A policing career spanning 4 decades came to an end last week with the retirement of Carrick-on-Suir native, Garda Larry O'Hara.

Family, relatives, neighbours, friends and colleagues from the force turned out in strength last Friday night to celebrate 40 years of dedicated service to An Garda Siochana.

Following a first class meal served by staff of The Firgrove Hotel, presentations were made to Larry by Superintendent Michael Comyns and Garda Vincent Guerin of the Garda Representative Association.

Now resident in Ballyderown (near Kilworth), the bulk of Larry's career was spent in Ballyduff Upper, Co Waterford and it's fair to say he wouldn't have wanted it any other way. He took immediately to the closely knit rural community and formed friendships that continue to this day.

When it came to supporting the local garda, watching out for their neighbours and getting things done, Larry said that 'Ballyduff was out on its own'. However, he did follow up by saying 'Kilworth wasn't too far behind it'.

Larry spoke fondly of his formative years and the strong influence his mother had on him. From a very early age she helped steer Larry in the direction of Templemore and this duly came to pass. It was a career and a lifestyle that Larry thoroughly enjoyed and one he was reluctantly stepping away from.

Larry's 'thank you' list was very extensive and it would be amazing if he left anyone out. He was especially grateful to his superiors who looked after him during 3 years of ill health - this kindness and understanding wouldn't be forgotten, he said. Understandably, his lovely wife, Helena, who he met while stationed in Mitchelstown, got a special mention as did his close friends former Waterford hurling greats, Seamie Hannon and Mossy Walsh.

Everyone who attended this function had nothing but praise for the venue, the food, the music and the wonderful atmosphere that made it an occasion Larry and his family will cherish for a very long time.

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