The life of a garda is one of Ireland’s most challenging and difficult roles – but it is also the most rewarding.
I worked as an officer on the streets of Limerick during 2007 and 2012. I will never forget my first shift and the realisation I had found my calling.
It was always my dream to become a member of the force and I adored serving my country and my community.
Each day was different, often visceral, at times horrific but never boring and the sense of purpose I felt never dissipated.
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Every day I made a difference to members of the public.
I made friends as close as family and had experiences no other work life could provide.
An Garda Siochana is an inclusive family. I worked with members who identified as part of the LGBT community and those born outside the country.
It never mattered in my unit what your background was, just as long as you were a good colleague.
I left at the height of the cuts to resources and returned to my previous job as a journalist.
I miss my life in blue, I miss the sense of purpose I had and I miss my former colleagues.
It is a job that gets under your skin and never leaves you, despite the horrific incidents, the frustrations with Governmental support and internal politics.
