Murphy Leads Tributes To Former Commissioner

The Garda Commissioner, Fachtna Murphy, has expressed his sadness at the death of former Commissioner of An Garda Síochána, Eamonn Doherty.

Mr. Doherty passed away early on Saturday morning following a long illness and the Commissioner extended his sympathies to his wife, Patricia, daughters Deirdre, Patricia and Fionnuala, sons Colm and Eamonn and his extended family including siblings, nieces, nephews and grandchildren.

The Commissioner said: "I offer my condolences to Eamonn's wife and family. Eamonn had a full and productive life, 45 years of which he gave in dedicated commitment to An Garda Síochána."

Commissioner Murphy added that Mr Doherty consistently demonstrated a high level of professionalism and dedication to the community throughout a distinguished career.

The current commissioner said that these attributes continued to be a marked feature of his life following his retirement from An Garda Síochána in 1988 and that in everything he did, he worked to make a difference to the lives of others in a spirit of public service.

"Eamonn gave great leadership to An Garda Síochána during difficult times and his important contributions in areas such as training and sport influenced many careers and helped mould this strong organization," Mr Murphy said.

He added: "He will be remembered fondly by his many friends and colleagues."

Mr Doherty, a native of Buncrana, Co Donegal, had 45 years of service and was commissioner from November 1987 to December 1988.

Mr Doherty also earned the distinction of becoming the first garda to train with the FBI and was the initial training officer at the new centre in Templemore in 1964.

Mr Doherty's remains are being removed to Mount Argus Church at Kimmage Road tomorrow morning with burial afterwards at Mount Venus Cemetery in Rathfarnham.

(DW)