Popular Fermoy based garda, Brendan Buckley has retired after 36 years service. A celebratory dinner to mark his contribution to An Garda Siochana was held in The Grand Hotel, Fermoy last Friday night. Family, relatives, work colleagues and his wide circle of friends turned out in force to acknowledge a life-time of public service. Special guests included Superintendent Michael Comyns, Inspector Tony O'Sullivan and Peace Commissioner, Billy Roche.

MC for the occasion was Garda Denis Motherway. In his tribute, Denis highlighted Brendan's role as a family man. Brendan is married to Geraldine and has one daughter, Julie and two sons - Diarmuid and David. Denis went on to remark on his colleague's distinguished sporting career and his involvement with Gaelic games and rugby. He also spoke about Brendan's personal association with COPE (Fermoy) and the work he had done for that organisation. A complete professional in the way he approached his job, Denis said Brendan's most valuable attributes were his friendly personality and excellent communication skills.
Brendan's superior, Supt Michael Comyns said Brendan had an unrivaled knowledge of the Fermoy and Rathcormac area, that he commanded the respect of everyone at the station and was unfailingly courteous to everyone he dealt with.
A statuette for 'loyalty and service' was presented by his colleague and GRA representative, Garda Omar Fitzell. Supt Comyns also made a presentation. Further tributes followed from former garda, Hugh Collins who is now chairman of the local branch for retired members of An Garda Siochana. Brendan's sister in law, Cora O'Riordan also spoke. Bouquets were presented to Geraldine and Julie Buckley by Tracie Wilks and Joanne Waterman.

Responding, Brendan said he was humbled and extremely grateful to everyone involved in planning the function especially Garda Deirdre Toohey who was event co-ordinator. He thanked staff at The Grand Hotel for looking after guests so well and acknowledged all the messages of goodwill he'd received since retiring. He was leaving with many cherished memories and said that he would miss the comeraderie of the station.

The end of formalities didn't spell the end of the evening and music by Pat Hoskin followed. The party was a fitting gesture to a much respected garda who made a huge contribution to the force he served so well for almost 4 decades.    

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