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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
Eva Short

Irish man shares gas 5km Garda checkpoint story as officer warms hearts

A Garda officer posted on a Dublin checkpoint has warmed the hearts of the nation after he quickly ushered through parents who were on a drive to stop their young baby from crying.

Doug Leddin, a marketing manager based in Dublin, took to Twitter to recount being stopped at a Covid-19 travel checkpoint and quizzed by a Garda about the purpose of his travel.

“Is the purpose of your trip essential?” the Garda asked, to which Leddin explained that he was trying to stop his baby from crying by driving around in the hopes that the gentle movement would suit the child.

“‘Oh jaysus, nothing more essential, on ya go,’” The Garda responded as he rushed the young family through.

Leddin concluded: “Irish Guards can be gas” before assuring readers that he was still abiding by Covid-19 restrictions while soothing his child, as he was only 3.5km from his home.

Now, other parents have taken to social media to share messages of solidarity with parents who find themselves going on long car journeys to try and calm down their children.

One user wrote: “We've all been there and praying for green lights all the way, any stop in movement can result in (tear emojis)”

Another said: “Oh god, I’ve often remembered nights at stupid times driving around to get the baby to stop crying.”

A third added: “I have done that a number of times a few months ago. Thankfully that phase seems to have passed!”

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