda's official entry into the force. 

When Garda Isbotis was interviewed by the Longford Leader last October, he was on week 5 of his 10 week placement in Longford Garda Station.

During his time there, he had come to enjoy working in the town and the camaraderie he had developed with his new Garda colleagues. 

“I love it here,” he said at the time. “I was thinking earlier that I only have five weeks left and I wish I could stay here longer. I would love for Longford to be my permanent station as well, and with the same unit too.” 

Unfortunately, it was not to be and Longford’s loss is Cavan’s gain as the young Garda has been stationed in Bailieborough.

Garda Isbotis speaking with Garda Commissioner, Justin Kelly

Garda Isbotis first moved to Roscommon from Romania 9 years ago when he was just 14.

Quickly immersing himself in both school and in Irish life, he built up a fluency in English despite having arrived with what he says was “zero English”. 

His hard work has paid off and now he tackles with considerable ease even the complicated legal jargon that fills an average charge sheet.    

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Prior to entering An Garda Síochána, Grada Isbotis worked in hospitality, however he was always drawn to joining the Gardaí as his late uncle was a member of the police force in Romania, and had, on many occasions, regaled Mark and his younger brother with stories from the job. 

The 23-year-old brings to his new role a great degree of patience and discipline as he has been training in a form of martial arts known as Greco Roman Wrestling since he was just 6 years old.  

Garda Mark (third from left) with his colleagues from Longford Garda Station at last October's recruitment drive  

He told The Longford Leader last October, “When it comes to the job, having a martial arts background has helped. It gives you confidence, but even more so with the job because you know if you go out to a call, you're already prepared if things kick off. You always have that at the back of your mind. It’s really good for sharpening your reaction time too. You're just more aware of your surroundings and the body language of those around you."

"I can tell from body language when someone is about to kick off. Even though martial arts is a hobby, it has taught me so much that I can bring into the job. It helps with mentality and discipline too.” 

The full interview with Garda Isbotis can be read here. 

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