Balla garda honour

PROUD MOMENT Margaret Loftus, from Balla, with the Templemore Town Council medal at the Garda graduations ceremony at the Templemore Garda College.  Pic Sean Curtin Press 22

Garda Margaret receives prestigious medal on graduation

Michael Duffy

TWO hundred and sixty one gardaí were presented with their graduation certificates last week in Templemore – and for one Mayo woman the ceremony was most definitely a day to remember.
Margaret Loftus from Balla was one of 14 Mayo natives to graduate on Thursday last and she received a special commendation from Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy for her outstanding achievement and appreciation in the area of Social Science Studies.
“It was a real surprise to receive the Templemore Town Council medal but I was proud and honoured to receive the medal – and to meet both the Garda Commissioner and Minister for Justice, Brian Lenihan. It was a special day for everyone who graduated,” said Margaret, who will be stationed in Ballymun. The Balla woman had completed a Social Science degree in Sligo before entering Garda training and she had put her expertise to good use in both her training spells, firstly in Ennis Garda Station and now in Ballymun.
“It’s basically all about community interaction and becoming involved in community-based activities. I have really enjoyed my time in Ballymun so far and I am looking forward to going back now. It’s mental busy but highly enjoyable,” added Margaret, who paid particular tribute to her parents Michael and Martina from Balla, and her four sisters and two brothers, for all their help and support.
The 13 other Mayo gardaí who graduated last week will be stationed in the following stations:  Darragh Ainsworth, from Castlebar will be stationed in Salthill; John Browne, Castlebar in Terenure; Martha Carter, Killawalla in Sligo; Andrew Duffy, Castlebar, in Ashbourne; John Garrett, Crossmolina in Milford; Orla Greavy, Bonniconlon in Letterkenny; John Hegarty, Crossmolina in Buncrana; Noelle Kilduff, Knock in Galway; Vincent O’Boyle, Crossmolina in Bailieboro, Cavan; Damien Prendergast, Castlebar in Clifden; Francis Scully, Castlebar in Store Street; Tracey Shannon, Tourmakeady in Glenties and Alma Walshe, Knock in Roscommon.