Recruits from US, Pakistan and Brazil among 157 new Gardaí sworn in at attestation ceremony

Some 17 of the new Gardaí were born outside the state, including the USA, Pakistan, Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Brazil, and Romania. Four probationers are former Reserve Gardaí, and at least one member is a former member of the Defence Forces. Of Friday’s intake, 102 graduates are men, with 55 women.

Garda Josh Morrissey from Kilkenny served seven years in the Irish Defence Forces before deciding to switch to a career in the Gardaí. “I served in the third infantry battalion at Kilkenny. I achieved everything I wanted to achieve in the Defence Forces and I fancied a new change, a new career and new challenges.”

Garda Morrissey, who will be stationed in Bray, Co Wicklow, said he would like to pursue a route in the Armed Support Unit and “maybe even go on to the ERU (Emergency Response Unit) if that’s possible.”

He said he hoped his military background would transfer over the Gardaí, and that he finds that line of work exciting, even if it meant dealing with dangerous and violent armed criminals. “There’s always going to be nerves. You’re always going to have fear about that. It’s just a case of facing that fear.”

Garda Maeve Doherty from Donegal said she joined the Gardaí, having been impressed by its approach to inclusiveness.

“Before joining the guards, I completed a diversity internship with the organisation so that gave me a huge insight into the job. From there I just realised it was something I really wanted to do.” Garda Doherty is to be stationed in Drogheda in Co Louth.

Garda Graham Flood from Mullingar in Westmeath said it was a proud day for him and his family. “It took me a long time to get in here, but I know I’ve made the right choice.”

Garda Flood has family links to the gardaí. “My brother is a member. He gave me great knowledge into the job. It’s an absolute honour to help people in this country, and I hope that every day I can make a difference in the community. It’s a great honour to wear this uniform.”

The strength of An Garda Síochána as of June 28 consists of 14,100 Sworn Gardaí, 3,502 Garda Staff, and 329 Garda Reserves. A further 294 Garda recruits, or two intakes, are currently undergoing the training programme at the Garda College. The next intake of Garda recruits is scheduled to enter the Garda College on Monday, July 1.

The 157 newly attested Gardaí bring to 710 the number of Probationer Gardaí attested since recruitment recommenced in 2022 following Covid-19 restrictions paused recruitment in 2020.

These 157 newly sworn members will be allocated in the Dublin Region (102), Eastern Region (38), Southern Region (11), and North Western Region (6).

The new Gardaí commenced their Garda training in October 2023, and have undertaken a blend of on-line learning, on-site learning in the Garda College, and experiential learning in training Garda stations.

During their training these new Probationer Gardaí were involved in community based policing, observed and assisted in serious crime investigations, policed across the country during St Patricks Day events, and assisted at community events, Garda Youth Awards ceremonies amongst other events.

The 157 newly sworn Gardaí will now take on operational responsibilities. Speaking at Friday’s attestation, Commissioner Drew Harris welcomed the new Garda probationers. “In applying to become a Garda you took the first steps towards a rewarding and varied career,” he said. “And now as you prepare to embark on the road ahead, it is important to remember the journey to where you are.

“It has taken strength. It has taken dedication. It has taken a drive to succeed, and a desire to be of service.”

Commissioner Harris reminded the new Garda probationers that “as Gardaí you have a responsibility to serve the people of Ireland. To keep them safe. To put them first. To act ethically. Professionally.

“And with integrity to protect the human rights of everyone you come into contact with. As Gardaí it is your duty to maintain the highest standards. It is what the public expect and deserve, and what I expect too. Being a Garda is a privilege and an honour.”

“Thank you for choosing a career in An Garda Síochána. I hope the weeks and months ahead brings plenty of great first experiences and that your journey with us in An Garda Síochána is a long and fulfilling one.”