TRIBUTES to retiring Garda Sergeant Seamus Lohan were paid at Ballinrobe District Court last week. Sgt. Lohan, a native of Gallows hill, Castlebar, is retiring after being based in Shrule for over twenty years. Supt. Martin Lee told Judge David Anderson that it was Sgt. Lohan’s last day in court and he thanked him for his service to the Garda Siochana.
He explained that he has been based in Shrule for so long and his family have settled there.” It’s ironic, as this month also sees the retirement of Forensic Scientist, Dr. Jim O’Donovan. They collaborated on one of the most famous murder cases in the country – the murder of Lord Mountbatten,” said Supt. Lee. He informed the court that Sgt. Lohan arrested the defendants, which brought national and international gratitude and recognition to him. He thanked him once again, and wished Sgt. Lohan and his wife and family all the best in the future.
Mr. Michael Brown, on behalf of his solicitor colleagues, described the retiring Garda as an “exemplary Sergeant” and wished him well for the future. Ms. Teresa McKeever, on behalf of the Courts Service, and Ms. Noreen Mulligan, on behalf of the Probations Services, also paid tribute to him. “I don’t know how long you are in the Garda?,” said Judge Anderson to Sgt. Lohan, “but twenty years going to court can be trying enough.” He added that his reputation goes before him, not only in relation to his detective work but with his offspring as well (Sgt. Lohan’s daughter Sinead won an All-Ireland title with Mayo the previous Sunday).
“I wish you every happiness in the future,” said Judge Anderson. Sgt. Lohan thanked Supt. Lee and all his colleagues in Mayo, and indeed in the 32 counties, and he thanked the Judge for his kind words on the Mayo Ladies team. He said he enjoyed working with the Garda Siochana and described it as “one of the best forces in the world.” Sgt. Lohan also wished Dr. O’Donovan well on his imminent retirement.
- Original The Connaught Telegraph 2002
- Submitted by Connaught Telegraph , Castlebar
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