Edgeworthstown’s Community Library was full to capacity as it played host to the launch of a special commemorative book to mark the centenary of An Garda Siochana. 'Celebrating the Centenary of An Garda Síochana in Longford' is arguably one of the most colourful, insightful and meticulously devised chronology of the State's law enforcement agency you are likely to get your hands on. READ MORE BELOW PHOTO Dozens of serving, retired officers and their families watched on as the end product marking several months of painstaking behind the scenes efforts by the publication’s 12 strong committee was formally unveiled. It was an evening tinged with as much celebration as it was melancholy as moving tributes and presentations were made in honour of deceased members of the force. Acclaimed local historian David Leahy, who officially launched the 132 page book, said its contents, carrying in-depth insights into the life and times of members from one end of the county to the other “ticked every box” when it came to local history. In what was one of his last public engagements before stepping down as Longford County Council Cathaoirleach, Cllr Turlough McGovern singled out the endeavours of joint editors Eamon Brennan and retired garda sergeant Jim McDonald in bringing the publication to fruition. He said the experiences encountered by the State’s ‘guardians of the peace’ over the past 100 years could not be understated. “When the first guards came to Longford the Civil War was going on, things were very difficult at the time,” he said. “One of the greatest achievements of the State was to dedicate a force that should be unarmed and since then the guards have enjoyed the confidence and support of all communities.” His opposite number, in the form of Ballymahon Municipal District Cathaoirleach Cllr Paul Ross said the book represented a key archive in the various experiences of a force that was held in the highest of esteem by Longford’s 40,000 plus citizens. Equally, the Fine Gael local
PICTURES | Impressive new book 'Celebrating the Centenary of An Garda Síochána in Longford' is launched
Caption: Speakers at the launch of ‘Celebrating the Centenary of An Garda Síochána in Longford’, Sergeant James Rowan, Superintendent Seamus Boyle, historian David Leahy (who launched the book), County Council Chief Executive Paddy Mahon, Eamon Brennan (co-editor), County Council Cathaoirleach Turlough McGovern, Jim McDonald (co-editor) and Cllr Paul Ross Picture: Shelley Corcoran
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Caption: Sgt James Rowan, Inspector Dave Jordan, Garda Paul Stuart, Longford County Archivist Martin Morris, Laura Glancy, Longford Community Sgt Darran Conlon, Insp Yvonne Martin, Sgt Tom Dooley, Superintendent Seamus Boyle and Jim McDonald (co-editor) Picture: Shelley Corcoran
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Caption: Joe and Ann Owens Picture: Shelley Corcoran
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Caption: Pat O'Carroll, Peg O'Halloran and May O'Halloran at the launch of ‘Celebrating the Centenary of An Garda Síochána in Longford Picture: Shelley Corcoran
