HONOURING LONGSTANDING IPA OFFICE STALWART FROM …

IRELAND

AUTUMN 2019 www.ipaireland.ie Issue 42

THE LIFESTYLE & LEISURE MAGAZINE FOR IPA MEMBERS OF AN GARDA SÍOCHÁNA

ISLAND IN THE SUNSUMMER DAYS ON THE ARAN ISLANDS WITH THE CLADDAGH REGION

FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVEIPA MEMBERS TAKE ON THE WONDERS OF ELBRUS MOUNTAIN

OUTSTANDING SERVICEHONOURING LONGSTANDING IPA OFFICE STALWART

ST PAUL’S GCU - SUMMER WINNERS

10 x €1,000

Retired member – Noel Young, Causeway, Co Kerry

John Whelan, Askeaton Garda Station, Co Limerick

Family member - Rosaleen O Reilly, Bundoran, Co Donegal

Claire Kenealy, Waterford Garda Station, Co Waterford

Mary Theresa McKeown, Bunclody, Co Wexford

Jim Brennan, Store St. Garda Station, Dublin 1

Retired member - Denis A Quinlan, Bandon, Co Cork

Retired member - Patrick J Powers, Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo

Sean Minihan, Douglas Garda Station, Cork

Family member - Una O Carroll, Corbally, Co. Clare

ST. PAUL’S GARDA CREDIT UNION SUMMER DRAW 2019 - WINNERS

Our Summer Draw brought good news to many of our members around the country. Six members of St. Paul’s Garda Credit Union were the lucky winners in the car section of our Draw, with three members getting the Ford Kuga and three the Hyundai Kona. These lucky six were followed by five members who scooped €5,000 each. We then had another twenty winners, with ten members in €2,000 and ten in €1,000 sections of the draw. We are delighted to see that members throughout the country feature in our winners list and we wish all of our winners every happiness as they enjoy their good luck.

SUMMER DRAW WINNERSFord KUGA Titanium

Eric O Herlihy, Dungarvan Garda Station, Co Waterford

Retired member - Ann Liston, Mallow, Co Cork

Family member - Caroline O Sullivan, Kenmare, Co Kerry

Hyundai KONA Executive

Retired member - Thomas O Loughlin, Trim, Co Meath

Pauline Sheehan, Tuam Garda Station, Co Galway

Garda Staff - James Cunningham, GISC, Castlebar, Co Mayo

5 x €5,000

Gemma Fitzpatrick, Sallins, Co Kildare

Laura Nulty, Drogheda, Co Meath

Shane Killeen, Castlerea Garda Station, Co Roscommon

Martin Conor Long, Mullingar, Co Westmeath

Family member - Ms Nicola Keane, Ennis Road, Limerick

10 x €2,000

Retired member - Paul Lynch, Birr, Co. Offaly

Retired member - Thomas Sreenan, Buncrana, Co. Donegal

Family member - Mark Lynch, Midleton, Co. Cork

Roisin Walsh, Athy, Co. Kildare

Darren Murphy, Kilcormac, Co. Offaly

Family member - Val O’Shea, Kinsale, Co. Cork

Declan & Niamh Moloney, Clonee, Dublin 15

Family member - Brian Barrins, Dangan, Galway

Michael O’Donovan, Robertstown Garda Station, Co. Kildare

Retired member - Patrick Gibbons, Birr, Co. Offaly

FEATURES2 St. Paul’s Garda Credit Union

Summer draw results6 IPA Aran Event 2019

Summer swims and treasure hunts

9 Outstanding ServiceFunction marking Noeleen O’Neill’s retirement at the IPA Office

14 COPS in Udevalla, SwedenIPA Ireland members gain european experience

17 The IPA Canada ExperienceA junior member’s personal view

30 Dealing With Epilepsy A Police Officer’s perspective

REGIONAL NEWS34 Region No. 1 (Garda

Headquarters): An IPA welcome to Police visitors

34 Slieve Bloom RegionOn target, meeting the members

IPA CLUB NEWS12 IPA Garda Motorcycle Club:

20 years-a-growing – the anniversary

18 IPA Hiking Club: Hurry-not on this Russian Mountain (Part 1)

20 IPA Cycling ClubBlistering saddles and gale-force winds

REGULARS5 President’s Message:

Greetings from the President10 President’s Diary:

Representations at home and abroad

22 Motor ReviewGet a grip….get more grip

24 Tullamore DuesWinning ways in the Slieve Bloom Region

26 The Legal ViewThe European Health Card – your asset abroad

28 An SpailpínA prohibited tale from across the pond (Part II)

32 TechnobyteA SIM card swap – not a SIMple matter if it happens to you!

contents 6

10 9

20

18

22

© IPA1974

Autumn 2019

2 IPA Journal | Autumn 2019

ST PAUL’S GCU - SUMMER WINNERS

10 x €1,000

Retired member – Noel Young, Causeway, Co Kerry

John Whelan, Askeaton Garda Station, Co Limerick

Family member - Rosaleen O Reilly, Bundoran, Co Donegal

Claire Kenealy, Waterford Garda Station, Co Waterford

Mary Theresa McKeown, Bunclody, Co Wexford

Jim Brennan, Store St. Garda Station, Dublin 1

Retired member - Denis A Quinlan, Bandon, Co Cork

Retired member - Patrick J Powers, Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo

Sean Minihan, Douglas Garda Station, Cork

Family member - Una O Carroll, Corbally, Co. Clare

ST. PAUL’S GARDA CREDIT UNION SUMMER DRAW 2019 - WINNERS

Our Summer Draw brought good news to many of our members around the country. Six members of St. Paul’s Garda Credit Union were the lucky winners in the car section of our Draw, with three members getting the Ford Kuga and three the Hyundai Kona. These lucky six were followed by five members who scooped €5,000 each. We then had another twenty winners, with ten members in €2,000 and ten in €1,000 sections of the draw. We are delighted to see that members throughout the country feature in our winners list and we wish all of our winners every happiness as they enjoy their good luck.

SUMMER DRAW WINNERSFord KUGA Titanium

Eric O Herlihy, Dungarvan Garda Station, Co Waterford

Retired member - Ann Liston, Mallow, Co Cork

Family member - Caroline O Sullivan, Kenmare, Co Kerry

Hyundai KONA Executive

Retired member - Thomas O Loughlin, Trim, Co Meath

Pauline Sheehan, Tuam Garda Station, Co Galway

Garda Staff - James Cunningham, GISC, Castlebar, Co Mayo

5 x €5,000

Gemma Fitzpatrick, Sallins, Co Kildare

Laura Nulty, Drogheda, Co Meath

Shane Killeen, Castlerea Garda Station, Co Roscommon

Martin Conor Long, Mullingar, Co Westmeath

Family member - Ms Nicola Keane, Ennis Road, Limerick

10 x €2,000

Retired member - Paul Lynch, Birr, Co. Offaly

Retired member - Thomas Sreenan, Buncrana, Co. Donegal

Family member - Mark Lynch, Midleton, Co. Cork

Roisin Walsh, Athy, Co. Kildare

Darren Murphy, Kilcormac, Co. Offaly

Family member - Val O’Shea, Kinsale, Co. Cork

Declan & Niamh Moloney, Clonee, Dublin 15

Family member - Brian Barrins, Dangan, Galway

Michael O’Donovan, Robertstown Garda Station, Co. Kildare

Retired member - Patrick Gibbons, Birr, Co. Offaly

FEATURES2 St. Paul’s Garda Credit Union

Summer draw results6 IPA Aran Event 2019

Summer swims and treasure hunts

9 Outstanding ServiceFunction marking Noeleen O’Neill’s retirement at the IPA Office

14 COPS in Udevalla, SwedenIPA Ireland members gain european experience

17 The IPA Canada ExperienceA junior member’s personal view

30 Dealing With Epilepsy A Police Officer’s perspective

REGIONAL NEWS34 Region No. 1 (Garda

Headquarters): An IPA welcome to Police visitors

34 Slieve Bloom RegionOn target, meeting the members

IPA CLUB NEWS12 IPA Garda Motorcycle Club:

20 years-a-growing – the anniversary

18 IPA Hiking Club: Hurry-not on this Russian Mountain (Part 1)

20 IPA Cycling ClubBlistering saddles and gale-force winds

REGULARS5 President’s Message:

Greetings from the President10 President’s Diary:

Representations at home and abroad

22 Motor ReviewGet a grip….get more grip

24 Tullamore DuesWinning ways in the Slieve Bloom Region

26 The Legal ViewThe European Health Card – your asset abroad

28 An SpailpínA prohibited tale from across the pond (Part II)

32 TechnobyteA SIM card swap – not a SIMple matter if it happens to you!

contents 6

10 9

20

18

22

© IPA1974

Autumn 2019

IPA Journal | Autumn 2019 3

As this Autumn edition of the IPA Journal reaches you, it marks the halfway mark in the 2018 - 2021 term of office for our National Executive Committee

members. As we approach the Regional AGM’s and another Half Yearly meeting, our Regional Committee members will have completed two years of their three year term. Yes, time is certainly moving along at a fast pace and the completion of those plans that were made on taking up

office at the beginning of this term are now in their concluding stages.

With the continuing development of the Section, I am greatly encouraged by the content and quality of the articles and stories I receive from the ever growing number of contributors to the IPA Journal. In this edition, the stories of IPA activities at Regional, National and International level and of IPA members involved in Regional, National and International events abound, with the following articles giving a taste of what is to be found inside.

The Galway (Claddagh) Region’s achievements in another very successful IPA Aran event is documented in story and photos by Darren Martin. It is a story of success built on foundations laid over the past number of years by the members of the Claddagh Region with the Chair and Secretary, Joe Dunleavy and Mick Walsh respectively firmly at the helm.

On a Mission To Russia – Brendan Tighe of the IPA Hiking Club brings us on a journey to places and conditions most of us will never see or experience in Part 1 of his story on the adventures of six IPA Hiking Club members who braved the extremes on the Elbrus mountain.

Michael Dalton’s story of the winning ways in golf brings us into the heartland of The Open winner, Shane Lowry, who learned his craft in the Golf Club in which Michael had the honour of being the first Captain.

Blistering saddles in the west of Ireland under grey skies and stormy weather could very well be the picture painted by the opening lines of an interesting novel but here in the IPA Journal, merely create the introduction to a story by Conor McCaugley of the feat of the IPA Cycling Club members who braved the elements in raising funds for a worthy charity.

Developments in the area of Publications and communications continue as our Section rolls out our new Website at www.ipaireland.org. The website will be administered/managed by NEC members, Carlo Griffin, Secretary General and Chris Cahill, Accommodation Officer. See page 35 for details of the new website and how to register.

These and other developments in IPA Publications keep us all on our toes. July saw my attendance at a Publishing related meeting in Vienna with Martin Hoffman and Klaus Herbert, the IPA Austria President and Editor, respectively. Also in attendance was Sean Hannigan, Vice President Cultural, Section UK, with responsibility for publishing in his Section. We were joined by René Kocsar and Alexander Hess of IV Publishing, an International company based in Germany which has considerable involvement with IPA Sections in Europe. A number of interesting possibilities could be created for Section Ireland through this new development, which we hope to explore.

Joe Lynch - EditorE | [email protected] M | 086 233 8603

IPA Journal is distributed to members of the International Police Association in Ireland, 70% are serving members of An Garda Síochána of all ranks, the remainder being retirees. We also mail the magazine to friends of IPA Ireland overseas.

This magazine is sustained by the generous support of sponsors and advertisers; we exhort our members to appreciate this and to patronise those who contribute to our success. All revenue received by IPA in excess of requirements is devoted to philanthropic purposes. IPA provides funding for scholarships, relief of distress, charities, education, sport, cultural pursuits, bonds of friendship and co-operation between all police offi cers.

IPA Office:IPA House, 13 Iona Drive, Glasnevin, Dublin 9.T: 01 830 2907 F: 01 830 4612E: [email protected]

Editorial BoardEditor: Joe LynchT: 00353 86 233 8603E: [email protected]

President: Conor O’Higgins

1st Vice President: Marie Daly

Assistant Secretary General: Gemma Groogan

Accommodation Officer: Chris Cahill

Contributors

Conor Courtney

Michael Dalton

Michael Daly, BL.

Josephine Falvey

Kieron Fennelly

Michael Harney

Larry Hoey

Joe Lynch

Garvan Lennon

Matt Makowski

Darren Martin

Conor McCaughley

Conor O’Higgins

An Spailpín

Brendan Tighe

PublishersReal Media GroupSuite 167, CoLab Business Centre, Port Road, Letterkenny, Co. DonegalT: 074 91 77893E: [email protected]

Disclaimer:The views expressed in IPA Journal unless expressly stated, do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editor, the Publications Management Committee, the International Police Association, the Publisher, An Garda Síochána or the Garda Commissioner. The Editor reserves the right to edit and abridge any material submitted for publication. Durgan Media excludes liability for any loss or damage resulting from errors or inaccuracies in the printing or omission of the whole or part of any advertisement. Further, views expressed within editorial content reflect those of the author, not those of Durgan Media, and are printed in good faith for informational purposes only. Advertisement material may not be reproduced without prior written permission from Durgan Media. The contents of the publication, such as text, graphics, images and other material may be protected by copyright under both Irish and foreign laws. Unauthorised use of the material may violate copyright, trademark and other laws.

IPAJOURNAL IRELAND

www.ipaireland.comAutumn 2019

President’s Message

Yours in friendship,

Conor O’Higgins President IPA Ireland E: [email protected]

Summer is over and the days are shortening. Children back in school and students back in College. Those of you who have children beginning school, college or university or starting out on a career, I

wish them all the best.

As we face into the latter end of the year there are a number of issues that will concentrate the minds of the National Executive and members of Regional committees.

A lot of work has been completed with regard to GDPR and it is hoped to finalise this area shortly. Office 365 is being rolled out and the new Database is just ready to go. I am grateful to the members of the NEC who have brought these projects to finality. It will be important that all Regions become fully involved in these new mechanisms, ensuring that all Regions are compliant with all communications regulations.

During the Summer, the IPA Hiking Club conquered five mountain peaks in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England over a five-day period. The club raised a lot of money for charities. I take this opportunity to congratulate all involved and wish them well on future plans.

Cork City Region officially launched their Twinning Project with Liverpool/Merseyside IPA and have great plans for the future. Well done to all.

Recruitment of new members to IPA by Garda College Region, assisted by the National Enrolment Officer continues with every new intake to the College, with great success. It is important that we provide the necessary IPA infrastructure to retain theses new members when they go out into their stations. We must ensure that we do not lose any of our members because of inactivity on our part. I have proposed to the National Executive Committee the formation of a Junior Members Forum where one Junior member from each of the thirty one Regions will become part of a group that will get together to discuss how to make IPA more relevant and attractive to our more junior members. By raising this issue and the establishment of a suitable system of operation involving our Regional Secretaries, I hope that we will have this Forum up and running very soon, so that an evaluation will be possible by the Half Yearly meeting in November.

In the meantime, it’s that time of the year when each Region will hold their AGM. I wish you well with your AGM and please ensure that your NEC Liaison person is invited to that important Regional meeting.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

IPA SEMINARS 2020 AT IBZ SCHLOSS GIMBORN

IPA Ireland continues to support the Seminar Programme at IBZ Schloss Gimborn and will again be supporting the attendance of our members at Seminars there during 2020 through an IPA Ireland Sponsorship Programme which will be advertised soon and will be featured in the Winter edition of the IPA Journal.

The following 12 Seminars will be presented in the English language:

20|06 Tactical First Aid for Police Offcers (17.2.-18.2.)

20|12 Terrorism – A Threat to Freedom and Security (30.3.-3.4.)

20|14 Street Gangs to Organised Crime (27.4.-1.5.)

20|18 Cyber Crime and Digital Investigations (11.5.-15.5.)

20|21 RedMan and Sabre Defense – Tools for Police Offcers in a Hostile Environment (3.6.-5.6.)

20|24 Police Street Survival Training (29.6.-3.7.)

20|28 Firearm Tactics (24.8.-28.8.)

20|30 Combatting Terrorism and violent extremism (31.8.-4.9.)

20|32 English Now! English for Advanced Learners (14.9.-18.9.)

20|35 Virtual Reality Training for Emergency Services – Understanding the technology, the benefits and current/future applications – YouPo Seminar (28.9.-2.10.)

20|36 ASP Instructor Course (12.10.-16.10.)

20|42 Disaster and Crisis Management – the Challenge of Dealing with Disasters (23.11.-27.11.)

Conor O’Higgins

Cover photo: courtesy of Declan O’Byrne


As this Autumn edition of the IPA Journal reaches you, it marks the halfway mark in the 2018 - 2021 term of office for our National Executive Committee

members. As we approach the Regional AGM’s and another Half Yearly meeting, our Regional Committee members will have completed two years of their three year term. Yes, time is certainly moving along at a fast pace and the completion of those plans that were made on taking up

office at the beginning of this term are now in their concluding stages.

With the continuing development of the Section, I am greatly encouraged by the content and quality of the articles and stories I receive from the ever growing number of contributors to the IPA Journal. In this edition, the stories of IPA activities at Regional, National and International level and of IPA members involved in Regional, National and International events abound, with the following articles giving a taste of what is to be found inside.

The Galway (Claddagh) Region’s achievements in another very successful IPA Aran event is documented in story and photos by Darren Martin. It is a story of success built on foundations laid over the past number of years by the members of the Claddagh Region with the Chair and Secretary, Joe Dunleavy and Mick Walsh respectively firmly at the helm.

On a Mission To Russia – Brendan Tighe of the IPA Hiking Club brings us on a journey to places and conditions most of us will never see or experience in Part 1 of his story on the adventures of six IPA Hiking Club members who braved the extremes on the Elbrus mountain.

Michael Dalton’s story of the winning ways in golf brings us into the heartland of The Open winner, Shane Lowry, who learned his craft in the Golf Club in which Michael had the honour of being the first Captain.

Blistering saddles in the west of Ireland under grey skies and stormy weather could very well be the picture painted by the opening lines of an interesting novel but here in the IPA Journal, merely create the introduction to a story by Conor McCaugley of the feat of the IPA Cycling Club members who braved the elements in raising funds for a worthy charity.

Developments in the area of Publications and communications continue as our Section rolls out our new Website at www.ipaireland.org. The website will be administered/managed by NEC members, Carlo Griffin, Secretary General and Chris Cahill, Accommodation Officer. See page 35 for details of the new website and how to register.

These and other developments in IPA Publications keep us all on our toes. July saw my attendance at a Publishing related meeting in Vienna with Martin Hoffman and Klaus Herbert, the IPA Austria President and Editor, respectively. Also in attendance was Sean Hannigan, Vice President Cultural, Section UK, with responsibility for publishing in his Section. We were joined by René Kocsar and Alexander Hess of IV Publishing, an International company based in Germany which has considerable involvement with IPA Sections in Europe. A number of interesting possibilities could be created for Section Ireland through this new development, which we hope to explore.

Joe Lynch - EditorE | [email protected] M | 086 233 8603

IPA Journal is distributed to members of the International Police Association in Ireland, 70% are serving members of An Garda Síochána of all ranks, the remainder being retirees. We also mail the magazine to friends of IPA Ireland overseas.

This magazine is sustained by the generous support of sponsors and advertisers; we exhort our members to appreciate this and to patronise those who contribute to our success. All revenue received by IPA in excess of requirements is devoted to philanthropic purposes. IPA provides funding for scholarships, relief of distress, charities, education, sport, cultural pursuits, bonds of friendship and co-operation between all police offi cers.

IPA Office:IPA House, 13 Iona Drive, Glasnevin, Dublin 9.T: 01 830 2907 F: 01 830 4612E: [email protected]

Editorial BoardEditor: Joe LynchT: 00353 86 233 8603E: [email protected]

President: Conor O’Higgins

1st Vice President: Marie Daly

Assistant Secretary General: Gemma Groogan

Accommodation Officer: Chris Cahill

Contributors

Conor Courtney

Michael Dalton

Michael Daly, BL.

Josephine Falvey

Kieron Fennelly

Michael Harney

Larry Hoey

Joe Lynch

Garvan Lennon

Matt Makowski

Darren Martin

Conor McCaughley

Conor O’Higgins

An Spailpín

Brendan Tighe

PublishersReal Media GroupSuite 167, CoLab Business Centre, Port Road, Letterkenny, Co. DonegalT: 074 91 77893E: [email protected]

Disclaimer:The views expressed in IPA Journal unless expressly stated, do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editor, the Publications Management Committee, the International Police Association, the Publisher, An Garda Síochána or the Garda Commissioner. The Editor reserves the right to edit and abridge any material submitted for publication. Durgan Media excludes liability for any loss or damage resulting from errors or inaccuracies in the printing or omission of the whole or part of any advertisement. Further, views expressed within editorial content reflect those of the author, not those of Durgan Media, and are printed in good faith for informational purposes only. Advertisement material may not be reproduced without prior written permission from Durgan Media. The contents of the publication, such as text, graphics, images and other material may be protected by copyright under both Irish and foreign laws. Unauthorised use of the material may violate copyright, trademark and other laws.

IPAJOURNAL IRELAND

www.ipaireland.comAutumn 2019

President’s Message

Yours in friendship,

Conor O’Higgins President IPA Ireland E: [email protected]

Summer is over and the days are shortening. Children back in school and students back in College. Those of you who have children beginning school, college or university or starting out on a career, I

wish them all the best.

As we face into the latter end of the year there are a number of issues that will concentrate the minds of the National Executive and members of Regional committees.

A lot of work has been completed with regard to GDPR and it is hoped to finalise this area shortly. Office 365 is being rolled out and the new Database is just ready to go. I am grateful to the members of the NEC who have brought these projects to finality. It will be important that all Regions become fully involved in these new mechanisms, ensuring that all Regions are compliant with all communications regulations.

During the Summer, the IPA Hiking Club conquered five mountain peaks in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England over a five-day period. The club raised a lot of money for charities. I take this opportunity to congratulate all involved and wish them well on future plans.

Cork City Region officially launched their Twinning Project with Liverpool/Merseyside IPA and have great plans for the future. Well done to all.

Recruitment of new members to IPA by Garda College Region, assisted by the National Enrolment Officer continues with every new intake to the College, with great success. It is important that we provide the necessary IPA infrastructure to retain theses new members when they go out into their stations. We must ensure that we do not lose any of our members because of inactivity on our part. I have proposed to the National Executive Committee the formation of a Junior Members Forum where one Junior member from each of the thirty one Regions will become part of a group that will get together to discuss how to make IPA more relevant and attractive to our more junior members. By raising this issue and the establishment of a suitable system of operation involving our Regional Secretaries, I hope that we will have this Forum up and running very soon, so that an evaluation will be possible by the Half Yearly meeting in November.

In the meantime, it’s that time of the year when each Region will hold their AGM. I wish you well with your AGM and please ensure that your NEC Liaison person is invited to that important Regional meeting.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

IPA SEMINARS 2020 AT IBZ SCHLOSS GIMBORN

IPA Ireland continues to support the Seminar Programme at IBZ Schloss Gimborn and will again be supporting the attendance of our members at Seminars there during 2020 through an IPA Ireland Sponsorship Programme which will be advertised soon and will be featured in the Winter edition of the IPA Journal.

The following 12 Seminars will be presented in the English language:

20|06 Tactical First Aid for Police Offcers (17.2.-18.2.)

20|12 Terrorism – A Threat to Freedom and Security (30.3.-3.4.)

20|14 Street Gangs to Organised Crime (27.4.-1.5.)

20|18 Cyber Crime and Digital Investigations (11.5.-15.5.)

20|21 RedMan and Sabre Defense – Tools for Police Offcers in a Hostile Environment (3.6.-5.6.)

20|24 Police Street Survival Training (29.6.-3.7.)

20|28 Firearm Tactics (24.8.-28.8.)

20|30 Combatting Terrorism and violent extremism (31.8.-4.9.)

20|32 English Now! English for Advanced Learners (14.9.-18.9.)

20|35 Virtual Reality Training for Emergency Services – Understanding the technology, the benefits and current/future applications – YouPo Seminar (28.9.-2.10.)

20|36 ASP Instructor Course (12.10.-16.10.)

20|42 Disaster and Crisis Management – the Challenge of Dealing with Disasters (23.11.-27.11.)

Conor O’Higgins

Cover photo: courtesy of Declan O’Byrne


evening discussed what the best tactics might be this year.

That afternoon, with the sunscreen on and bicycles collected, everyone headed off on the organised treasure hunt, the object of which was to find given locations on the island from the clues provided and to accumulate points for your team. The teams explored the roads and lanes of the island, tagging their findings as they went, all in exceptional sunshine.

Fun filled challenges were the order of the day and our adventures took us to lesser visited locations such as “Dun Eochla” - Fort of the Yew Wood, one of the highest point on Inish Mor, giving panoramic views of the rest of the island and “Dún Eoghanachta” -Fort of the Eoghanacht, associated with Eoghanacht Tribe of Munster, probably dating from the Iron Age.

In the evening, the competitive Aran swim took an alternative course to previous years, starting from the beach north east of the main harbour wall. A sprint start from the beach brought the competitors into the water, with many

donning wet suits to hold back the cold. The swim brought the competitors out around the harbour wall, finishing at the beach in front of the Aran hotel, covering a distance of just under 2km. From the finish line on the beach, IPA friends cheered on the swimmers as they turned around the pier wall, making for home, and beyond the finish line, the sand castle competition for our younger friends was in full swing.

The Sandcastle judging was a difficult job, with many different styles and materials being used in the construction but Medals were awarded to all of the architects for their good work by IPA President Conor O’Higgins, to the applause of the many onlookers.

As the first two swimmers, Darren Martin and Enda Gannon came into view on the finishing beach, they were unaware that they were right beside each other, with both leaders standing up out of the water at the same time, reaching the finish together. Within a short time, all of the swimmers were safely back on dry land, all having been closely watched by the Life Guards who patrolled the bay in their Kayaks.

THE ARAN EXPERIENCE 2019

RETURN TO THE ISLANDS

The arrival of summer 2019 meant one thing for some of us; yes, it was time to return again to the Aran

Islands for the IPA Aran Event. This three day event on Aran Islands is one of the great success stories in the IPA Galway Claddagh Region. Now in its fifth year, it just keeps on growing in popularity, attracting larger crowds each year, with up to 150 attending in July 2019.

Getting the ferry from the ‘Mainland’ equates to resetting the stress levels to zero as the pace of life on the Island is a thing to be savoured. The Aran Hotel welcomed us as we arrived. With bags delivered to the rooms, many adjourned to the restaurant to sample the excellent food which included fish dishes made from the locally caught fresh fish.

This year members of the IPA National Executive Committee, many of whom attended with family members, were welcomed to the event. This annual event provides the opportunity for IPA members of all age groups, their families and friends to meet and enjoy the organised events and the attractions of the islands.

IPA members and their families from all over Ireland joined IPA members from Sections UK and Germany, including Stephen Crockard (International Head of I.P.A. Administration) and his wife Diane and from Region No. 2 Section UK, Chair, Mandy Kernohan and her husband Mark and Caroline Edmondson and her husband Nigel. We were also joined by German Police colleagues, Simon Mainzer and Timo Beckman and by our other returning friends; those special boys and girls who are our honorary Garda members from the Little Blue Heroes Foundation, who were with us to join in the fun once again this year.

Regular participants greeted each other with the usual comments of how the kids have grown in the last year and those with their eye on the Aran Swim challenge that

by DarrenMartin


evening discussed what the best tactics might be this year.

That afternoon, with the sunscreen on and bicycles collected, everyone headed off on the organised treasure hunt, the object of which was to find given locations on the island from the clues provided and to accumulate points for your team. The teams explored the roads and lanes of the island, tagging their findings as they went, all in exceptional sunshine.

Fun filled challenges were the order of the day and our adventures took us to lesser visited locations such as “Dun Eochla” - Fort of the Yew Wood, one of the highest point on Inish Mor, giving panoramic views of the rest of the island and “Dún Eoghanachta” -Fort of the Eoghanacht, associated with Eoghanacht Tribe of Munster, probably dating from the Iron Age.

In the evening, the competitive Aran swim took an alternative course to previous years, starting from the beach north east of the main harbour wall. A sprint start from the beach brought the competitors into the water, with many

donning wet suits to hold back the cold. The swim brought the competitors out around the harbour wall, finishing at the beach in front of the Aran hotel, covering a distance of just under 2km. From the finish line on the beach, IPA friends cheered on the swimmers as they turned around the pier wall, making for home, and beyond the finish line, the sand castle competition for our younger friends was in full swing.

The Sandcastle judging was a difficult job, with many different styles and materials being used in the construction but Medals were awarded to all of the architects for their good work by IPA President Conor O’Higgins, to the applause of the many onlookers.

As the first two swimmers, Darren Martin and Enda Gannon came into view on the finishing beach, they were unaware that they were right beside each other, with both leaders standing up out of the water at the same time, reaching the finish together. Within a short time, all of the swimmers were safely back on dry land, all having been closely watched by the Life Guards who patrolled the bay in their Kayaks.

THE ARAN EXPERIENCE 2019

RETURN TO THE ISLANDS

The arrival of summer 2019 meant one thing for some of us; yes, it was time to return again to the Aran

Islands for the IPA Aran Event. This three day event on Aran Islands is one of the great success stories in the IPA Galway Claddagh Region. Now in its fifth year, it just keeps on growing in popularity, attracting larger crowds each year, with up to 150 attending in July 2019.

Getting the ferry from the ‘Mainland’ equates to resetting the stress levels to zero as the pace of life on the Island is a thing to be savoured. The Aran Hotel welcomed us as we arrived. With bags delivered to the rooms, many adjourned to the restaurant to sample the excellent food which included fish dishes made from the locally caught fresh fish.

This year members of the IPA National Executive Committee, many of whom attended with family members, were welcomed to the event. This annual event provides the opportunity for IPA members of all age groups, their families and friends to meet and enjoy the organised events and the attractions of the islands.

IPA members and their families from all over Ireland joined IPA members from Sections UK and Germany, including Stephen Crockard (International Head of I.P.A. Administration) and his wife Diane and from Region No. 2 Section UK, Chair, Mandy Kernohan and her husband Mark and Caroline Edmondson and her husband Nigel. We were also joined by German Police colleagues, Simon Mainzer and Timo Beckman and by our other returning friends; those special boys and girls who are our honorary Garda members from the Little Blue Heroes Foundation, who were with us to join in the fun once again this year.

Regular participants greeted each other with the usual comments of how the kids have grown in the last year and those with their eye on the Aran Swim challenge that

by DarrenMartin

RETURN TO THE ISLANDS - THE ARAN EXPERIENCE 2019

The full Aran Swim Event results were:-

Long Swim - Female:1st Clodagh Kiernan time 33:20

2nd Finola Flaherty time 39:34

Long Swim - Mens:

1st(Joint) Enda Gannon & Darren Martin

time 30:45

2nd Shane Henry time 33:00

Short Swim - Female:1st Denise Shaw time 20:22

2nd Caroline Walsh time 25:00

3rd Mags Mullins time 24:18

Short Swim - Mens:

1st Simon Mainzer (Germany) time 20:05

2nd Robert Reidy time 43:00

Skins Section (No Wetsuit)Mens - Noel Moston

Female - Mags Mullins

With hunger on the march, it was time for the gala dinner in the hotel, where Master of Ceremonies, Michael Walsh welcomed our IPA friends and guests. Following a lovely meal and short fiddle recital by one of the participants, Michael called on IPA President Conor O’Higgins to address those present and present competition winners with their medals. That night the bar was alive with traditional music as everyone relaxed, exchanged stories, sang songs and enjoyed the craic into the early hours.

Very soon, next day’s activities awaited. As we gathered on the pier next morning, two ferries awaited in blazing sunshine to bring our group across the waters, to the neighbouring smaller island of Inis Méain. It was certainly another day for the sun cream as we disembarking at the pier where our guide for the day, local Aran resident Cyril was on hand to lead us inland and upwards towards Conor’s Fort

or “Dun Chonchúir” relating stories about Inis Méain as we walked. We heard of the origins of the forts and of the people who lived there in those far off times and of how they had made these islands their home. We sat on the grass and stones in “Dun Chonchúir”, under the hot summer sun, taking in the aura and scenery of this fantastic location, as we enjoyed the provided lunch; the silence broken only by Cyril as he related the gems of history, oh and an occasional flyby of the overhead drone taking a few photographs. After lunch, as we made our way down the sloping pathways and road, we delved into a part of our more recent history and heritage, visiting the cottage of the writer J.M. Synge, (one of the founders of the Abbey Theatre, Dublin). While living on Inis Méain, he immersed himself in the language and culture of the people, spending long periods at the cottage which is now preserved and looks exactly as it did in his day. On entering, it is easy to imagine him sitting at his desk, writing away, with the heavy smell of the turf fire

Above: Art in the sand - judging the sandcastlesLeft: All ashore - the participants after the swim

Aran swim participants with IPA President

Wetsuit? What wetsuit?

The photo competiton winning shot


in the room. It is believed that during his time at the cottage, he wrote one of his most famous plays; The Playboy of the Western World. On opening of the play in 1907, riots erupted on the streets of Dublin, due to what was considered to be the scandalous content of the play.

That play remains an important part of Irish heritage and the Arts to this day. As we reflect on J.M. Synge’s time on the island, the words he gave to character Sara Tansey in the playboy of the Western World, Act II would still raise an eyebrow; “Drink a health to the wonders of the western world, the pirates, preachers, poteen-makers, with the jobbing jockies; parching peelers, and the juries fill their stomachs selling judgments of the English Law”

A little further down the road sits the lovely little Church of Mary Immaculate. As you go through the doorway, you can see why this church is famed for its beautiful stained glass windows. As time had passed by quicker than many of us thought, a not so leisurely walk from the church brought us to the pier just in time for our return crossing to Aran Mór that evening. Thus ended another fantastic guided tour by Cyril, who later joined us for dinner and more stories.

Our last night on the island was once again filled with fun and renewed friendships. Some visited the other music venues and sampled the island night life. Next morning, many of us met and parted again as we took the ferries from Innis Mor. Another fantastic event organised by the members of IPA Galway Claddgh Region to a very professional standard.

The Claddagh Region, through the main organiser Michael Walsh paid special thanks to “Handsome Burger” who kindly sponsored the t-shirts for this year’s event. Special thanks also to Carlo Griffin (Griffin Executive Coaching) who sponsored IPA Teddy’s for the Little Blue Heroes and to Joyce O’Grady (www.EcoCars.ie, Athlone) who sponsored a night’s stay in a hotel in Loughrea for each of the Little Blue Heroes, en-route to Aran and a personalised polo shirt for each child.

For many of us who take part in the Aran Island Event, year after year, these days on the islands with our IPA friends represent what summer holidays are all about; making memories, renewing friendships and making new ones. That is why we never leave the island before we have made our booking for the following year. Aran 2020, here we come; we are looking forward to it already! See y ou there.

The Lonely Churchyard - Aran Islands

PJ on OT shows the way on Dun Angus

Joint 1st - Enda Gannon and Darren Martin

Little Blue Heroes and families with IPA President & NEC members

THIS ANNUAL EVENT PROVIDES THE

OPPORTUNITY FOR IPA MEMBERS OF ALL AGE

GROUPS, THEIR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS TO

MEET AND ENJOY THE ORGANISED EVENTS AND THE

ATTRACTIONS OF THE ISLANDS.

To the water...and the swim

Synge’s cottage

RETURN TO THE ISLANDS - THE ARAN EXPERIENCE 2019 IPA NEWS

IPA Ireland pays tribute to Noeleen O’Neill on her retirement from IPA Office

For many IPA members from home and abroad who have visited and/or stayed

in IPA House in Iona Drive, the familiar face of IPA there was in the person of Noeleen O’Neill, who has worked in the administration of the IPA Office for almost 19 years. While never having serve d in An Garda Síochána, Noeleen, like her predecessor Joan Homan, quickly adapted to the ways of IPA and our membership.

Joining the IPA Office workforce in 2001, Noeleen has seen many changes in the past 18+ years, including the rollercoaster years of the recession, which had a dramatic

impact on our Association from 2009 onwards. The computerisation and continued development of IT systems in the IPA Office was a significant feature of Noeleen’s time and work with the Association, which she took in her stride. On Wednesday 28th August, NEC and Regional members, office and IPA house colleagues together with family members and friends gathered in the IPA house to mark the occasion of Noeleen’s retirement. We say sincere thanks to Noeleen for her many years of dedicated service to IPA. We wish her a long and happy retirement, to be enjoyed in the company of John and their family.

IPA Canada members visit Iona Region

I travelled the British Isles and Ireland this July-August and had the most outstanding experience and the most fine weather! Is

it possible to thank the UK-Wales Region and Section Ireland for such a GRAND trip and weather? I was totally convinced that I should be thanked for bringing the perfect Florida sunshine, but was informed on my final effort to solicit some wee bit of appreciation, that there is enough good weather luck in Ireland that they do not need this “yankee” claiming the credit!

The trip was a wonderful experience, and our first travel coordinated through the IPA. So this is just a note to express our heartfelt appreciation for everyone in Ireland and Wales who were so very instrumental in making this a most memorable trip! From the IPA House in Dublin, to the Pembrokeshire Police Golf Club and Sections UK-Wales Region, the hospitality was brilliant!

We have attached some photo’s from our trip. The Walsh’s and the Hale’s were so very blessed to have met everyone in Ireland and Wales who definitely lived the creed of Service through Friendship; showing us the most gracious hospitality. Thank you all! IPA House - Dublin - Phyllis, Linda, Noeleen, Breda.

Wales Region - Denis Hunt, Gareth Cowley, Ken Davies, Jim Moffatt, Clive Cowey and their lovely wives. You all were wonderful and we hope to reciprocate!

In friendship - always,Bill and Karen Walsh, IPA Region 26 USABob and JoAnn Hale, our VIP Guests


in the room. It is believed that during his time at the cottage, he wrote one of his most famous plays; The Playboy of the Western World. On opening of the play in 1907, riots erupted on the streets of Dublin, due to what was considered to be the scandalous content of the play.

That play remains an important part of Irish heritage and the Arts to this day. As we reflect on J.M. Synge’s time on the island, the words he gave to character Sara Tansey in the playboy of the Western World, Act II would still raise an eyebrow; “Drink a health to the wonders of the western world, the pirates, preachers, poteen-makers, with the jobbing jockies; parching peelers, and the juries fill their stomachs selling judgments of the English Law”

A little further down the road sits the lovely little Church of Mary Immaculate. As you go through the doorway, you can see why this church is famed for its beautiful stained glass windows. As time had passed by quicker than many of us thought, a not so leisurely walk from the church brought us to the pier just in time for our return crossing to Aran Mór that evening. Thus ended another fantastic guided tour by Cyril, who later joined us for dinner and more stories.

Our last night on the island was once again filled with fun and renewed friendships. Some visited the other music venues and sampled the island night life. Next morning, many of us met and parted again as we took the ferries from Innis Mor. Another fantastic event organised by the members of IPA Galway Claddgh Region to a very professional standard.

The Claddagh Region, through the main organiser Michael Walsh paid special thanks to “Handsome Burger” who kindly sponsored the t-shirts for this year’s event. Special thanks also to Carlo Griffin (Griffin Executive Coaching) who sponsored IPA Teddy’s for the Little Blue Heroes and to Joyce O’Grady (www.EcoCars.ie, Athlone) who sponsored a night’s stay in a hotel in Loughrea for each of the Little Blue Heroes, en-route to Aran and a personalised polo shirt for each child.

For many of us who take part in the Aran Island Event, year after year, these days on the islands with our IPA friends represent what summer holidays are all about; making memories, renewing friendships and making new ones. That is why we never leave the island before we have made our booking for the following year. Aran 2020, here we come; we are looking forward to it already! See y ou there.

The Lonely Churchyard - Aran Islands

PJ on OT shows the way on Dun Angus

Joint 1st - Enda Gannon and Darren Martin

Little Blue Heroes and families with IPA President & NEC members

THIS ANNUAL EVENT PROVIDES THE

OPPORTUNITY FOR IPA MEMBERS OF ALL AGE

GROUPS, THEIR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS TO

MEET AND ENJOY THE ORGANISED EVENTS AND THE

ATTRACTIONS OF THE ISLANDS.

To the water...and the swim

Synge’s cottage

RETURN TO THE ISLANDS - THE ARAN EXPERIENCE 2019 IPA NEWS

IPA Ireland pays tribute to Noeleen O’Neill on her retirement from IPA Office

For many IPA members from home and abroad who have visited and/or stayed

in IPA House in Iona Drive, the familiar face of IPA there was in the person of Noeleen O’Neill, who has worked in the administration of the IPA Office for almost 19 years. While never having serve d in An Garda Síochána, Noeleen, like her predecessor Joan Homan, quickly adapted to the ways of IPA and our membership.

Joining the IPA Office workforce in 2001, Noeleen has seen many changes in the past 18+ years, including the rollercoaster years of the recession, which had a dramatic

impact on our Association from 2009 onwards. The computerisation and continued development of IT systems in the IPA Office was a significant feature of Noeleen’s time and work with the Association, which she took in her stride. On Wednesday 28th August, NEC and Regional members, office and IPA house colleagues together with family members and friends gathered in the IPA house to mark the occasion of Noeleen’s retirement. We say sincere thanks to Noeleen for her many years of dedicated service to IPA. We wish her a long and happy retirement, to be enjoyed in the company of John and their family.

IPA Canada members visit Iona Region

I travelled the British Isles and Ireland this July-August and had the most outstanding experience and the most fine weather! Is

it possible to thank the UK-Wales Region and Section Ireland for such a GRAND trip and weather? I was totally convinced that I should be thanked for bringing the perfect Florida sunshine, but was informed on my final effort to solicit some wee bit of appreciation, that there is enough good weather luck in Ireland that they do not need this “yankee” claiming the credit!

The trip was a wonderful experience, and our first travel coordinated through the IPA. So this is just a note to express our heartfelt appreciation for everyone in Ireland and Wales who were so very instrumental in making this a most memorable trip! From the IPA House in Dublin, to the Pembrokeshire Police Golf Club and Sections UK-Wales Region, the hospitality was brilliant!

We have attached some photo’s from our trip. The Walsh’s and the Hale’s were so very blessed to have met everyone in Ireland and Wales who definitely lived the creed of Service through Friendship; showing us the most gracious hospitality. Thank you all! IPA House - Dublin - Phyllis, Linda, Noeleen, Breda.

Wales Region - Denis Hunt, Gareth Cowley, Ken Davies, Jim Moffatt, Clive Cowey and their lovely wives. You all were wonderful and we hope to reciprocate!

In friendship - always,Bill and Karen Walsh, IPA Region 26 USABob and JoAnn Hale, our VIP Guests


PRESIDENTS DIARY - AUTUMN EDITION

Presidents DiaryAUTUMN EDITION

21st May 2019

Represented IPA at Superintendents’ Association Annual Meeting, where I had the opportunity, on behalf of IPA Ireland to meet up with District Officers and other Garda Organisations.30th & 31st MAY 2019

Attended meeting of Northern European Forum at which twelve other Section Presidents were in attendance. These meetings allow for forging of international friendships and discussion on how best IPA can provide a better service to our membership. This year’s meeting concentrated on the involvement of Junior members in our Association and the upcoming World Congress, which includes the 2019 election of a new International Executive Bureau and Internal Auditors. We in Ireland have a special interest in supporting Mick Walsh, Secretary Region Galway, who is running for the position of International Treasurer.

7th June 2019

Attended Passing Out Parade of 200 Gardaí in Garda College and met with the Regional Committee there. Great work continues by the Enrolment Officer Willie Maye, 1st V. P. Marie Daly and the Gards College Region, with the recruitment of 182 IPA members from that class.8th June 2019

Meeting with Commissioner Drew. Presented prizes at the IPA sponsored Golf Competition at Stackstown Golf Club. This annual IPA sponsored event provides support for our members of the Club while giving our Association an additional platform in this Region. I was delighted to see the great work done on the refurbishment of the Club facilities.11th June 2019

Represented our Association at the Annual Conference of the Garda Síochána Retirement Members Association. 21st & 22nd June 2019

I was honoured to be invited to attend at the official launch of a Twinning Project between Cork City Region and Liverpool Merseyside IPA. A great friendship has been forged between the two Regions with activity events and friendship programs planned. Both committees are planning for a trip by Liverpool/Merseyside IPA to Cork in October and a possible trip to Kilkenny in early 2020. Chair of Cork City Region, Pat Nunan and his committee are to be complimented on a very successful Twinning with Liverpool/ Merseyside.

IPA Aran Event 2019

Attended the annual IPA Family Aran Event in the company of families of IPA members from all over Ireland, International guests and a great bunch of Little Blue Heroes. This is becoming a bigger and more joyous event every year, with lots of fun and adventure. Chair of Galway Region, Joe Dunleavy and his committee pull out all the stops to ensure everyone has a memorable occasion. This year the National Executive Committee arranged to have their regular meeting coincide with the Aran 2019 event. Congrats to all involved on a great event. 15th - 17th August 2019

Celebrating 100 years of Polish Police Formation (1919 -2019). I was delighted to accept an invitation from IPA Poland to attend their Police anniversary celebrations, accompanied by IPA Travel Officer, Ann Liston. We were treated to a Seminar on the history of policing in Poland, covering three different time frames; 1919 to 1945, 1945 to 1989 and 1989 to 2019. A full article on the celebrations will be carried in the next edition.

President with participants at The Northern

European Forum

President addresses Twinning Event

Garda College Region welcomes 1st Vice President Marie Daly (2nd from Right), Enrolment Offi cer Willie Maye (Centre) with international guests at the signing

up of new members

28th August 2019

IPA Delegation included President; Vice President, Declan O’Byrne; Secretary General, Carlo Griffin and Accommodation Officer, Chis Cahill met with Chief Supt, Tony Mc Loughlin, HRM and his staff at Garda HQ. This very positive meeting allowed for discussion on issues of mutual interest and follow up discussion on areas explored in earlier meeting with Commissioner Harris. My thanks to Chief Supt, Tony Mc Loughlin, HRM and his staff for accommodating this meeting and for their considerable contribution to the discussions. Retirement of Noeleen O’Neill (IPA Office)

A gathering of IPA members, IPA Office Staff, family and friends of Noeleen gathered at IPA House on 28th August to mark Noeleen’s retirement, after 19 years great service to our Association. The house and gardens were in tip top shape and catering was arranged for this special occasion. I was delighted to make a suitable presentation and I thanked Noeleen for her considerable contribution to our Association over her many years of dedicated service in the IPA Office. Responding, Noeleen spoke about her great experience working for IPA and her comradeship with her colleagues and the general IPA membership.

A suitable presentation was also made to that great IPA and Honorary Life Member, Noel Kelleher, in recognition

of his great service to IPA in his capacity at IPA Office over so many years. Noel continues to do voluntary work at the office on a weekly basis.

Wishing both colleagues and their families every best wish for the future. NEC and other meetings

During the period, the NEC met on a regular basis and I also attended GDPR and other meetings. Proposed Twinning of Regions Waterford, Wexford and Tipperary with Region 4 (Wales) Section UK

At our NEC meeting on 30th June, it was agreed to progress a Twinning Project with our friends from Region 4, Section UK (Wales), the foundation of which has already been laid.

Since that meeting, I have been in communication with Ken Davies, Chair Region 4 and Denis Hunt, Secretary and with Mick Morrissey, Chair Region Wexford, Coleman Hogan, Chair Region Waterford and IPP Denis Dunne, Tipperary Region to move this project forward.

A timeline has been agreed which will see a Meeting of all interested parties take place in Wexford in early September. This meeting will coincide with a proposed Regional Activity on the night.

An invitation has been extended to IPA Wales Region Committee members: Ken Davies – Chairman, Clive Cowey –

Treasurer and Denis Hunt – Secretary.

I will be pleased to be joined by IPA Ireland members Willie Maye,(Development and Enrolment Officer), Donal Sweeney, (Social and Hobbies Officer), IPP Denis Dunne, Chris Verling, Aine Donnelly, (Tipperary) Coleman Hogan, Ollie O’Flynn, (Waterford) Mick Morrissey and Richenda Sinnott (Wexford)

In the course of this meeting, the plans for rolling out the practical side of the Twinning Project adopted at National Council 2019 in Waterford will be fully addressed, the culmination of which will add to publicity for IPA in the South East Regions, helping to further profile IPA amongst our serving and retired Gardaí. The aims of this Twinning agreement are:

• The development of Cultural relations amongst members in the two Sections and different Regions.

• A broadening of the IPA experience and general knowledge.

• The exchange of professional experience.

• A fostering of mutual help in the IPA social sphere.

• The contribution by IPA towards world peace.

I wish this Twinning Project and the Regions involved every success and I trust that I will be telling you much more about the success of this Project in the months and years ahead.

Twinning event - Liverpool & Cork Donation by IPA Garda College to IPA Laura Fund

Warsaw groupWarsaw 2019


PRESIDENTS DIARY - AUTUMN EDITION

Presidents DiaryAUTUMN EDITION

21st May 2019

Represented IPA at Superintendents’ Association Annual Meeting, where I had the opportunity, on behalf of IPA Ireland to meet up with District Officers and other Garda Organisations.30th & 31st MAY 2019

Attended meeting of Northern European Forum at which twelve other Section Presidents were in attendance. These meetings allow for forging of international friendships and discussion on how best IPA can provide a better service to our membership. This year’s meeting concentrated on the involvement of Junior members in our Association and the upcoming World Congress, which includes the 2019 election of a new International Executive Bureau and Internal Auditors. We in Ireland have a special interest in supporting Mick Walsh, Secretary Region Galway, who is running for the position of International Treasurer.

7th June 2019

Attended Passing Out Parade of 200 Gardaí in Garda College and met with the Regional Committee there. Great work continues by the Enrolment Officer Willie Maye, 1st V. P. Marie Daly and the Gards College Region, with the recruitment of 182 IPA members from that class.8th June 2019

Meeting with Commissioner Drew. Presented prizes at the IPA sponsored Golf Competition at Stackstown Golf Club. This annual IPA sponsored event provides support for our members of the Club while giving our Association an additional platform in this Region. I was delighted to see the great work done on the refurbishment of the Club facilities.11th June 2019

Represented our Association at the Annual Conference of the Garda Síochána Retirement Members Association. 21st & 22nd June 2019

I was honoured to be invited to attend at the official launch of a Twinning Project between Cork City Region and Liverpool Merseyside IPA. A great friendship has been forged between the two Regions with activity events and friendship programs planned. Both committees are planning for a trip by Liverpool/Merseyside IPA to Cork in October and a possible trip to Kilkenny in early 2020. Chair of Cork City Region, Pat Nunan and his committee are to be complimented on a very successful Twinning with Liverpool/ Merseyside.

IPA Aran Event 2019

Attended the annual IPA Family Aran Event in the company of families of IPA members from all over Ireland, International guests and a great bunch of Little Blue Heroes. This is becoming a bigger and more joyous event every year, with lots of fun and adventure. Chair of Galway Region, Joe Dunleavy and his committee pull out all the stops to ensure everyone has a memorable occasion. This year the National Executive Committee arranged to have their regular meeting coincide with the Aran 2019 event. Congrats to all involved on a great event. 15th - 17th August 2019

Celebrating 100 years of Polish Police Formation (1919 -2019). I was delighted to accept an invitation from IPA Poland to attend their Police anniversary celebrations, accompanied by IPA Travel Officer, Ann Liston. We were treated to a Seminar on the history of policing in Poland, covering three different time frames; 1919 to 1945, 1945 to 1989 and 1989 to 2019. A full article on the celebrations will be carried in the next edition.

President with participants at The Northern

European Forum

President addresses Twinning Event

Garda College Region welcomes 1st Vice President Marie Daly (2nd from Right), Enrolment Offi cer Willie Maye (Centre) with international guests at the signing

up of new members

28th August 2019

IPA Delegation included President; Vice President, Declan O’Byrne; Secretary General, Carlo Griffin and Accommodation Officer, Chis Cahill met with Chief Supt, Tony Mc Loughlin, HRM and his staff at Garda HQ. This very positive meeting allowed for discussion on issues of mutual interest and follow up discussion on areas explored in earlier meeting with Commissioner Harris. My thanks to Chief Supt, Tony Mc Loughlin, HRM and his staff for accommodating this meeting and for their considerable contribution to the discussions. Retirement of Noeleen O’Neill (IPA Office)

A gathering of IPA members, IPA Office Staff, family and friends of Noeleen gathered at IPA House on 28th August to mark Noeleen’s retirement, after 19 years great service to our Association. The house and gardens were in tip top shape and catering was arranged for this special occasion. I was delighted to make a suitable presentation and I thanked Noeleen for her considerable contribution to our Association over her many years of dedicated service in the IPA Office. Responding, Noeleen spoke about her great experience working for IPA and her comradeship with her colleagues and the general IPA membership.

A suitable presentation was also made to that great IPA and Honorary Life Member, Noel Kelleher, in recognition

of his great service to IPA in his capacity at IPA Office over so many years. Noel continues to do voluntary work at the office on a weekly basis.

Wishing both colleagues and their families every best wish for the future. NEC and other meetings

During the period, the NEC met on a regular basis and I also attended GDPR and other meetings. Proposed Twinning of Regions Waterford, Wexford and Tipperary with Region 4 (Wales) Section UK

At our NEC meeting on 30th June, it was agreed to progress a Twinning Project with our friends from Region 4, Section UK (Wales), the foundation of which has already been laid.

Since that meeting, I have been in communication with Ken Davies, Chair Region 4 and Denis Hunt, Secretary and with Mick Morrissey, Chair Region Wexford, Coleman Hogan, Chair Region Waterford and IPP Denis Dunne, Tipperary Region to move this project forward.

A timeline has been agreed which will see a Meeting of all interested parties take place in Wexford in early September. This meeting will coincide with a proposed Regional Activity on the night.

An invitation has been extended to IPA Wales Region Committee members: Ken Davies – Chairman, Clive Cowey –

Treasurer and Denis Hunt – Secretary.

I will be pleased to be joined by IPA Ireland members Willie Maye,(Development and Enrolment Officer), Donal Sweeney, (Social and Hobbies Officer), IPP Denis Dunne, Chris Verling, Aine Donnelly, (Tipperary) Coleman Hogan, Ollie O’Flynn, (Waterford) Mick Morrissey and Richenda Sinnott (Wexford)

In the course of this meeting, the plans for rolling out the practical side of the Twinning Project adopted at National Council 2019 in Waterford will be fully addressed, the culmination of which will add to publicity for IPA in the South East Regions, helping to further profile IPA amongst our serving and retired Gardaí. The aims of this Twinning agreement are:

• The development of Cultural relations amongst members in the two Sections and different Regions.

• A broadening of the IPA experience and general knowledge.

• The exchange of professional experience.

• A fostering of mutual help in the IPA social sphere.

• The contribution by IPA towards world peace.

I wish this Twinning Project and the Regions involved every success and I trust that I will be telling you much more about the success of this Project in the months and years ahead.

Twinning event - Liverpool & Cork Donation by IPA Garda College to IPA Laura Fund

Warsaw groupWarsaw 2019


Since the initial formation of the club in 1999 where, within a short period of time twenty two members

had signed up to the Club, the IPA GMC has grown from strength to strength and today boasts a membership of 58, as we navigate our way into our Club’s 21st year. The Club is surely “coming of age” now!

Each year our Club has three main rallies, which are spread out through those months when reasonable weather can be expected, but not always delivered. Our Annual General Meeting (AGM) weekend, usually held in either March or April marks the start of our events and this kicks off our year with a sizeable group outing. This is followed a few months later by a Midweek / Summer Rally, which is normally held in June and our concluding event is the End of Season Rally, which for the fair weathered bikers amongst us, normally closes the biking season for us in October, though many of our member continue their biking exploits on to the end of the year.

Our 2019 special 20th Anniversary event, our AGM rally was held in the Bayview Hotel in Ballycotton, Co. Cork. This Rally event was organised by Kieran Barry, Matt Fitzgerald and Conor Courtney and ran from the Friday evening to the Sunday. Our members and visitors travelled from

all over Ireland and were joined by a delegation from Bonnie Scotland led by Club member Gordan McClure and all were given a very warm welcome to our AGM and the Bayview Hotel.

With a good night’s sleep behind us and a hearty breakfast enjoyed, our ride-out on the Saturday morning was led by Kieran Barry who brought our bikers on a meandering spin from Ballycotton. through the Knockmealdown and Comeragh Mountains to Waterford City.

Our Club members were delighted to have received a kind invitation from the International Police Association, Section Ireland to join with them in the Tower Hotel Waterford at the 2019 IPA National Council, where our members were hosted to a lovely lunch. It was fantastic to be able to celebrate our twenty years of continuous IPAGMC activity with our fellow IPA members at National Council.

Suitably fed and rested and having met and talked with the IPA President Conor O’Higgins, the NEC members, Delegates and guest at National Council, it was soon time for our return ride to Ballycotton via the Copper Coast. Back at the Bayview Hotel, showered and changed, it was time to get down to the serious business of our AGM.

ConorCourtney

VICE PRESIDENT, IPAGMCIPAGMCTHIS YEAR THE INTERNATIONAL POLICE ASSOCIATION GARDA MOTORCYCLE CLUB (IPAGMC) ARE ENJOYING THEIR 20TH ANNIVERSARY. THE CLUB WAS ORIGINALLY SET UP BY SEAMUS MCBRIDE OF TIR CHONNAIL REGION WHEN HE HELD A MEETING AT BUNCRANNA GARDA STATION IN FEBRUARY 1999 WITH LIKEMINDED MOTORCYCLE ENTHUSIASTS. THE FORMATION OF THE CLUB WAS APPROVED BY IPA IRELAND’S NEC AND WAS FORMALLY LAUNCHED AT THE NATIONAL COUNCIL IN KILDARE IN APRIL, 1999.


Since the initial formation of the club in 1999 where, within a short period of time twenty two members

had signed up to the Club, the IPA GMC has grown from strength to strength and today boasts a membership of 58, as we navigate our way into our Club’s 21st year. The Club is surely “coming of age” now!

Each year our Club has three main rallies, which are spread out through those months when reasonable weather can be expected, but not always delivered. Our Annual General Meeting (AGM) weekend, usually held in either March or April marks the start of our events and this kicks off our year with a sizeable group outing. This is followed a few months later by a Midweek / Summer Rally, which is normally held in June and our concluding event is the End of Season Rally, which for the fair weathered bikers amongst us, normally closes the biking season for us in October, though many of our member continue their biking exploits on to the end of the year.

Our 2019 special 20th Anniversary event, our AGM rally was held in the Bayview Hotel in Ballycotton, Co. Cork. This Rally event was organised by Kieran Barry, Matt Fitzgerald and Conor Courtney and ran from the Friday evening to the Sunday. Our members and visitors travelled from

all over Ireland and were joined by a delegation from Bonnie Scotland led by Club member Gordan McClure and all were given a very warm welcome to our AGM and the Bayview Hotel.

With a good night’s sleep behind us and a hearty breakfast enjoyed, our ride-out on the Saturday morning was led by Kieran Barry who brought our bikers on a meandering spin from Ballycotton. through the Knockmealdown and Comeragh Mountains to Waterford City.

Our Club members were delighted to have received a kind invitation from the International Police Association, Section Ireland to join with them in the Tower Hotel Waterford at the 2019 IPA National Council, where our members were hosted to a lovely lunch. It was fantastic to be able to celebrate our twenty years of continuous IPAGMC activity with our fellow IPA members at National Council.

Suitably fed and rested and having met and talked with the IPA President Conor O’Higgins, the NEC members, Delegates and guest at National Council, it was soon time for our return ride to Ballycotton via the Copper Coast. Back at the Bayview Hotel, showered and changed, it was time to get down to the serious business of our AGM.

ConorCourtney

VICE PRESIDENT, IPAGMCIPAGMCTHIS YEAR THE INTERNATIONAL POLICE ASSOCIATION GARDA MOTORCYCLE CLUB (IPAGMC) ARE ENJOYING THEIR 20TH ANNIVERSARY. THE CLUB WAS ORIGINALLY SET UP BY SEAMUS MCBRIDE OF TIR CHONNAIL REGION WHEN HE HELD A MEETING AT BUNCRANNA GARDA STATION IN FEBRUARY 1999 WITH LIKEMINDED MOTORCYCLE ENTHUSIASTS. THE FORMATION OF THE CLUB WAS APPROVED BY IPA IRELAND’S NEC AND WAS FORMALLY LAUNCHED AT THE NATIONAL COUNCIL IN KILDARE IN APRIL, 1999.

IPAGMC members at National Council 2019

IPA GARDA MOTORCYCLE CLUB NEWS

In keeping with a well-established tradition of our Club’s fundraising at AGM’s and making donations to worthy Charities, the sum of €207.50 was raised at our 2019 AGM and was presented to both the Order of Malta - Waterford Unit and to the Little Blue Heroes. The AGM was followed by the usual dinner, banter and of course our personal biking war stories. This rally gave us an excellent start to our 20th Anniversary celebrations, although as our members prepared to make their way to their respective home ground on Sunday morning, the weather had deteriorated drastically making for what could only be described as very adverse biking conditions, but thankfully everyone made it home safe and sound.

Our Club’s summer rally was held on the first weekend of June (31st of May to 2nd of June) and was hosted by Luke Butler and Red Coady. This well attended Rally event was the main celebration of our Club’s 20th Anniversary and was based in the Maldron Hotel on the outskirts of Portlaoise. A very enjoyable ride out event, with eighteen motorcycles was held on June 1st, travelling around the midlands region and concluding with a special visit to Rathangan Stud. The celebrations continued on the return to the hotel and the Anniversary cake was cut by the Club President, ably assisted by Johnny Keating who will be well known to bikers and non-bikers alike.

On the 28th - 30th of June, Damian Crummy, IPA NEC member, represented the IPAGMC at Section UK Rally at Huddersfield, UK. On the 28th he enjoyed a day of Rest and Relaxation in Manchester after the previous four days biking in South Wales with some other IPAGMC club members. On the 29th he was taken on a guided ride-out to York followed by a BBQ that evening. By all accounts, a great few days was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone who took part.

Our Club’s midweek rally on the 21st and 22nd of August, organised by Conor Courtney, was held at the Greenway Manor Hotel, on the outskirts of Waterford City. This was another very well supported Club event. On the Wednesday night some of our members decided to head to the Bike Gathering on Tramore Prom, and while there were treated to the mouth-watering Fish and Chips at McCarthy’s Take Away, before returning to the hotel to meet up with the rest of the gang and to tell them all about it! The next morning, the ride-out took a route through Waterford, Kilkenny and Tipperary before returning for a lovely dinner in the hotel. It was great to see Scottish IPA member David Coull attend the event with Damian Crummy, who obviously created a good impression in Huddersfield.

The final scheduled event for the year will be the End of Season Rally and will be held in the Wild Atlantic Lodge, Ballyvaughan in Co. Clare on the 4th and 5th of October. This event will be hosted by Larry Coady and so far an impressive attendance list of 46 people have booked their place in this event. If past experience is anything to go by, this will be a thoroughly enjoyable event and another great celebration in our 20th Anniversary year’s calendar. If any IPA members are interested in attending this event, whether IPAGMC member or not, you will be made most welcome and we would encouraged you not to miss it.

At the time of writing, plans are underway for two more unscheduled rallies, please keep an eye on Facebook and our events page for further details.

As we move through the 20th Anniversary of the International Police Association Garda Motorcycle Club, we would be delighted to collect photos and/or stories from past members and of past events for printing in future issues of the

IPA Journal. If you are a past member or have any such stories / photos that you would like to share for the Winter Edition of the IPA Journal, please make contact with the Club, through the “CONTACT US” tab on the Club website www.ipagmc.ie

OUR MEMBERS AND

VISITORS TRAVELLED

FROM ALL OVER IRELAND

AND WERE JOINED BY

A DELEGATION FROM

BONNIE SCOTLAND

AS ALWAYS THERE IS A LOT OF INFORMATION ABOUT OUR CLUB ON OUR DEDICATED WEBSITE; WWW.IPAGMC.IE .

JOINING THE IPAGMC IS VERY EASY, WITH A VERY REASONABLE ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP COST OF €30.

MEMBERSHIP IS OPEN TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE INTERNATIONAL POLICE ASSOCIATION. AGAIN IF YOU MAKE CONTACT THROUGH THE WEBSITE, OUR CLUB TREASURER WILL BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO PROCESS YOUR MEMBERSHIP.


COPS2019 - EUROPEAN POLICE FORCES TRAINING CAMP

Garvan Lennon

“It’s a remote location. Our digs for the duration were a campsite at a lakeside staying in wooden

shacks with bunkbeds! No complaining about Templemore anymore after being delegated the top bunk, says Garvan.

“This was a co-operative training course arranged between the European police forces which seeks to standardise policing tactics. All the training was done in the regular police uniform of the country the participant comes from. As the course was very physical with hands-on tactics in the outdoors, it soon became apparent that the uniform we are issued with is by no means in the halfpenny place compared to our European counterparts. In saying that we recognise that we don’t have the serious issues of terrorism that nearly every European country has experienced and that is something we must be thankful for”.

“A Swedish police member that I had become friendly with shared his story of being attacked and stabbed in broad daylight with a knife by an asylum seeker who admitted that he wanted to murder a police officer. Videos and photos of the attack showed his horrific injuries. I was

very impressed with their training regime and was delighted that I applied for this course to upskill my training.

Josephine Falvey: “With twenty-one years’ service in An Garda Síochána, I was somewhat a reluctant applicant when I saw that the IPA were seeking candidates to represent An Garda Síochána at the COPS 2019 training event. It was well advertised so I sent in my application, and to my own surprise and certainly to the surprise of some colleagues, I was selected, and was I delighted! My first successful application in twenty one years and the first time I’d ever asked the IPA for anything! My sincere thanks to IPA Ireland and IPA Sweden for this wonderful opportunity.

In April 2019 I joined Garvan Lennon at the three day Police training course in defensive tactics in Uddevalla, Sweden. The people there are friendly and it has a lovely small-town atmosphere. There was great excitement amongst the townspeople as members of so many police services from around Europe converged on their little town. A group photo at the local square provided the perfect opportunity to get to know the

COPS Training Camp Uddevalla, Sweden 25th-27th April 2019

Co-operative arrangement between European Police Forces for educational purposes arranged through IPA

THE INTERNATIONAL POLICE ASSOCIATION ARRANGES A TRAINING CAMP FOR POLICE OFFICERS THROUGHOUT EUROPE EACH YEAR, INVITING MEMBERS OF THE DIFFERENT POLICE SERVICES TO ATTEND. THIS YEAR 60 POLICE OFFICERS ATTENDED FROM POLICE SERVICES AROUND EUROPE. IPA IRELAND SELECTED TWO MEMBERS OF AN GARDA SÍOCHÁNA; GARDA JOSEPHINE FALVEY AND GARVAN LENNON, TO ATTEND THE EVENT. HERE GARVAN AND JOSEPHINE TELL OF THEIR EXPERIENCE AT THE UDDEVALLA, A TRAINING GROUND FOR THE SWEDISH POLICE WHERE THIS TRAINING EVENT TOOK PLACE, SITUATED SOME 80 KILOMETRES NORTH OF GOTHENBURG.CO

PS201 9

by Josephine Falvey and Garvan Lennon



Garvan Lennon

“It’s a remote location. Our digs for the duration were a campsite at a lakeside staying in wooden

shacks with bunkbeds! No complaining about Templemore anymore after being delegated the top bunk, says Garvan.

“This was a co-operative training course arranged between the European police forces which seeks to standardise policing tactics. All the training was done in the regular police uniform of the country the participant comes from. As the course was very physical with hands-on tactics in the outdoors, it soon became apparent that the uniform we are issued with is by no means in the halfpenny place compared to our European counterparts. In saying that we recognise that we don’t have the serious issues of terrorism that nearly every European country has experienced and that is something we must be thankful for”.

“A Swedish police member that I had become friendly with shared his story of being attacked and stabbed in broad daylight with a knife by an asylum seeker who admitted that he wanted to murder a police officer. Videos and photos of the attack showed his horrific injuries. I was

very impressed with their training regime and was delighted that I applied for this course to upskill my training.

Josephine Falvey: “With twenty-one years’ service in An Garda Síochána, I was somewhat a reluctant applicant when I saw that the IPA were seeking candidates to represent An Garda Síochána at the COPS 2019 training event. It was well advertised so I sent in my application, and to my own surprise and certainly to the surprise of some colleagues, I was selected, and was I delighted! My first successful application in twenty one years and the first time I’d ever asked the IPA for anything! My sincere thanks to IPA Ireland and IPA Sweden for this wonderful opportunity.

In April 2019 I joined Garvan Lennon at the three day Police training course in defensive tactics in Uddevalla, Sweden. The people there are friendly and it has a lovely small-town atmosphere. There was great excitement amongst the townspeople as members of so many police services from around Europe converged on their little town. A group photo at the local square provided the perfect opportunity to get to know the

COPS Training Camp Uddevalla, Sweden 25th-27th April 2019

Co-operative arrangement between European Police Forces for educational purposes arranged through IPA

THE INTERNATIONAL POLICE ASSOCIATION ARRANGES A TRAINING CAMP FOR POLICE OFFICERS THROUGHOUT EUROPE EACH YEAR, INVITING MEMBERS OF THE DIFFERENT POLICE SERVICES TO ATTEND. THIS YEAR 60 POLICE OFFICERS ATTENDED FROM POLICE SERVICES AROUND EUROPE. IPA IRELAND SELECTED TWO MEMBERS OF AN GARDA SÍOCHÁNA; GARDA JOSEPHINE FALVEY AND GARVAN LENNON, TO ATTEND THE EVENT. HERE GARVAN AND JOSEPHINE TELL OF THEIR EXPERIENCE AT THE UDDEVALLA, A TRAINING GROUND FOR THE SWEDISH POLICE WHERE THIS TRAINING EVENT TOOK PLACE, SITUATED SOME 80 KILOMETRES NORTH OF GOTHENBURG.CO

PS201 9

by Josephine Falvey and Garvan Lennon


other police officers who had arrived for the event and soon we were discussing what each of us did within our respective police services. As we chatted, and each spoke about their station and work, they could have been referring to my station in Watercourse Road, Cork City. This policing event is the brain child of Swedish police officer, Slawomir Gozdzik, called “Slavo” by those who know him. A very honourable, focused and impressive police officer, his idea for this event has resulted in police officers from many countries coming together, year after year to what is a very physical course. To participate, a good level of fitness is certainly required.”

Garvan continued;”Health and safety and training of staff in every organisation and especially in a front line emergency organisation like ours is of paramount importance and that message was echoed here. On our first day we met in the Police station in Udevalla and received a lecture referencing a terrorist attack in a school in Trollhattan by a lone male with a sword who stabbed and killed two students as well as injuring others. An interesting element in this school situation developed when Police were in the school clearing it for any further attackers and an ambulance driver had a heart attack, crashing his ambulance into the building, sparking panic that a bomb had gone off!

Josephine said of the training event; “It was an extremely enjoyable training event but required a 100% participation. It certainly highlighted for me how essential the need for ongoing, in-house training on defensive methods is for police personnel and how some police services take this element of personal safety for their members very seriously. No longer can a police officer in any country rely on the wearing of their uniform in itself as being a barrier against physical attack

This course dealt with what you should do when confronted by someone who is intent on harming you, as a police officer.

Discussions centred on fight or flight, your physical ability to take them down with a controlled plan and awareness of your opponent’s ability to force you to take an action that you don’t really want to take. The course dealt with the techniques to be used to control the situations. We considered as many scenario’s as possible because, ‘The body can’t go where the mind has never been’. I was also very impressed with the presence of a psychologist on the training course who explained how to change perspectives in policing to help make a more positive environment. He impressed upon us the need at the close of each workday to ask ourselves, ‘what did I do well today? What

could I learn from today? And what might I do differently next time?”

Garvan was impressed with the course content, saying, “The topics for the course were to provide the average police officer with realistic, simple and effective self-defence and arresting tactics. It was delivered by Slavo Gozdzik who has written a book on ESDS and point shooting and he was assisted by a number of other Police officers. The 3 days of training included:

Explosive Self-Defence Systems (ESDS) » Instinctive body reactions (IBR) – making your self-defence methods more realistic.

» Short cuts to pre-emptive striking – switching violence on and off.

» Situational awareness.

» The basic tactical model.

a. First Aid.- Wilderness First Aid. Use of skills

and equipment to hand. b. Realistic and Effective Arresting

Methods and Tactics. - Developing the same

international standard in arresting.

“IT WAS AN EXTREMELY

ENJOYABLE TRAINING

EVENT BUT REQUIRED A

100% PARTICIPATION. IT

CERTAINLY HIGHLIGHTED

FOR ME HOW ESSENTIAL

THE NEED FOR ONGOING,

IN-HOUSE TRAINING ON

DEFENSIVE METHODS IS

FOR POLICE PERSONNEL

AND HOW SOME POLICE

SERVICES TAKE THIS

ELEMENT OF PERSONAL

SAFETY FOR THEIR

MEMBERS VERY SERIOUSLY.


b. Point Shooting.- Use of firearms in life

& death situations. - Use of firearms

in close distance situations.

- Use of firearms in ‘no sights’ situations.

b. Spontaneous Knife Defence:- Methods and tactics

which help survive knife attacks.

Josephine concluded; “For me, the first aid module was excellent and as a result, I received a refresher in emergency first aid. I recognise that I am a first responder in an emergency vehicle and I update my first aid skills privately each year as this training is not available to me as a part of my job. I really appreciated the First Aid training I received on this course. It didn’t take a lot of time and it was a practical approach to the type of situations I might come across on a daily policing basis.

“I found one of the most challenging part of the course to be the use of the Glock pistol, as I am not a firearms user. As a result of this course, I do feel that all members should be made aware of how to manage a firearms situation, whether they are a firearms user or not.

The trainers of this course made us work and train hard and yes, the training did hurt, but it was only pain and its better any day to receive pain in training rather than pay for the lack of training through serious injury during work.These three days instruction were possibly the best instruction I have received as a police officer since my days in Templemore.

I was challenged and I did my best to rise to that challenge. I would highly recommend the training I received in this course to all my colleagues; it is training that could save their lives someday. Imagine if we could bring this team from Sweden here to Cork some day and deliver the same training course to all my colleagues! Here’s hoping”.

And with the final words to Garvan; “The course was extremely physical and tiring and the training in 25 degrees of heat took its toll. The open handed striking exercise was very disorientating even though you were waiting and expecting to be struck. The purpose was to show how it feels to be attacked and how you respond. The exercise with the phycologist was very enlightening as was the exercise simulating a domestic violence situation, in fact it was unnerving in its realistic portrayal of what could be expected at a bad domestic violence incident.

I really enjoyed the tactics and point shooting. This exercise could not have been more realistic and was an eye opener on how you would act under pressure and fatigued. On returning to the campsite where we were staying a number of attendees went for a swim in the fjord which was freezing but just the tonic for our tired and aching bodies.

I could not recommend this course enough for members of the IPA to attend and like Josephine, would hope in the near future that a course like this could be facilitated in Ireland. Thanks again IPA Ireland an d IPA Sweden for the opportunity of a lifetime.

I REALLY ENJOYED THE TACTICS AND

POINT SHOOTING. THIS EXERCISE COULD

NOT HAVE BEEN MORE REALISTIC AND

WAS AN EYE OPENER ON HOW YOU

WOULD ACT UNDER PRESSURE AND

FATIGUED



b. Point Shooting.- Use of firearms in life

& death situations. - Use of firearms

in close distance situations.

- Use of firearms in ‘no sights’ situations.

b. Spontaneous Knife Defence:- Methods and tactics

which help survive knife attacks.

Josephine concluded; “For me, the first aid module was excellent and as a result, I received a refresher in emergency first aid. I recognise that I am a first responder in an emergency vehicle and I update my first aid skills privately each year as this training is not available to me as a part of my job. I really appreciated the First Aid training I received on this course. It didn’t take a lot of time and it was a practical approach to the type of situations I might come across on a daily policing basis.

“I found one of the most challenging part of the course to be the use of the Glock pistol, as I am not a firearms user. As a result of this course, I do feel that all members should be made aware of how to manage a firearms situation, whether they are a firearms user or not.

The trainers of this course made us work and train hard and yes, the training did hurt, but it was only pain and its better any day to receive pain in training rather than pay for the lack of training through serious injury during work.These three days instruction were possibly the best instruction I have received as a police officer since my days in Templemore.

I was challenged and I did my best to rise to that challenge. I would highly recommend the training I received in this course to all my colleagues; it is training that could save their lives someday. Imagine if we could bring this team from Sweden here to Cork some day and deliver the same training course to all my colleagues! Here’s hoping”.

And with the final words to Garvan; “The course was extremely physical and tiring and the training in 25 degrees of heat took its toll. The open handed striking exercise was very disorientating even though you were waiting and expecting to be struck. The purpose was to show how it feels to be attacked and how you respond. The exercise with the phycologist was very enlightening as was the exercise simulating a domestic violence situation, in fact it was unnerving in its realistic portrayal of what could be expected at a bad domestic violence incident.

I really enjoyed the tactics and point shooting. This exercise could not have been more realistic and was an eye opener on how you would act under pressure and fatigued. On returning to the campsite where we were staying a number of attendees went for a swim in the fjord which was freezing but just the tonic for our tired and aching bodies.

I could not recommend this course enough for members of the IPA to attend and like Josephine, would hope in the near future that a course like this could be facilitated in Ireland. Thanks again IPA Ireland an d IPA Sweden for the opportunity of a lifetime.

I REALLY ENJOYED THE TACTICS AND

POINT SHOOTING. THIS EXERCISE COULD

NOT HAVE BEEN MORE REALISTIC AND

WAS AN EYE OPENER ON HOW YOU

WOULD ACT UNDER PRESSURE AND

FATIGUED

COPS2019 - EUROPEAN POLICE FORCES TRAINING CAMP MY IPA CANADA EXPERIENCE

Michael Harney

MY IPA CANADA EXPERIENCE

As a Garda Trainee two years ago, I sat at the back of Lecture Theatre II in Templemore Garda Training College listening to a representative of the International Police Association addressing us and telling us of the benefits and inclusivity of the Association and its activities. As I sat there thinking; “when will I ever use this” I decided to just sign up like the rest of the class. Little did I think that I would be writing an article following my attendance at my first International Police Association event, just two short years later.

Earlier this year, an International Police Association training week in Canada; “Operational Policing - Leadership & Modernisation of Tactics” was advertised. I decided to apply and was delighted to be one of those to be allocated a place in this ‘once in a lifetime’ experience, and in the blink of an eye, my International Police Association bug took hold.

This course ran from August 12th to 17th. From the moment I arrived in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Training Base in Chilliwack, I began making friendships that I believe will last a lifetime. The RCMP base is built on First Nation land and the very warm greeting extended to us all in song by two members of the local First Nation tribe in Chilliwack resonated greatly with us all. A quote by one of the tribe; “We have four cycle’s in life’; we are born, we learn to lead; when we are a competent leader we create new leaders and then we die” is the Tribe’s take on life’s journey. There were twenty seven representatives from various countries around the world, including Japan, Iceland, Aruba, Cayman Islands, Germany, USA, and England. We were also joined by members from local agencies; the Vancouver PD, Canadian Border Security and of course RCMP officers. The course was attended by the Assistant Commissioner of Aruba, Detective Inspectors, Sergeants and Constables. I was the only member of An Garda Síochána there. Everyone was there to learn and to share the knowledge and experience that they brought with them from their respective services.

At a time when the norms in many societies are being transformed, members of police services around the world are, each day, facing different and more difficult challenges. Although the respective working methods and framework conditions are significantly different in many police services, officers often face the same day to day challenges in their work. It is always worthwhile and valuable to be willing to look at how others work and to learn from that experience. As a junior member of An Garda Síochána, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to learn from experienced officers in other police services at this early stage in my career.

During this course, I learned from the skills displayed by members of the various police services - skills which I hope I can use to improve my everyday policing. I learned about leadership, police culture, about myself as a police officer and how I should take a critical look, at least once a week, at how I am doing in work and in my personal life.

The topics and areas covered included tactics and modern police leadership. A number of practical scenarios were introduced under the headings:

• Basic Individual Trauma Management

• Leadership Workshop – “Effective Leader”

• Resiliency in Policing and Leadership

• Police Management of Critical Incidents Workshop – Initial Response

• Scenario Based Training

• Firearms Range

• Police Management of Critical Incidents Workshop – Post Incident Management

• Vehicle use of cover

• Off cover shooting

• Dynamic shooting

• Police defensive tactics

Coming from my unarmed Garda background, it was good also to have the opportunity of handling and experiencing the feel of Smith & Wesson 59, Carbine Rifle and the Remington Shotgun, all in the safe and secure environment of a state of the art firearms range.

I hope that this is but the beginning of my International Police Association journey. The Motto of the International Police Association is “Servo per Amikeco – Serve through Friendship”, and this Motto was fully lived up to during my time in Canada. I hope to continue to do my bit to live up to that very worthwhile Motto.


IPA HIKING CLUB - A RUSSIAN EXPERIENCE

Brendan Tighe

A RUSSIAN EXPERIENCE

Part one of a two part account of six members of the IPA Hiking Club who braved the face of Russia’s Mount Elbrus.

This mountain is an inactive volcano with an elevation of 18,510 feet or 5,642 meters, making

it the tallest mountain in Europe and one of the Seven Summits, (the highest mountains in each continent).

In July 2019, a team of six members of the IPA Hiking Club (five men, one woman) commenced their journey towards this snow-capped Russian giant. The anticipation and excitement grew for the team as their preparation for rope training, crampons, snow axes and the use of extreme weather equipment got under way. This expedition team would be encountering forty five degree ice sheets in a variety of weather conditions whilst enduring extremely high altitude. After months of training and preparation, the team eventually arrived in Russia. Soon they were whisked away on an extraordinary journey along the winding Russian roads in a dated van driven by a one-time fighter pilot. The journey along the rugged cliff face paths brought them into an unexpected realm of danger and excitement. This particular part of the trip was not for the faint hearted. All eyes were firmly set on the driver as his capabilities were tested on the extremely dangerous dirt roads carved out of the steep mountain faces. Many of the team kept

their eyes shut and prayed quietly as they ascended the treacherous terrain.

After this three hour journey which would have made some rollercoaster rides blush, the team reached their new home at Base Camp on Elbrus. An empty quarter in the desolate Russian countryside with an altitude of over 2,500 meters, this place had all the appearance of an abandoned outpost. After “settling in”, we dodged the lightening and severe thunder showers as we took a brief acclimatisation hike around the valley. The snow fed streams that have been attacking the riverbanks and riverbed for centuries with roaring grey mineral waters have carved out an enchanting visual delight.

The locals here travel on horseback to and from their farm houses which are simple wooden shacks, located in the isolated valleys. If you come here looking for smiling faces and casual banter, you are going to be disappointed. Locals conduct their business with something akin to military precision and without any chit-chat, lending to the perception that they are not very friendly. The language barrier added to the lack of communication so there was little engagement or craic with them. Soon we were joined by a few Canadian medical

students, an American and a guy from Belgium, and shortly afterwards we were also delighted to welcome a young enthusiastic Limerick lad.

On our second day in Basecamp, everyone woke early; was it due to our unfamiliar surroundings or the sound of the international snoring chorus, no one was quite sure! Outside, the camp’s early morning silence was soon shattered by the din and rattle of a very old and noisy Russian search and rescue helicopter which landed momentarily at the site. As soon as we had polished off our breakfast of sweet porridge, hard white bread, cheese and some sort of cured meat, we packed up our equipment and our now extended team of fifteen intrepid explorers set off towards our first ascent. Having started out from the relatively lush countryside around the basecamp, we quickly transcended into a lunar type landscape, filled with broken grey rock, flat beds and craters.

With heavy backpacks strapped to our backs, conversation gradually died out as we traversed the dangerously high track, dug into the steep cliff face high above the icy cold river below. If you fall over here, you’re into a steep cavern of ice cold water and

help would many many hours away. As we moved further along the beaten trail, the grey coloured ice-sheets lay lifeless and without character in the outcrops of dark grey and black stones. The dark heavy clouds sometimes touched the ground around us as we began our arduous climb. In order to ascend this significant mountain, it was necessary for us to first acclimatise to the altitude and so we had to carry half of our equipment up to the place known as “High Camp”, situated on the north ridge of the mountain. At 3,800 meters high, High Camp is three times the height of Carrauntoohil. Having deposited our 17 kg of equipment at High Camp, we had a fast turn-around for our return decent back to base camp. In all, we had a gruelling seven hour climb before reaching the safety of Base Camp again. Fortunately everyone returned successfully with no major complaints of altitude sickness or injuries. Early next morning, we were on the move again, returning with the rest of our equipment to High Camp on the North Ridge. The Camp was anything but luxurious, consisting of a few aged, dome shaped tin metal structures, a hut for cooking/eating and a rather dangerous toilet. All of these temporary dwellings are perched precariously on a glacier and move a few inches regularly. They are bolted to large boulders on the site. Individual accommodation space measures about one meter wide by one and a half meter deep, within the said dome. The walls are osb plywood sheeting and there are eight units, sleeping two per unit, so a maximum capacity of sixteen at any one times. It is a busy spot, usually filled to capacity with adventurers. The toilets are in huts with a timber foundation; a hole strategically cut out of the wooden floor. Even the strong winds and driving snows can’t eradicate the very strong smell wafting from these toilets. Needless to say, there isn’t any toilet seat (you could say there’s nothing to go on) or running water for afters. The

toilets are normally situated over very steep crevasses and they offer the user a unique if “moving” experience.

From High Camp, we ascend to Leinz rock, located at 4,700meters. This was described as an acclimatisation hike, returning again to Base Camp. Climbing high and sleeping low, is the description and all of this is designed to reduce the risk of altitude sickness, the symptoms of which may vary from person to person but are recognised mainly by headaches, nausea, disorientation and a general feeling of being really unwell.

In order to make an ascent, we were first required to learn new mountaineering skills. This is the transition phase of the climb, moving on from the regular “throw on your boots and go hiking” to “climbing at altitude with the necessary equipment”. Suitable personal clothing, such as North Face gear is a must and then it’s down to renting really expensive hard climbing boots, to which you attach crampons. An ice axe, a harness to attach to your waist and legs, a few carabiners and attachment ropes and your all set for off. With a “spend” of approximately €200 on rental equipment, you should be properly dressed for the mountain.

Obviously, the higher up the mountain you go, the steeper it gets. This is where the training is crucial! The team’s training had to cover every possibility and covered scenarios where one climber falls and the rest of us are pulled down the ice sheets on the side of the mountain like dominoes. This presents one of the biggest dangers and is the cause of many deaths at that altitude. It only takes a momentary lapse of concentration, a fall into a crevasse or the breeze tipping you over. All these are situations must be planned fo, as these mountains are dangerous and people die here regularly.

Tune in next edition for the final part of our adventure.




Brendan Tighe

A RUSSIAN EXPERIENCE

Part one of a two part account of six members of the IPA Hiking Club who braved the face of Russia’s Mount Elbrus.

This mountain is an inactive volcano with an elevation of 18,510 feet or 5,642 meters, making

it the tallest mountain in Europe and one of the Seven Summits, (the highest mountains in each continent).

In July 2019, a team of six members of the IPA Hiking Club (five men, one woman) commenced their journey towards this snow-capped Russian giant. The anticipation and excitement grew for the team as their preparation for rope training, crampons, snow axes and the use of extreme weather equipment got under way. This expedition team would be encountering forty five degree ice sheets in a variety of weather conditions whilst enduring extremely high altitude. After months of training and preparation, the team eventually arrived in Russia. Soon they were whisked away on an extraordinary journey along the winding Russian roads in a dated van driven by a one-time fighter pilot. The journey along the rugged cliff face paths brought them into an unexpected realm of danger and excitement. This particular part of the trip was not for the faint hearted. All eyes were firmly set on the driver as his capabilities were tested on the extremely dangerous dirt roads carved out of the steep mountain faces. Many of the team kept

their eyes shut and prayed quietly as they ascended the treacherous terrain.

After this three hour journey which would have made some rollercoaster rides blush, the team reached their new home at Base Camp on Elbrus. An empty quarter in the desolate Russian countryside with an altitude of over 2,500 meters, this place had all the appearance of an abandoned outpost. After “settling in”, we dodged the lightening and severe thunder showers as we took a brief acclimatisation hike around the valley. The snow fed streams that have been attacking the riverbanks and riverbed for centuries with roaring grey mineral waters have carved out an enchanting visual delight.

The locals here travel on horseback to and from their farm houses which are simple wooden shacks, located in the isolated valleys. If you come here looking for smiling faces and casual banter, you are going to be disappointed. Locals conduct their business with something akin to military precision and without any chit-chat, lending to the perception that they are not very friendly. The language barrier added to the lack of communication so there was little engagement or craic with them. Soon we were joined by a few Canadian medical

students, an American and a guy from Belgium, and shortly afterwards we were also delighted to welcome a young enthusiastic Limerick lad.

On our second day in Basecamp, everyone woke early; was it due to our unfamiliar surroundings or the sound of the international snoring chorus, no one was quite sure! Outside, the camp’s early morning silence was soon shattered by the din and rattle of a very old and noisy Russian search and rescue helicopter which landed momentarily at the site. As soon as we had polished off our breakfast of sweet porridge, hard white bread, cheese and some sort of cured meat, we packed up our equipment and our now extended team of fifteen intrepid explorers set off towards our first ascent. Having started out from the relatively lush countryside around the basecamp, we quickly transcended into a lunar type landscape, filled with broken grey rock, flat beds and craters.

With heavy backpacks strapped to our backs, conversation gradually died out as we traversed the dangerously high track, dug into the steep cliff face high above the icy cold river below. If you fall over here, you’re into a steep cavern of ice cold water and

help would many many hours away. As we moved further along the beaten trail, the grey coloured ice-sheets lay lifeless and without character in the outcrops of dark grey and black stones. The dark heavy clouds sometimes touched the ground around us as we began our arduous climb. In order to ascend this significant mountain, it was necessary for us to first acclimatise to the altitude and so we had to carry half of our equipment up to the place known as “High Camp”, situated on the north ridge of the mountain. At 3,800 meters high, High Camp is three times the height of Carrauntoohil. Having deposited our 17 kg of equipment at High Camp, we had a fast turn-around for our return decent back to base camp. In all, we had a gruelling seven hour climb before reaching the safety of Base Camp again. Fortunately everyone returned successfully with no major complaints of altitude sickness or injuries. Early next morning, we were on the move again, returning with the rest of our equipment to High Camp on the North Ridge. The Camp was anything but luxurious, consisting of a few aged, dome shaped tin metal structures, a hut for cooking/eating and a rather dangerous toilet. All of these temporary dwellings are perched precariously on a glacier and move a few inches regularly. They are bolted to large boulders on the site. Individual accommodation space measures about one meter wide by one and a half meter deep, within the said dome. The walls are osb plywood sheeting and there are eight units, sleeping two per unit, so a maximum capacity of sixteen at any one times. It is a busy spot, usually filled to capacity with adventurers. The toilets are in huts with a timber foundation; a hole strategically cut out of the wooden floor. Even the strong winds and driving snows can’t eradicate the very strong smell wafting from these toilets. Needless to say, there isn’t any toilet seat (you could say there’s nothing to go on) or running water for afters. The

toilets are normally situated over very steep crevasses and they offer the user a unique if “moving” experience.

From High Camp, we ascend to Leinz rock, located at 4,700meters. This was described as an acclimatisation hike, returning again to Base Camp. Climbing high and sleeping low, is the description and all of this is designed to reduce the risk of altitude sickness, the symptoms of which may vary from person to person but are recognised mainly by headaches, nausea, disorientation and a general feeling of being really unwell.

In order to make an ascent, we were first required to learn new mountaineering skills. This is the transition phase of the climb, moving on from the regular “throw on your boots and go hiking” to “climbing at altitude with the necessary equipment”. Suitable personal clothing, such as North Face gear is a must and then it’s down to renting really expensive hard climbing boots, to which you attach crampons. An ice axe, a harness to attach to your waist and legs, a few carabiners and attachment ropes and your all set for off. With a “spend” of approximately €200 on rental equipment, you should be properly dressed for the mountain.

Obviously, the higher up the mountain you go, the steeper it gets. This is where the training is crucial! The team’s training had to cover every possibility and covered scenarios where one climber falls and the rest of us are pulled down the ice sheets on the side of the mountain like dominoes. This presents one of the biggest dangers and is the cause of many deaths at that altitude. It only takes a momentary lapse of concentration, a fall into a crevasse or the breeze tipping you over. All these are situations must be planned fo, as these mountains are dangerous and people die here regularly.

Tune in next edition for the final part of our adventure.



Another year and another one of our significant annual cycling events. This year our numbers

for this event were down, with only three IPACC members braving the elements and making the trip west from Dundalk Garda Station. The one tangible benefit of our smaller numbers was that we only needed one car to transport us; and what a car. Not wishing to thread on the toes on the ‘Motor Review’ column of this fine publication, but I can’t help but sing the praises of our transport for the trip; the Skoda Octavia VRS estate. Fitted with a heavy-duty roof rack and flashed out with our neighbouring clubs decals – the Dundalk CuChulainn Cycling Club, this was the perfect mode of transport to escort three burly cyclists to our temporary accommodation in Co. Mayo for this, our third cycling trip here in as many years. Our sincere thanks to Alan Gray from CuChulainn Cycling Club for kindly supplying us with the car. This time, our Sat Nav directed us without drama to Ballina for our second year’s involvement

in the Salmon Sportive, with funds raised going to the local community park, dedicated to our fallen Garda colleague Anthony ‘Tony’ Golden, who proudly hailed from the town.

Our first mission following our arrival in the Co. Mayo town was to find an establishment there that was showing the Mayo v Donegal game. Not a difficult task on this occasion as it was probably showing in every home, bar and hotel in the town. One of our group was from Ballyshannon and was proudly and given our location on the day, bravely sporting the green and gold of Donegal. As for the other two thirds of our group, hailing from Longford and Louth respectively, neither could claim a strong footballing heritage! Unfortunately for our man from Donegal, the game did not go as he had hoped and all too soon operation “drowning of sorrows” had to commence, but even that was a relatively tame affair! Mayo ranks highly as one of the most hospitable counties you could visit and this hospitality is personified in

the membership of the Ballina Cycling Club. This is just part of the reason why we have no hesitation in signing up to the cycling events organised in this western county. Unfortunately, such hospitality comes with the disadvantage of the mornings after the nights before, but it is well worth that particular pain….well, with the exception of those days when you are preparing for a 100km stint on the saddle; so sometimes that very difficult element of restraint has to be exercised!

On this occasion we were up early the following morning, shook the cobwebs from our weary heads and tucked into a full Irish cooked breakfast in the Ballina Manor hotel, another welcome element of the Ballina hospitality. The hotel also kindly let us park our bikes in an unused bar in the basement; much safer to have the bikes in the bar overnight than the riders!! The weather forecast could not have been more on point, a dry overcast start would make way for heavy and persistent showers from early afternoon;

International Police Association Cycling Club News

by Conor McCaughley

B A L L I N AB O U N D

IPA CYCLING CLUB NEWS

and so it happened. A chorus of “well sure once it’s dry at the start” rang out as people made their way to the starting point at Ballina Stephenites GAA grounds. The near 300 strong contingent included all shapes and sizes of bikes and riders, some from clubs and some not and many who were competent distance riders. The choice of distances available on the day were; 50km, 92km and 115km. We chose the middle ground, hoping that the short return spin from hotel to start line would bring us over the coveted 100km mark, and it did. So with registration complete, tyres pumped, bike computers set and helmets secured, it was time for our bikes to eat some road!

50km participants were asked to stay back, probably in the knowledge that the longer distance crews would show no mercy to the newbie and craic seeking riders, in the desire for Personal Bests (PBs) and positions within wind breaking groups (for the non-initiated, that’s groups to break the headwinds, nothing to do with the other “wind breaking”). Within the first 10km most cyclists had found their place in a group (in our case 2 out of 3 had found a group while the other exercised their lone ranger status). The groups help to keep a sense of order on the roads, and to their credit, the Ballina Cycling Club and local Gardaí had the roads very well marshalled. The village of Pontoon was our Halfway mark and there we had what can only be described as a banquet, with an array of sandwiches, cakes, buns and bars laid out before us. Just the stuff that every carb craving cyclist would ask for, with plentiful pots of tea and coffee to wash it all down.

By now, the back was well and truly broken for our distance of the Sportive but the worst was yet to come for those who opted for the 120k, with “The Windy Gap” still to negotiate. While we now allowed ourselves to relax ever so slightly, we didn’t dare allow our average speeds to decline into the next lowest KPH (for any cyclists or runners reading who have the Strava App on their phones……you will know what

I’m talking about; for those of you that don’t, sign up to the App, and of course to the IPA Cycling Club!!).

As we came to the finish line and turned back into the Ballina Stephenites GAA Club that marked the end of our Sportive, we were met with welcome refreshments in the shape of a cheese burger with all the trimmings and a nice cup of rosy lee (tea). Before we were really finished, we knew that we still had a few kilometres to cover on the way back to our hotel in order to get over that magical 100km figure and goal.

This was another good day of cycling, enjoyed by all who took part and while a little sore and weary, we all arrived back at Dundalk Garda Station safe, well and still talking to each other! We were even sporting our new Ballina Salmon Sportive technical t-shirts in their fetching duck egg blue, which were provided to all participants at registration. This was our second year to be involved in this particular Sportive and all going well, we will be aiming to complete the hat trick in 2020. We really cannot speak highly enough of Mayo and its people!

Thankfully this event did not mark the end of our 2019 cycling season, with another very important event still to come in the IPACC Tony Golden Memorial Cycle. Our chosen charity to benefit from this year’s event will be O.N.E., (supporting ex-military service personnel who find themselves homeless). The event takes place on Saturday September 14th, taking in the beautiful Cooley Peninsula and as usual starts in Blackrock, where Tony and his family had set up home amongst the community he served in North Louth. As always there will be routes to suit all levels of ability, so there really is no reason not to ‘Get On Your Bike’ for this event. We hope to see you there!

If you are interested in joining the IPA Cycling Club, please visit our website www.ipacyclingclub.ie or follow us on Facebook!

THE HOTEL ALSO KINDLY

LET US PARK OUR BIKES

IN AN UNUSED BAR IN THE

BASEMENT; MUCH SAFER

TO HAVE THE BIKES IN THE

BAR OVERNIGHT THAN

THE RIDERS!


Another year and another one of our significant annual cycling events. This year our numbers

for this event were down, with only three IPACC members braving the elements and making the trip west from Dundalk Garda Station. The one tangible benefit of our smaller numbers was that we only needed one car to transport us; and what a car. Not wishing to thread on the toes on the ‘Motor Review’ column of this fine publication, but I can’t help but sing the praises of our transport for the trip; the Skoda Octavia VRS estate. Fitted with a heavy-duty roof rack and flashed out with our neighbouring clubs decals – the Dundalk CuChulainn Cycling Club, this was the perfect mode of transport to escort three burly cyclists to our temporary accommodation in Co. Mayo for this, our third cycling trip here in as many years. Our sincere thanks to Alan Gray from CuChulainn Cycling Club for kindly supplying us with the car. This time, our Sat Nav directed us without drama to Ballina for our second year’s involvement

in the Salmon Sportive, with funds raised going to the local community park, dedicated to our fallen Garda colleague Anthony ‘Tony’ Golden, who proudly hailed from the town.

Our first mission following our arrival in the Co. Mayo town was to find an establishment there that was showing the Mayo v Donegal game. Not a difficult task on this occasion as it was probably showing in every home, bar and hotel in the town. One of our group was from Ballyshannon and was proudly and given our location on the day, bravely sporting the green and gold of Donegal. As for the other two thirds of our group, hailing from Longford and Louth respectively, neither could claim a strong footballing heritage! Unfortunately for our man from Donegal, the game did not go as he had hoped and all too soon operation “drowning of sorrows” had to commence, but even that was a relatively tame affair! Mayo ranks highly as one of the most hospitable counties you could visit and this hospitality is personified in

the membership of the Ballina Cycling Club. This is just part of the reason why we have no hesitation in signing up to the cycling events organised in this western county. Unfortunately, such hospitality comes with the disadvantage of the mornings after the nights before, but it is well worth that particular pain….well, with the exception of those days when you are preparing for a 100km stint on the saddle; so sometimes that very difficult element of restraint has to be exercised!

On this occasion we were up early the following morning, shook the cobwebs from our weary heads and tucked into a full Irish cooked breakfast in the Ballina Manor hotel, another welcome element of the Ballina hospitality. The hotel also kindly let us park our bikes in an unused bar in the basement; much safer to have the bikes in the bar overnight than the riders!! The weather forecast could not have been more on point, a dry overcast start would make way for heavy and persistent showers from early afternoon;

International Police Association Cycling Club News

by Conor McCaughley

B A L L I N AB O U N D

IPA CYCLING CLUB NEWS

and so it happened. A chorus of “well sure once it’s dry at the start” rang out as people made their way to the starting point at Ballina Stephenites GAA grounds. The near 300 strong contingent included all shapes and sizes of bikes and riders, some from clubs and some not and many who were competent distance riders. The choice of distances available on the day were; 50km, 92km and 115km. We chose the middle ground, hoping that the short return spin from hotel to start line would bring us over the coveted 100km mark, and it did. So with registration complete, tyres pumped, bike computers set and helmets secured, it was time for our bikes to eat some road!

50km participants were asked to stay back, probably in the knowledge that the longer distance crews would show no mercy to the newbie and craic seeking riders, in the desire for Personal Bests (PBs) and positions within wind breaking groups (for the non-initiated, that’s groups to break the headwinds, nothing to do with the other “wind breaking”). Within the first 10km most cyclists had found their place in a group (in our case 2 out of 3 had found a group while the other exercised their lone ranger status). The groups help to keep a sense of order on the roads, and to their credit, the Ballina Cycling Club and local Gardaí had the roads very well marshalled. The village of Pontoon was our Halfway mark and there we had what can only be described as a banquet, with an array of sandwiches, cakes, buns and bars laid out before us. Just the stuff that every carb craving cyclist would ask for, with plentiful pots of tea and coffee to wash it all down.

By now, the back was well and truly broken for our distance of the Sportive but the worst was yet to come for those who opted for the 120k, with “The Windy Gap” still to negotiate. While we now allowed ourselves to relax ever so slightly, we didn’t dare allow our average speeds to decline into the next lowest KPH (for any cyclists or runners reading who have the Strava App on their phones……you will know what

I’m talking about; for those of you that don’t, sign up to the App, and of course to the IPA Cycling Club!!).

As we came to the finish line and turned back into the Ballina Stephenites GAA Club that marked the end of our Sportive, we were met with welcome refreshments in the shape of a cheese burger with all the trimmings and a nice cup of rosy lee (tea). Before we were really finished, we knew that we still had a few kilometres to cover on the way back to our hotel in order to get over that magical 100km figure and goal.

This was another good day of cycling, enjoyed by all who took part and while a little sore and weary, we all arrived back at Dundalk Garda Station safe, well and still talking to each other! We were even sporting our new Ballina Salmon Sportive technical t-shirts in their fetching duck egg blue, which were provided to all participants at registration. This was our second year to be involved in this particular Sportive and all going well, we will be aiming to complete the hat trick in 2020. We really cannot speak highly enough of Mayo and its people!

Thankfully this event did not mark the end of our 2019 cycling season, with another very important event still to come in the IPACC Tony Golden Memorial Cycle. Our chosen charity to benefit from this year’s event will be O.N.E., (supporting ex-military service personnel who find themselves homeless). The event takes place on Saturday September 14th, taking in the beautiful Cooley Peninsula and as usual starts in Blackrock, where Tony and his family had set up home amongst the community he served in North Louth. As always there will be routes to suit all levels of ability, so there really is no reason not to ‘Get On Your Bike’ for this event. We hope to see you there!

If you are interested in joining the IPA Cycling Club, please visit our website www.ipacyclingclub.ie or follow us on Facebook!

THE HOTEL ALSO KINDLY

LET US PARK OUR BIKES

IN AN UNUSED BAR IN THE

BASEMENT; MUCH SAFER

TO HAVE THE BIKES IN THE

BAR OVERNIGHT THAN

THE RIDERS!


KieronFennelly

The Swift is the third model to use the ‘Suzuki Next 100’platform, a redesigned chassis making extensive use of high tensile steel to reduce

weight and increase body rigidity. Suzukis are light: the basic Swift weighs in at only 890kg and the addition of automatic four wheel drive and mild hybrid system add only 80kg to this. Lighter cars always have the advantage when it comes to economy and handling.

From most angles the Swift is a handsome car in a segment where there is a tendency for many of these smaller cars to look alike. The Suzuki distinguishes itself by its wrap around windows, bold frontal treatment and ‘wheel at each corner’ styling. Suzuki has wisely avoided the ostentatious chrome ornamentation of some competitors and the Swift is both shorter and taller than its predecessor, but has an extended wheelbase. This extension has increased the passenger space and the rear seat accommodates two full size adults as comfortably as its supermini competitors. Suzukis tend to be smaller

generally than the class average – Suzuki refers to its Swift as a ‘compact supermini,’ and the sector leading Skoda Fabia and Ford Fiesta do offer more space, especially in the boot.

The cabin is pleasant if functional: certain plastic fittings may seem hard, but the quality of materials and workmanship is good and the ergonomics of the clear dashboard are well thought out. The steering wheel adjusts for reach and height. With their cloth inserts, the front seats are supportive and comfortable and even in its lowest setting, the driver’s seat offers excellent visibility, though the passenger’s seat has no height adjustment and taller individuals could find it too high; the bench rear seat folds to increase the otherwise shopping-run sized boot space.

On the move, the Swift is generally very quiet. The steering is light and accurate, fun for drivers, if a little under-geared: the trade-off is a car which is easy to park but which requires rather a lot of wheel twirling on a twisty road. That said, the Suzuki’s bailiwick is more likely to be the

school run than an Alpine tour so it is an acceptable compromise. The ride on indifferently surfaced roads is impressive: the light chassis is well damped, the car never lurches as cornering angles change and the 185/55 tyres hold on manfully when subjected to speeds through bends for which this essentially urban model was never specifically designed. For a small car the Swift manages to keep the dreaded NVH (noise vibration and harshness) to a minimum. The naturally aspirated 1.2Litre petrol engine is unobtrusive and despite packing ‘only’ 90bhp, the Swift feels quite lively. The test car had the optional (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) SHVS system and the engine never wants for torque.

In a car which for the technically inclined has no shortage of innovation, the hybrid aspect is particularly interesting: an integrated starter generator, replenished by deceleration, is linked to a small lithium-ion battery. Once the Swift is underway, started by a conventional cog-driven starter motor, the Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) takes over: this operates not just the stop-start function (without all the

Car test: Suzuki Swift Allgrip

THE THIRD GENERATION OF SUZUKI’S SWIFT HAS BEEN ON SALE IN IRELAND SINCE JUNE 2017 AND

NOW OFFERS FOUR LEVELS OF TRIM AND THREE CYLINDER 1.0LITRE OR FOUR CYLINDER 1.2LITRE

ENGINES. A FIFTH MODEL, THE SWIFT SPORT HAS A 1.4LITRE TURBOCHARGED UNIT. IN ADDITION

SUZUKI HAS A 4X4 OPTION WITH 1.2LITRE VERSIONS, WHICH IS THE VERSION TESTED HERE.

MOTOR REVIEW - SUZUKI SWIFT ALLGRIP

commotion of cranking with a conventional set-up as the engine is prompted back into life) but transmitting an additional 50Nm torque to the engine during acceleration which of course is when fuel consumption is at its greatest. This assistance improves mpg by 5% to 7 % and reduces emissions. The ISG’s input is belt- rather than gear-driven, so it engages seamlessly. In practice the extra battery power is felt on a gradient for example, where otherwise, the driver would have to change down – that wouldn’t be hardship in this motor as the precise gearshift and light clutch are pleasant to use, but gear changing is often at the expense of mpg and general noise levels. The hybrid system endows the Swift with something of a small diesel’s torque without the latter’s raucousness and the increasing potential environmental drawbacks we now hear about.

Suzuki describes its four wheel drive as automatic. Normally the car runs in two wheel drive mode, but as soon as sensors detect that the front wheels are losing traction, drive is extended to the rear wheels without any intervention by the

driver, who indeed would remain unaware that all wheel drive is engaged. This entirely unobtrusive system uses a viscous coupling, a unit little bigger than a man’s fist which contains two sets of annular plates rotating in a silicon-type fluid. Under normal operation, the plates turn together, but as soon as a drive wheel loses traction, the fluid becomes viscous clamping the plates together and dispatching drive via a shaft to the rear differential.

In practice, this simple arrangement works very well. The test car was driven off graveled forest roads on to improvised tracks across soft, muddy terrain: a two wheel drive car would have been bogged down after a few metres, yet provided it was kept out of ruts deeper than its ground clearance, the Suzuki Allgrip simply kept going. As Suzuki’s UK representative says, you may never need four-wheel drive, but when you do, you do! In Ireland, extensive agriculture means 4x4s have always been popular even if not everyone wants to run a two tonne-truck; so Suzuki’s Allgrip may offer many a cost effective and attractive compromise.

Specification

SUZUKI SWIFT ALLGRIP 1.2 DUALJET SHVS

Five door Compact Supermini with hybrid assistance

CO2: 128g/km (WLTP measurement) 101g/km (NEDC measurement)

Combined mpg: 4.3litres/100km

Engine: 1242cc 4 cyl naturally aspirated petrol with 2.3KW electric motor

Transmission: 6 speed manual, front wheel drive (default)

Max power & torque: 90PS @6000 rpm, 120Nm @ 4400 rpm

Performance: 0- 100kph: 12.6secs/ top speed: 105mph

Dimensions: 3840 x 1735 mm; boot capacity: 265litres, 579 litres (rear seat folded)

Kerbweight: 980 kg (smart hybrid with full trim and Allgrip)

Prices for the Suzuki Swift Range in Ireland start at €15,445, up to €19,245 + Optional extras .

THE TEST CAR WAS DRIVEN OFF GRAVELED FOREST ROADS ON TO IMPROVISED TRACKS ACROSS SOFT, MUDDY TERRAIN: A TWO WHEEL DRIVE CAR WOULD HAVE BEEN BOGGED DOWN AFTER A FEW METRES, YET

PROVIDED IT WAS KEPT OUT OF RUTS DEEPER THAN ITS GROUND CLEARANCE, THE SUZUKI ALLGRIP SIMPLY KEPT GOING.


KieronFennelly

The Swift is the third model to use the ‘Suzuki Next 100’platform, a redesigned chassis making extensive use of high tensile steel to reduce

weight and increase body rigidity. Suzukis are light: the basic Swift weighs in at only 890kg and the addition of automatic four wheel drive and mild hybrid system add only 80kg to this. Lighter cars always have the advantage when it comes to economy and handling.

From most angles the Swift is a handsome car in a segment where there is a tendency for many of these smaller cars to look alike. The Suzuki distinguishes itself by its wrap around windows, bold frontal treatment and ‘wheel at each corner’ styling. Suzuki has wisely avoided the ostentatious chrome ornamentation of some competitors and the Swift is both shorter and taller than its predecessor, but has an extended wheelbase. This extension has increased the passenger space and the rear seat accommodates two full size adults as comfortably as its supermini competitors. Suzukis tend to be smaller

generally than the class average – Suzuki refers to its Swift as a ‘compact supermini,’ and the sector leading Skoda Fabia and Ford Fiesta do offer more space, especially in the boot.

The cabin is pleasant if functional: certain plastic fittings may seem hard, but the quality of materials and workmanship is good and the ergonomics of the clear dashboard are well thought out. The steering wheel adjusts for reach and height. With their cloth inserts, the front seats are supportive and comfortable and even in its lowest setting, the driver’s seat offers excellent visibility, though the passenger’s seat has no height adjustment and taller individuals could find it too high; the bench rear seat folds to increase the otherwise shopping-run sized boot space.

On the move, the Swift is generally very quiet. The steering is light and accurate, fun for drivers, if a little under-geared: the trade-off is a car which is easy to park but which requires rather a lot of wheel twirling on a twisty road. That said, the Suzuki’s bailiwick is more likely to be the

school run than an Alpine tour so it is an acceptable compromise. The ride on indifferently surfaced roads is impressive: the light chassis is well damped, the car never lurches as cornering angles change and the 185/55 tyres hold on manfully when subjected to speeds through bends for which this essentially urban model was never specifically designed. For a small car the Swift manages to keep the dreaded NVH (noise vibration and harshness) to a minimum. The naturally aspirated 1.2Litre petrol engine is unobtrusive and despite packing ‘only’ 90bhp, the Swift feels quite lively. The test car had the optional (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) SHVS system and the engine never wants for torque.

In a car which for the technically inclined has no shortage of innovation, the hybrid aspect is particularly interesting: an integrated starter generator, replenished by deceleration, is linked to a small lithium-ion battery. Once the Swift is underway, started by a conventional cog-driven starter motor, the Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) takes over: this operates not just the stop-start function (without all the

Car test: Suzuki Swift Allgrip

THE THIRD GENERATION OF SUZUKI’S SWIFT HAS BEEN ON SALE IN IRELAND SINCE JUNE 2017 AND

NOW OFFERS FOUR LEVELS OF TRIM AND THREE CYLINDER 1.0LITRE OR FOUR CYLINDER 1.2LITRE

ENGINES. A FIFTH MODEL, THE SWIFT SPORT HAS A 1.4LITRE TURBOCHARGED UNIT. IN ADDITION

SUZUKI HAS A 4X4 OPTION WITH 1.2LITRE VERSIONS, WHICH IS THE VERSION TESTED HERE.

MOTOR REVIEW - SUZUKI SWIFT ALLGRIP

commotion of cranking with a conventional set-up as the engine is prompted back into life) but transmitting an additional 50Nm torque to the engine during acceleration which of course is when fuel consumption is at its greatest. This assistance improves mpg by 5% to 7 % and reduces emissions. The ISG’s input is belt- rather than gear-driven, so it engages seamlessly. In practice the extra battery power is felt on a gradient for example, where otherwise, the driver would have to change down – that wouldn’t be hardship in this motor as the precise gearshift and light clutch are pleasant to use, but gear changing is often at the expense of mpg and general noise levels. The hybrid system endows the Swift with something of a small diesel’s torque without the latter’s raucousness and the increasing potential environmental drawbacks we now hear about.

Suzuki describes its four wheel drive as automatic. Normally the car runs in two wheel drive mode, but as soon as sensors detect that the front wheels are losing traction, drive is extended to the rear wheels without any intervention by the

driver, who indeed would remain unaware that all wheel drive is engaged. This entirely unobtrusive system uses a viscous coupling, a unit little bigger than a man’s fist which contains two sets of annular plates rotating in a silicon-type fluid. Under normal operation, the plates turn together, but as soon as a drive wheel loses traction, the fluid becomes viscous clamping the plates together and dispatching drive via a shaft to the rear differential.

In practice, this simple arrangement works very well. The test car was driven off graveled forest roads on to improvised tracks across soft, muddy terrain: a two wheel drive car would have been bogged down after a few metres, yet provided it was kept out of ruts deeper than its ground clearance, the Suzuki Allgrip simply kept going. As Suzuki’s UK representative says, you may never need four-wheel drive, but when you do, you do! In Ireland, extensive agriculture means 4x4s have always been popular even if not everyone wants to run a two tonne-truck; so Suzuki’s Allgrip may offer many a cost effective and attractive compromise.

Specification

SUZUKI SWIFT ALLGRIP 1.2 DUALJET SHVS

Five door Compact Supermini with hybrid assistance

CO2: 128g/km (WLTP measurement) 101g/km (NEDC measurement)

Combined mpg: 4.3litres/100km

Engine: 1242cc 4 cyl naturally aspirated petrol with 2.3KW electric motor

Transmission: 6 speed manual, front wheel drive (default)

Max power & torque: 90PS @6000 rpm, 120Nm @ 4400 rpm

Performance: 0- 100kph: 12.6secs/ top speed: 105mph

Dimensions: 3840 x 1735 mm; boot capacity: 265litres, 579 litres (rear seat folded)

Kerbweight: 980 kg (smart hybrid with full trim and Allgrip)

Prices for the Suzuki Swift Range in Ireland start at €15,445, up to €19,245 + Optional extras .

THE TEST CAR WAS DRIVEN OFF GRAVELED FOREST ROADS ON TO IMPROVISED TRACKS ACROSS SOFT, MUDDY TERRAIN: A TWO WHEEL DRIVE CAR WOULD HAVE BEEN BOGGED DOWN AFTER A FEW METRES, YET

PROVIDED IT WAS KEPT OUT OF RUTS DEEPER THAN ITS GROUND CLEARANCE, THE SUZUKI ALLGRIP SIMPLY KEPT GOING.


The story of Shane Lowry and his rise to golfing fame has its origins in the mid 1990’s and

the time when the new golf course just outside Tullamore was ready to open (1996). Living in Tullamore, my home was just a mile away from the site of the new course and as I was fond of game shooting back then, I had often walked over that area, sometimes on a daily basis.

When the Molloy and O’Brien families asked Christy O’Connor Jnr. to view the site, he did so and was immediately attracted to the natural terrain and undulations of the site and the challenges that golfers could encounter there. When it was revealed that Christy Jnr. had taken on the design, we all knew that this would be an interesting and challenging course and so the Esker Hills Golf Club came into being.

Being a golfer of many years, I naturally decided to become a member of Esker Hills. It was an easy choice for me and to add to the moment, I was greatly honoured to be selected as the first Captain of this new Golf Club. While the role of Captain required plenty of work and organisation, I also

derived many hours of pleasure in trying to master the fast greens and rolling fairways on our new course. It is a difficult challenge to build up membership on a new golf course but from the beginning, the management of Esker Hills were anxious to enrol a thriving junior membership. This policy remains today with Shane Lowry’s father, Brendan, playing a prominent part in coaching newcomers.

About the Millennium year of 2000, a young boy named Shane Lowry, was making a name for himself as a Pitch and Putt player at his home course of Erry in Clara. Looking for a greater challenge, Shane decided to try his hand at the game of golf at the nearby Esker Hills Golf Course, and to coin that Irish saying, “He took to it (the game) like a duck to water”. All through his teenage years, Shane spent all of his free time at Esker Hills. Anyone who has played golf there will understand that a deft touch around the greens is a requirement if you are to put a score together. It was here that Shane mastered this skill, from his many hours of practice on the course. His short game is now renowned as one of the best in the world

Shane’s golfing career progressed very quickly and soon he had a senior handicap. So much so that by the year 2005 he was playing off scratch and set the Esker Hill’s course record of 65, which still stands today. In that same year, he won the Leinster Boys’ Championship and was receiving coaching from the GUI.

There are heavy demands on the family of a young boy trying to make progress in the amateur golf ranks, even with the assistance of the GUI. Shane has, on every occasion, paid tribute to his family for the many sacrifices they have made over the years so that his sporting career could prosper. Many victories arrived in the amateur ranks, including the Irish Close Championship, The West of Ireland at Rosses Point and the North of Ireland Championship at Royal Portrush (the site of his great win this year). He had also received many international honours and when his amateur career ended, he was playing off a handicap of +6.

Because of his status as an amateur, in 2009 Shane was invited to play in the Irish Open Professional Championships at Baltray, Co. Louth. At that time he was shortlisted to play in the Walker Cup

OFFALY IN THE LIMELIGHTJULY 2019 IS A MONTH THAT WILL GO DOWN IN HISTORY IN CO. OFFALY AND WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN THERE ANY TIME SOON. THIS IS ESPECIALLY TRUE IN SHANE LOWRY’S HOME-PLACE IN “THE LITTLE TOWN OF CLARA”. SHANE’S WIN IN THE OPEN GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP IS THE BIGGEST, WORLD-RANKING SPORTING ACHIEVEMENT BY ANY OFFALY PERSON FOR AS FAR BACK AS RECORDS GO.

MichaelDalton

TULLAMORE DUES - OFFALY IN THE LIMELIGHT TULLAMORE DUES - OFFALY IN THE LIMELIGHT

Match for the British and Irish team versus the USA. Shane’s golfing career took a new turn on a wet and windy evening in Baltray, when he defeated Robert Rock of England in a play-off. While Shane could not accept the substantial prize money as he was still in the amateur ranks, the win did give him his entry card into his professional career. In 2012 he won the Portugal Masters and in 2015 he had his biggest win to date when he won the World Golf Championship, Bridgestone Invitational in the USA, which is widely regarded as the 5th Major. In 2016, he was leading by 4 shots in the final round of the US Open with 9 holes to play but had to settle for second place to a very competitive Dustin Johnston.

Many other changes arrived in Shane’s life that year including his marriage to his Co. Laois sweetheart, Wendy Honner and in due course his family circle grew with the arrival of baby Iris into their lives.

2019 arrived with a bang for the Clara man with Shane winning the Abu Dhabi Championship, bringing significant financial rewards and many World Golf ranking points. His form during 2019 has

been good and with the influence of his new caddy, Bo Martin, both felt that they were able to take on whatever challenges arrived. From the off at Royal Portrush, Shane produced wonderful golf, with a score of 4 under for the first round. After the cut on Friday he was joint leader with J.B. Holmes of the USA, both on 8 under.

On Saturday he played some of the finest golf that I have ever witnessed, producing a course record of 63. At the start of play on Sunday, he had a 4 shot lead on his nearest rival and the day turned into a battle with Tommy Fleetwood of England.

In tough weather conditions, it was more like a match play competition but when they reached the final green Shane was ahead by 6 shots and the obvious new holder of the Claret Jug. It was wonderful to see him accepting the Jug, accompanied by his wife, daughter and extended family. While not a native of Offaly, but having lived in the county now for many years and having been stationed in Clara in my time, I felt as proud for Shane Lowry as any Offaly native. On Tuesday evening a massive crowd turned out in Clara for Shane’s homecoming on The Green, just opposite

the town’s Garda Station. It is estimated that ten thousand people attended. M.C. for the evening was Des Cahill of RTE Sports Department.

Nothing was forgotten and entertainment for the period before Shane’s arrival was provided by Mundy. We also had verbal visits from President Michael D. Higgins, Ian Poulter, Tiger Woods, Davy Fitzgerald and other notables, all courtesy of supreme impersonator, Conor Moore.

Shane was loud in his praise for all the people who had made the evening so special, thanking them and all who had travelled to Royal Portrush Golf Club to support him over the four days. Special mention went to his caddy, Bo Martin, who was with him in Clara, and to his coach Neil Manchip who has been with him since his amateur days. One of the highlights on the Green came when Shane’s granny, Emmy Scanlon and her son Tommy gave a rousing rendition of “The Little Town of Clara”.

This was the culmination of another wonderful occasion in the annals of sporting achievements in Offaly. Hope to see you in the faithful County soon.

1. 5th Hole – Esker Hills2. Shane looks on as his Granny Emmy Scanlon and

her son Tommy sing “The Little Town of Clara” for the Homecoming crowd.

3. Clubhouse Esker Hills4. Sign at top of High Street Tullamore5. Historic Photo: L-R Donal Molloy (Owner), Jimmy

O’Sullivan (Member), Christy O’Connor Snr (RIP) Christy O’Connor, Jnr. (RIP)

6. Sharing success with a fan7. Shane winning the Irish Open in Baltray 2009.8. Homecoming on the Green in Cara – on the big

screen with Des Cahiill

1 2 3

5

4

6

7

8


The story of Shane Lowry and his rise to golfing fame has its origins in the mid 1990’s and

the time when the new golf course just outside Tullamore was ready to open (1996). Living in Tullamore, my home was just a mile away from the site of the new course and as I was fond of game shooting back then, I had often walked over that area, sometimes on a daily basis.

When the Molloy and O’Brien families asked Christy O’Connor Jnr. to view the site, he did so and was immediately attracted to the natural terrain and undulations of the site and the challenges that golfers could encounter there. When it was revealed that Christy Jnr. had taken on the design, we all knew that this would be an interesting and challenging course and so the Esker Hills Golf Club came into being.

Being a golfer of many years, I naturally decided to become a member of Esker Hills. It was an easy choice for me and to add to the moment, I was greatly honoured to be selected as the first Captain of this new Golf Club. While the role of Captain required plenty of work and organisation, I also

derived many hours of pleasure in trying to master the fast greens and rolling fairways on our new course. It is a difficult challenge to build up membership on a new golf course but from the beginning, the management of Esker Hills were anxious to enrol a thriving junior membership. This policy remains today with Shane Lowry’s father, Brendan, playing a prominent part in coaching newcomers.

About the Millennium year of 2000, a young boy named Shane Lowry, was making a name for himself as a Pitch and Putt player at his home course of Erry in Clara. Looking for a greater challenge, Shane decided to try his hand at the game of golf at the nearby Esker Hills Golf Course, and to coin that Irish saying, “He took to it (the game) like a duck to water”. All through his teenage years, Shane spent all of his free time at Esker Hills. Anyone who has played golf there will understand that a deft touch around the greens is a requirement if you are to put a score together. It was here that Shane mastered this skill, from his many hours of practice on the course. His short game is now renowned as one of the best in the world

Shane’s golfing career progressed very quickly and soon he had a senior handicap. So much so that by the year 2005 he was playing off scratch and set the Esker Hill’s course record of 65, which still stands today. In that same year, he won the Leinster Boys’ Championship and was receiving coaching from the GUI.

There are heavy demands on the family of a young boy trying to make progress in the amateur golf ranks, even with the assistance of the GUI. Shane has, on every occasion, paid tribute to his family for the many sacrifices they have made over the years so that his sporting career could prosper. Many victories arrived in the amateur ranks, including the Irish Close Championship, The West of Ireland at Rosses Point and the North of Ireland Championship at Royal Portrush (the site of his great win this year). He had also received many international honours and when his amateur career ended, he was playing off a handicap of +6.

Because of his status as an amateur, in 2009 Shane was invited to play in the Irish Open Professional Championships at Baltray, Co. Louth. At that time he was shortlisted to play in the Walker Cup

OFFALY IN THE LIMELIGHTJULY 2019 IS A MONTH THAT WILL GO DOWN IN HISTORY IN CO. OFFALY AND WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN THERE ANY TIME SOON. THIS IS ESPECIALLY TRUE IN SHANE LOWRY’S HOME-PLACE IN “THE LITTLE TOWN OF CLARA”. SHANE’S WIN IN THE OPEN GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP IS THE BIGGEST, WORLD-RANKING SPORTING ACHIEVEMENT BY ANY OFFALY PERSON FOR AS FAR BACK AS RECORDS GO.

MichaelDalton

TULLAMORE DUES - OFFALY IN THE LIMELIGHT TULLAMORE DUES - OFFALY IN THE LIMELIGHT

Match for the British and Irish team versus the USA. Shane’s golfing career took a new turn on a wet and windy evening in Baltray, when he defeated Robert Rock of England in a play-off. While Shane could not accept the substantial prize money as he was still in the amateur ranks, the win did give him his entry card into his professional career. In 2012 he won the Portugal Masters and in 2015 he had his biggest win to date when he won the World Golf Championship, Bridgestone Invitational in the USA, which is widely regarded as the 5th Major. In 2016, he was leading by 4 shots in the final round of the US Open with 9 holes to play but had to settle for second place to a very competitive Dustin Johnston.

Many other changes arrived in Shane’s life that year including his marriage to his Co. Laois sweetheart, Wendy Honner and in due course his family circle grew with the arrival of baby Iris into their lives.

2019 arrived with a bang for the Clara man with Shane winning the Abu Dhabi Championship, bringing significant financial rewards and many World Golf ranking points. His form during 2019 has

been good and with the influence of his new caddy, Bo Martin, both felt that they were able to take on whatever challenges arrived. From the off at Royal Portrush, Shane produced wonderful golf, with a score of 4 under for the first round. After the cut on Friday he was joint leader with J.B. Holmes of the USA, both on 8 under.

On Saturday he played some of the finest golf that I have ever witnessed, producing a course record of 63. At the start of play on Sunday, he had a 4 shot lead on his nearest rival and the day turned into a battle with Tommy Fleetwood of England.

In tough weather conditions, it was more like a match play competition but when they reached the final green Shane was ahead by 6 shots and the obvious new holder of the Claret Jug. It was wonderful to see him accepting the Jug, accompanied by his wife, daughter and extended family. While not a native of Offaly, but having lived in the county now for many years and having been stationed in Clara in my time, I felt as proud for Shane Lowry as any Offaly native. On Tuesday evening a massive crowd turned out in Clara for Shane’s homecoming on The Green, just opposite

the town’s Garda Station. It is estimated that ten thousand people attended. M.C. for the evening was Des Cahill of RTE Sports Department.

Nothing was forgotten and entertainment for the period before Shane’s arrival was provided by Mundy. We also had verbal visits from President Michael D. Higgins, Ian Poulter, Tiger Woods, Davy Fitzgerald and other notables, all courtesy of supreme impersonator, Conor Moore.

Shane was loud in his praise for all the people who had made the evening so special, thanking them and all who had travelled to Royal Portrush Golf Club to support him over the four days. Special mention went to his caddy, Bo Martin, who was with him in Clara, and to his coach Neil Manchip who has been with him since his amateur days. One of the highlights on the Green came when Shane’s granny, Emmy Scanlon and her son Tommy gave a rousing rendition of “The Little Town of Clara”.

This was the culmination of another wonderful occasion in the annals of sporting achievements in Offaly. Hope to see you in the faithful County soon.

1. 5th Hole – Esker Hills2. Shane looks on as his Granny Emmy Scanlon and

her son Tommy sing “The Little Town of Clara” for the Homecoming crowd.

3. Clubhouse Esker Hills4. Sign at top of High Street Tullamore5. Historic Photo: L-R Donal Molloy (Owner), Jimmy

O’Sullivan (Member), Christy O’Connor Snr (RIP) Christy O’Connor, Jnr. (RIP)

6. Sharing success with a fan7. Shane winning the Irish Open in Baltray 2009.8. Homecoming on the Green in Cara – on the big

screen with Des Cahiill

1 2 3

5

4

6

7

8


Your European Health Insurance Card – an important asset abroad

The one thing that is guaranteed to ruin a holiday is if one of the group or a member of their family or friend(s) falls ill or picks up an injury. It is not

the vacation that will generate memories – more than likely it will be the effects of the illness or injury and all the associated matters that arise. Unfortunately, these situations do arise, resulting in difficulties, including stress, language barriers when seeking help and cost implications, to name but a few. It defeats the whole purpose of the holiday or break i.e. rest and relaxation.

EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE CARD (EHIC) The purpose of this article is to give an insight as to

what medical assistance a person can avail of while in Europe, if such a situation arises. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) replaced the more commonly known E111. It was introduced in 2004 across the European Union. As an EU citizen, if you unexpectedly fall ill during a temporary stay in another EU country - whether on holiday, a business trip or studying abroad

- you are entitled to any medical treatment that can’t wait until you get home. You have the same rights to health care as people insured in the country you are in. Its purpose is to provide ‘necessary healthcare’ to those requiring it whilst in Europe.

It is a plastic card, similar in size to a bank ATM card. It contains very little information apart from the person’s name, date of birth, PPS number, a unique identification number and the date that it expires. It enables the holder to access medically necessary state provided healthcare, during a temporary stay in any of the 28 EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. If the country you are visiting is not among those listed, consideration should be given to obtaining private health insurance as the EHIC card will not be accepted. This arises in the case of Andorra and Monaco which are not part of the EU as they are separate principalities. They are not subject to EU regulations and therefore the European Health Insurance Card is not accepted there.

by Sergeant Michael Daly,

Barrister at Law, Garda College

THE LEGAL VIEW


WHO CAN APPLY FOR THE CARD? Any person who is an Irish Citizen or an EU citizen

living in Ireland (proof of this and that you have an address here are required) are eligible to make application. Online applications can only be made if you already have a medical card or drug payment scheme card. All other application must be made in person at your local health office or by post. It takes around ten days for the card to arrive.

A separate card must be issued for each individual. This is important in the case of families – there is no such thing as a ‘family card’.

Application for a European Health Insurance Card is made from the country where you are paying into or benefiting from the social security/welfare system. This may not necessarily be the State you are resident in. For example, a retired person receiving a contributory pension from the Department of Social Protection, but who is living in France, should apply to the Irish authorities.

There is no charge for an EHIC. A note of caution – be careful of websites that look like official sites. They will redirect you to an official website or send you a form and charge up to �40 for this.

If you lose your card you cannot re-apply online for a new one – it must be by post.

WHAT IS MEANT BY ‘NECESSARY HEALTHCARE’? This means benefits granted to prevent an insured

person from being forced to return home to their home member state for immediately necessary health care and to enable them to continue their stay in another member state under safe medical conditions. The medical cover provided is not limited to that of emergency treatment. A person may have a pre-existing medical condition that requires regular treatment e.g. diabetes. In such situations, if you visit a doctor in another state you should produce your EHIC card. It is recommended that you bring a letter from your Doctor or Consultant confirming your condition.

SOME IMPORTANT POINTS• The European Health Insurance Card is not a

replacement for private health insurance.

• It does not cover air ambulance or medical repatriation. This is an important consideration. If a person or a loved one becomes unwell or is injured, they will be anxious to return home as soon as possible. It may be the case that they will require further treatment that can be sourced in their home country but that they cannot, due to the nature of their injuries/sickness, travel unless

by air ambulance. This is very expensive if it has to be financed from one’s own resources.

• The card does not cover accommodation costs. This comes into focus if someone must access accommodation to remain with family member/friend undergoing medical treatment. Again, this can be expensive as invariably the choice of accommodation may be limited as there is a necessity to source it near the hospital, for visiting purposes.

• The EHIC does not cover the costs of medical attention if it involves something that would not be offered or available to locals living there.

• The card does not guarantee that the person availing it will not incur charges. Each country has different conditions applicable to medical assistance and what may be free in one country may incur a charge in another. What is covered in each country can be accessed online.

• The card does not cover situations where persons are travelling with the objective of obtaining medical treatment. (In certain circumstances, under EU law you have the right to arrange medical treatment, such as consultation with a specialist, surgery or treatment for a specific condition, in other EU countries – this is not covered by the card.)

• You do not need a EHIC card if you are an Irish resident on a temporary visit to the UK and need access to necessary healthcare. It is sufficient to provide proof that you are ordinarily resident in Ireland. The most usual means are by showing a driving licence, passport or some similar document.

RE-IMBURSEMENT OF COSTSThe EHIC entitles you to state healthcare. Any costs

you incur may be reimbursed on the same terms, rules and rates as those applicable to residents of the country you received the treatment in. Application is made to the HSE with supporting receipts. Your private health insurance provider may also pay part of the costs depending on the terms and conditions of the policy you have.

CONCLUSIONThe EHIC is a valuable document in the event of

illness or injury in Europe. It remains in force for four years. If you have any queries you should contact the HSE prior to travelling. As the saying goes “Do not leave home without it” and remember, it is not a substitute for Travel Insurance.


BLACKPOOL, CORK, 1988When Thomas J. Roche was born at No.

9 Prosperous Place in Blackpool in Cork in 1888, his father William and Uncle Thomas’s fortunes in cattle dealing were transformed by contracts victualing the British Navy in Queenstown with beef. The Boer War inspired the purchase of a large ranch in Glanmire on which to corral and raise donkeys for export, five hundred at a time to fulfil further contract requirements for pack animals suited to the African terrain.

The Gaelic League cultural revival movement was in full swing, in tandem with the Gaelic Athletic Association, inspiring the founding of Saint Nicholas Gaelic Football Club in 1901, with Thomas (Tommy) and his boyhood pals forming the backbone of the team. Tomás McCurtáin, the future Lord Mayor of Cork was an ardent club mentor. Tommy also acquired boxing skills sparring with his neighbour and team mate Pakie O Mahony who would earn fame as a contender for a British Empire title. William O’Neill of Sarsfield’s Court in Glanmire, founder of the Sarsfield’s hurling club was delighted to welcome a fine strapping lad with Tommy’s prowess to the club and became a lifelong confidant.

A HORSE, A DITCH & A ONE-WAY TICKETAs 1908 unfolded, a mishap on his uncle

farm in Mahon in which a valuable race

horse belonging to his father was fatally injured while gallivanting over stone ditches saw Tommy flee Ireland. His dad was away on cattle dealing business in England and Tommy’s mother, who had her own independent income from selling butter on the Cork Butter Exchange, bought Tommy a one way ticket to a cousin in Chicago on the ship, the Adriatic, to avoid the ire of his father...though she probably also feared Tommy’s gravitation towards revolutionary nationalism in Blackpool could see him end up a ‘martyr for the cause’.

A great devotee of Cork’s Temperance Apostle, Fr. Theobald Matthew, she urge Tommy to renew his pledge of abstinence from alcohol before immigrating, which he did, leaving him well-disposed to play an influential role in America’s war on moral turpitude and declining standards attributed to alcohol abuse and corruption.

THE LUCK OF THE IRISHFog hampered the Adriatic’s arrival

into New York harbour and it was late afternoon when disembarking immigrants were informed that processing would be postponed due to Ellis Island staff celebrating Thanksgiving traditions with their families. However, a sympathetic official overheard Tommy’s accent in the Great Hall and undertook to spirit him through the medical and legal process

before backroom skeleton staff wound up for the evening.

Accompanying the helpful official on the ferry to Battery Park, he thanked his countryman kindly and followed his directions to a nearby platform where he could catch the elevated train that would get him to the Grand Central Terminal. From there, he would catch his overnight train to Chicago.

On reaching the platform he got into an altercation with an Italian and Tommy countered with a devastating uppercut that floored his tormentor. As luck would have it, a pair of burly Policemen hopped from their passing Paddy Wagon and handcuffed him on the spot. An ambulance was hailed for the unconscious Italian, whom the cops recognized as a regular troublemaker. Tommy’s protestations in defence of his actions confirmed their suspicions that they had arrested another feisty Corkonian and placed him in the back of the wagon.

When the officers gathered themselves together they agreed to use their discretionary powers and drop their chastened compatriot at the rail terminus on their way to the station house. Tommy had every reason to celebrate his first Thanksgiving in a country where his compatriots had more influence than in the land of their birth.

AN SPAILPÍN

AnSpailpín

IN THE SUMMER EDITION - URBAN LEGEND HAS IT THAT CAPONE’S BEGRUDGING RESPECT FOR ROCHE FOLLOWING HIS LEARNING OF THAT SECRET INTERVENTION, RESULTING IN WHAT CAPONE SAW AS A DEBT, LATER BEING REPAID ON THE DOUBLE, SAVING BOTH ROCHE AND BURKE FROM EXECUTION AT THE HANDS OF AN AMBITIOUS LIEUTENANT IN THE MOB.

HERE WE CONTINUE THAT INTERESTING STORY FROM THE HEADY GANGSTER DAYS IN CHICAGO, USA.

Police officers Thomas Roach and Patrick Bourke raid an alcohol-processing facility on West Randolph Street on January 8th 1929 - Chicago Tribune historical photo


AN SPAILPÍN

THE GAELIC INFLUENCEOn arriving in Chicago, Tommy

relentlessly pursued his passion for Gaelic games at Gaelic Park Athletic Club where he hooked up with William Morgan, a lifelong pal from his Sars Club days in Glanmire, with whom he begun sharing accommodation. They both represented Chicago in the North American Championships and toured Ireland in 1911 with a representative American hurling team. http://gaathenandnow.com/irish-american-chicago-new-york-hurlers-invasion-of-ireland-1911/

Perhaps it was police sporting pals who inspired Tommy to join the Chicago Police Department in 1916 which saw him assigned to the Town Hall Police Station where he would eventually form a celebrated partnership with Patrick Bourke from Balla, County Mayo. But America’s advent into the First World War on the side of the Allies saw Tommy volunteer his service with the U.S. Navy between 1917-’19. On his return from Europe he renewed his dedication to policing.

RECOGNISING AL CAPONEHis first task as detective was arresting a

young gangster named Alphonse Gabriel Capone, (aka Scarface) who had slugged a caretaker on exiting a Lake Shore Drive warehouse where Capone had attempted to extort protection money from those

hauling goods from the docks. Some months later Tommy called to a station near home to consult with colleagues on GAA results from Ireland.

He recognized Capone in a guarded interrogation room, the doorway of which was slightly ajar. On enquiring with Capone why he was in custody, Capone intimated that Roche knew well enough why. Tommy professed ignorance, replying he was off duty and not involved in local investigations, but left it at that as he surmised Capone was in a surly mood and disconsolate. It transpired that some days before, the son of the station Lieutenant had been mistakenly shot and injured by Capone associates. Capone had made certain admissions earlier, unaware that the young student had died that morning, acknowledging his associates had accidentally injured the kid in crossfire while trying to plug another party.

Tommy sensed amongst the station party that something was cooking and leaned on a confidant who revealed that a plot was afoot to take out Capone that evening and to kill him in revenge. Tommy climbed the stairs to the Captains office and commiserated with the lieutenant as the Captain cleaned a ’Chicago Typewriter’ on his desk. There was a bottle of whiskey adjacent and Tommy set about “plamasing” his colleagues and getting them inebriated, before pointing out the immorality of their ill-judged plan. Highlighting that because the whole station party were in on it, that word would be sure to leak out.

When both policemen were well sozzled and incapable, Tommy had them ferried home to their families; advocating the boys burial as a priority, before contemplating revenge. He then took possession of the ’machinery’ and saw to it that Capone was released unharmed and unaware of his intervention.

THE CONCLUDING INSTALMENT

In the next issue, read about Roche & Burke’s tracking down would-be assassins in Chicago during Ireland’s turbulent Civil War years, while dodging Prohibition assassin’s bullets.


BLACKPOOL, CORK, 1988When Thomas J. Roche was born at No.

9 Prosperous Place in Blackpool in Cork in 1888, his father William and Uncle Thomas’s fortunes in cattle dealing were transformed by contracts victualing the British Navy in Queenstown with beef. The Boer War inspired the purchase of a large ranch in Glanmire on which to corral and raise donkeys for export, five hundred at a time to fulfil further contract requirements for pack animals suited to the African terrain.

The Gaelic League cultural revival movement was in full swing, in tandem with the Gaelic Athletic Association, inspiring the founding of Saint Nicholas Gaelic Football Club in 1901, with Thomas (Tommy) and his boyhood pals forming the backbone of the team. Tomás McCurtáin, the future Lord Mayor of Cork was an ardent club mentor. Tommy also acquired boxing skills sparring with his neighbour and team mate Pakie O Mahony who would earn fame as a contender for a British Empire title. William O’Neill of Sarsfield’s Court in Glanmire, founder of the Sarsfield’s hurling club was delighted to welcome a fine strapping lad with Tommy’s prowess to the club and became a lifelong confidant.

A HORSE, A DITCH & A ONE-WAY TICKETAs 1908 unfolded, a mishap on his uncle

farm in Mahon in which a valuable race

horse belonging to his father was fatally injured while gallivanting over stone ditches saw Tommy flee Ireland. His dad was away on cattle dealing business in England and Tommy’s mother, who had her own independent income from selling butter on the Cork Butter Exchange, bought Tommy a one way ticket to a cousin in Chicago on the ship, the Adriatic, to avoid the ire of his father...though she probably also feared Tommy’s gravitation towards revolutionary nationalism in Blackpool could see him end up a ‘martyr for the cause’.

A great devotee of Cork’s Temperance Apostle, Fr. Theobald Matthew, she urge Tommy to renew his pledge of abstinence from alcohol before immigrating, which he did, leaving him well-disposed to play an influential role in America’s war on moral turpitude and declining standards attributed to alcohol abuse and corruption.

THE LUCK OF THE IRISHFog hampered the Adriatic’s arrival

into New York harbour and it was late afternoon when disembarking immigrants were informed that processing would be postponed due to Ellis Island staff celebrating Thanksgiving traditions with their families. However, a sympathetic official overheard Tommy’s accent in the Great Hall and undertook to spirit him through the medical and legal process

before backroom skeleton staff wound up for the evening.

Accompanying the helpful official on the ferry to Battery Park, he thanked his countryman kindly and followed his directions to a nearby platform where he could catch the elevated train that would get him to the Grand Central Terminal. From there, he would catch his overnight train to Chicago.

On reaching the platform he got into an altercation with an Italian and Tommy countered with a devastating uppercut that floored his tormentor. As luck would have it, a pair of burly Policemen hopped from their passing Paddy Wagon and handcuffed him on the spot. An ambulance was hailed for the unconscious Italian, whom the cops recognized as a regular troublemaker. Tommy’s protestations in defence of his actions confirmed their suspicions that they had arrested another feisty Corkonian and placed him in the back of the wagon.

When the officers gathered themselves together they agreed to use their discretionary powers and drop their chastened compatriot at the rail terminus on their way to the station house. Tommy had every reason to celebrate his first Thanksgiving in a country where his compatriots had more influence than in the land of their birth.

AN SPAILPÍN

AnSpailpín

IN THE SUMMER EDITION - URBAN LEGEND HAS IT THAT CAPONE’S BEGRUDGING RESPECT FOR ROCHE FOLLOWING HIS LEARNING OF THAT SECRET INTERVENTION, RESULTING IN WHAT CAPONE SAW AS A DEBT, LATER BEING REPAID ON THE DOUBLE, SAVING BOTH ROCHE AND BURKE FROM EXECUTION AT THE HANDS OF AN AMBITIOUS LIEUTENANT IN THE MOB.

HERE WE CONTINUE THAT INTERESTING STORY FROM THE HEADY GANGSTER DAYS IN CHICAGO, USA.



AN SPAILPÍN

THE GAELIC INFLUENCEOn arriving in Chicago, Tommy

relentlessly pursued his passion for Gaelic games at Gaelic Park Athletic Club where he hooked up with William Morgan, a lifelong pal from his Sars Club days in Glanmire, with whom he begun sharing accommodation. They both represented Chicago in the North American Championships and toured Ireland in 1911 with a representative American hurling team. http://gaathenandnow.com/irish-american-chicago-new-york-hurlers-invasion-of-ireland-1911/

Perhaps it was police sporting pals who inspired Tommy to join the Chicago Police Department in 1916 which saw him assigned to the Town Hall Police Station where he would eventually form a celebrated partnership with Patrick Bourke from Balla, County Mayo. But America’s advent into the First World War on the side of the Allies saw Tommy volunteer his service with the U.S. Navy between 1917-’19. On his return from Europe he renewed his dedication to policing.

RECOGNISING AL CAPONEHis first task as detective was arresting a

young gangster named Alphonse Gabriel Capone, (aka Scarface) who had slugged a caretaker on exiting a Lake Shore Drive warehouse where Capone had attempted to extort protection money from those

hauling goods from the docks. Some months later Tommy called to a station near home to consult with colleagues on GAA results from Ireland.

He recognized Capone in a guarded interrogation room, the doorway of which was slightly ajar. On enquiring with Capone why he was in custody, Capone intimated that Roche knew well enough why. Tommy professed ignorance, replying he was off duty and not involved in local investigations, but left it at that as he surmised Capone was in a surly mood and disconsolate. It transpired that some days before, the son of the station Lieutenant had been mistakenly shot and injured by Capone associates. Capone had made certain admissions earlier, unaware that the young student had died that morning, acknowledging his associates had accidentally injured the kid in crossfire while trying to plug another party.

Tommy sensed amongst the station party that something was cooking and leaned on a confidant who revealed that a plot was afoot to take out Capone that evening and to kill him in revenge. Tommy climbed the stairs to the Captains office and commiserated with the lieutenant as the Captain cleaned a ’Chicago Typewriter’ on his desk. There was a bottle of whiskey adjacent and Tommy set about “plamasing” his colleagues and getting them inebriated, before pointing out the immorality of their ill-judged plan. Highlighting that because the whole station party were in on it, that word would be sure to leak out.

When both policemen were well sozzled and incapable, Tommy had them ferried home to their families; advocating the boys burial as a priority, before contemplating revenge. He then took possession of the ’machinery’ and saw to it that Capone was released unharmed and unaware of his intervention.

THE CONCLUDING INSTALMENT

In the next issue, read about Roche & Burke’s tracking down would-be assassins in Chicago during Ireland’s turbulent Civil War years, while dodging Prohibition assassin’s bullets.


Gardaí often have the difficult task of having to assess a situation within a few seconds,

making critical decisions based on such assessment. Situations can arise where a person may wander out of a shop without paying for an item, often ignoring repeated calls from the shop owner or staff to put the item back. The person may appear a little aggressive when approached. The Gardaí/Police arrive at the scene where they witness the person in a confused, even zombie like state, still clutching the “stolen” item.

The person continues to ignore directions and then just wanders away. This calls for direct action by the officer who places their hand on the person. It is then that the person may suddenly resist and become confrontational, forcing the officer to further respond, with the possible need to use force to restrain this person.

The officer must consider if this person may be on drugs; is there evidence of alcohol consumption; is there a psychological condition or is there something else going on!

This is a scenario presented to Police Officer from Ottawa, Canada on a course called “Recognition and Response to People Having Seizures” which is being rolled out to Police forces throughout Canada.

In the last few years there have been a growing number of high profile cases involving people, who while having epileptic seizures, were arrested for intoxication or were suspected of being under the influence of drugs and while being aggressive when approached. These incidents underscored the need for more police training and led to an uptake in courses designed by the various Epilepsy organisations which educate Police officers to the typical behaviours exhibited by a person during an absent seizure and how to manage the incident while also protecting the person, themselves and members of the general public.

In 2006, Daniel Beloungea from Michigan, USA, an Epileptic who suffered from Complex-Partial seizures required daily walks for rehabilitation after having brain surgery. On one of his walks he experienced a seizure; wandering and

acting as if he was intoxicated. A concerned member of the public contacted the police about his behaviour. When the officers arrived and tried to stop Mr. Beloungea from walking away, he began to swing his arms, making contact with one of the officers who used his Taser and baton to stop Mr Beloungea struggling.

Mr Beloungea was charged with disorderly conduct. His defence team gave evidence about his seizure history, explaining he had no control over his actions. Mr Beloungea had to plead insanity and was institutionalised for 60 days for evaluation; the Michigan court system had no provision for a verdict of “Not Guilty by reason of brain disorder.” The National US Epilepsy Foundation and their local office took up his case and eventually got Mr Beloungea released.

In another example, a woman described how she woke up in a cell after having an epileptic seizure outside a nightclub. Having no idea where she was and no memory of the incident she recounted the terror she felt after coming around from her seizure. She was informed by

DRUGS, DRINK OR EPILEPSY? WHAT POLICE OFFICERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SEIZURE BEHAVIOUR?

By Garda Larry Hoey (E.F.R.)

DRUGS, DRINK OR EPILEPSY? DRUGS, DRINK OR EPILEPSY?

police officers they had arrested her for public intoxication. There was no evidence indicating this woman had been drinking and the charge was eventually thrown out after she and her mother attended the courthouse with the woman’s medical files, proving she was a long time sufferer of Epilepsy.

The different types of seizures and what they look like?

When I first started teaching First Aid there were just two recognised types of Epileptic seizures; Grand Mal and Petti Mal. Now, the part of the brain where the malfunction starts is recognised as determining the seizure type, with the two main categorises of epileptic seizures being, “Generalised and Partial”.

Generalised and Partial Focal Seizures are further divided into five types, one of which is a Tonic-Clonic seizure, the type of seizure mainly associated with epilepsy and which affects about 60% of people. Here, electrical activity in the brain is interrupted and the person goes into a seizure, loses consciousness, falls to the ground and has a convulsion. After a few minutes they recover and a short time later are fine. Emergency response is only required if the person injures themselves while falling or it is their first seizure.

Partial Seizures AKA (Focal) which is further divided into Simple and Complex, is where only a small part of the brain experiences electrical disruption.

Simple Partial Seizures AKA (Focal Aware) The effect on the person will be determined by the location of the brain affected and could affect the person’s sense of smell, taste, sight or hearing. The person will be fully aware of their seizure.

Complex Partial Seizure AKA (Focal Impaired) is that type described in the shop scenario presented to the police officers from Ottawa, Canada. These seizures normally last only a few minutes but in extreme cases can extend up to thirty minutes. It will start abruptly and the person experiencing the seizure will not know they are having one or have had one. Approximately 20% of people with epilepsy suffer from this type of seizures and it is the second most common type of Epileptic seizure.

Stereotypical behaviours include repeated movements, fiddling with something, repeatedly lip smacking, eyes appear unfocused and the person won’t respond to questions. The person is able to walk but is not aware of their surroundings or what is happening around them. The person will not lose consciousness and

some may be able to respond to simple basic commands. The important thing to remember is that they have no control over their actions and will not remember what happened during their seizure. If approached the body’s natural “Fight or Flight” kicks in and they can often become aggressive. There is no intention to harm and their actions are an automatic defence mechanism. The worst thing to do is to restrain such a person as to do so may only cause them injury. They have no control over their attempts to struggle and to try to get away.

As a Police officer arriving onto a scene of a call, the following list outlines some questions you could ask yourself.

» Do you detect a smell of alcohol or any signs of drug abuse? » Is there anyone around who knows the person or their history? » Can you see any medical alert id tags?

If the answer to above is NO, you should then ask yourself: » Is the person in a confused state? » Are they unresponsive to your questions? » Are they making repetitive actions or sounds? » Are they wandering around not knowing where they are going? » Are they calmer when they are left alone?

If the answer to any of these is YES, then the person may be suffering a complex partial seizure and you should act appropriately by; » Speaking quietly and in a reassuring manner to the person » Do not yell or restrain unless it is absolutely necessary to keep the person safe » Keep the person away from dangerous situations, i.e. roads, equipment, or dangerous places. (www.epilepsy.ie)

When they come out of their seizure, try and sit them down and reassure them, keeping them relaxed until they regain full consciousness.

There are nearly forty thousand people in Ireland with Epilepsy and up to fifty million people worldwide. That means one in twenty people in Ireland will have a seizure within their lifetime (figures by Epilepsy Ireland). It is therefore very important that Gardaí are able to recognise the behaviours associated with the various types of seizures and are able to determine the difference between a person under the influence of an intoxicant and a person having a complex partial seizure - t he responses to one needs to be completely different to the response to the other.

Most people will recover and respond, posing no threat to themselves or others if monitored, left alone and kept safe for the duration of the seizure. The actions taken by the Officer on the scene could mean the difference between helping or harming the person.

THERE ARE NEARLY FORTY THOUSAND PEOPLE IN IRELAND WITH EPILEPSY AND UP TO FIFTY MILLION PEOPLE WORLDWIDE.

THAT MEANS ONE IN TWENTY PEOPLE IN IRELAND WILL HAVE A SEIZURE WITHIN THEIR LIFETIME

For more information on Epilepsy, go to Epilepsy Ireland`s website at www.epilepsy.ie or phone +353 1 455 7500Credits: articles and images Epilepsy Ireland and Larry Hoey.


Gardaí often have the difficult task of having to assess a situation within a few seconds,

making critical decisions based on such assessment. Situations can arise where a person may wander out of a shop without paying for an item, often ignoring repeated calls from the shop owner or staff to put the item back. The person may appear a little aggressive when approached. The Gardaí/Police arrive at the scene where they witness the person in a confused, even zombie like state, still clutching the “stolen” item.

The person continues to ignore directions and then just wanders away. This calls for direct action by the officer who places their hand on the person. It is then that the person may suddenly resist and become confrontational, forcing the officer to further respond, with the possible need to use force to restrain this person.

The officer must consider if this person may be on drugs; is there evidence of alcohol consumption; is there a psychological condition or is there something else going on!

This is a scenario presented to Police Officer from Ottawa, Canada on a course called “Recognition and Response to People Having Seizures” which is being rolled out to Police forces throughout Canada.

In the last few years there have been a growing number of high profile cases involving people, who while having epileptic seizures, were arrested for intoxication or were suspected of being under the influence of drugs and while being aggressive when approached. These incidents underscored the need for more police training and led to an uptake in courses designed by the various Epilepsy organisations which educate Police officers to the typical behaviours exhibited by a person during an absent seizure and how to manage the incident while also protecting the person, themselves and members of the general public.

In 2006, Daniel Beloungea from Michigan, USA, an Epileptic who suffered from Complex-Partial seizures required daily walks for rehabilitation after having brain surgery. On one of his walks he experienced a seizure; wandering and

acting as if he was intoxicated. A concerned member of the public contacted the police about his behaviour. When the officers arrived and tried to stop Mr. Beloungea from walking away, he began to swing his arms, making contact with one of the officers who used his Taser and baton to stop Mr Beloungea struggling.

Mr Beloungea was charged with disorderly conduct. His defence team gave evidence about his seizure history, explaining he had no control over his actions. Mr Beloungea had to plead insanity and was institutionalised for 60 days for evaluation; the Michigan court system had no provision for a verdict of “Not Guilty by reason of brain disorder.” The National US Epilepsy Foundation and their local office took up his case and eventually got Mr Beloungea released.

In another example, a woman described how she woke up in a cell after having an epileptic seizure outside a nightclub. Having no idea where she was and no memory of the incident she recounted the terror she felt after coming around from her seizure. She was informed by

DRUGS, DRINK OR EPILEPSY? WHAT POLICE OFFICERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SEIZURE BEHAVIOUR?

By Garda Larry Hoey (E.F.R.)

DRUGS, DRINK OR EPILEPSY? DRUGS, DRINK OR EPILEPSY?

police officers they had arrested her for public intoxication. There was no evidence indicating this woman had been drinking and the charge was eventually thrown out after she and her mother attended the courthouse with the woman’s medical files, proving she was a long time sufferer of Epilepsy.

The different types of seizures and what they look like?

When I first started teaching First Aid there were just two recognised types of Epileptic seizures; Grand Mal and Petti Mal. Now, the part of the brain where the malfunction starts is recognised as determining the seizure type, with the two main categorises of epileptic seizures being, “Generalised and Partial”.

Generalised and Partial Focal Seizures are further divided into five types, one of which is a Tonic-Clonic seizure, the type of seizure mainly associated with epilepsy and which affects about 60% of people. Here, electrical activity in the brain is interrupted and the person goes into a seizure, loses consciousness, falls to the ground and has a convulsion. After a few minutes they recover and a short time later are fine. Emergency response is only required if the person injures themselves while falling or it is their first seizure.

Partial Seizures AKA (Focal) which is further divided into Simple and Complex, is where only a small part of the brain experiences electrical disruption.

Simple Partial Seizures AKA (Focal Aware) The effect on the person will be determined by the location of the brain affected and could affect the person’s sense of smell, taste, sight or hearing. The person will be fully aware of their seizure.

Complex Partial Seizure AKA (Focal Impaired) is that type described in the shop scenario presented to the police officers from Ottawa, Canada. These seizures normally last only a few minutes but in extreme cases can extend up to thirty minutes. It will start abruptly and the person experiencing the seizure will not know they are having one or have had one. Approximately 20% of people with epilepsy suffer from this type of seizures and it is the second most common type of Epileptic seizure.

Stereotypical behaviours include repeated movements, fiddling with something, repeatedly lip smacking, eyes appear unfocused and the person won’t respond to questions. The person is able to walk but is not aware of their surroundings or what is happening around them. The person will not lose consciousness and

some may be able to respond to simple basic commands. The important thing to remember is that they have no control over their actions and will not remember what happened during their seizure. If approached the body’s natural “Fight or Flight” kicks in and they can often become aggressive. There is no intention to harm and their actions are an automatic defence mechanism. The worst thing to do is to restrain such a person as to do so may only cause them injury. They have no control over their attempts to struggle and to try to get away.

As a Police officer arriving onto a scene of a call, the following list outlines some questions you could ask yourself.

» Do you detect a smell of alcohol or any signs of drug abuse? » Is there anyone around who knows the person or their history? » Can you see any medical alert id tags?

If the answer to above is NO, you should then ask yourself: » Is the person in a confused state? » Are they unresponsive to your questions? » Are they making repetitive actions or sounds? » Are they wandering around not knowing where they are going? » Are they calmer when they are left alone?

If the answer to any of these is YES, then the person may be suffering a complex partial seizure and you should act appropriately by; » Speaking quietly and in a reassuring manner to the person » Do not yell or restrain unless it is absolutely necessary to keep the person safe » Keep the person away from dangerous situations, i.e. roads, equipment, or dangerous places. (www.epilepsy.ie)

When they come out of their seizure, try and sit them down and reassure them, keeping them relaxed until they regain full consciousness.

There are nearly forty thousand people in Ireland with Epilepsy and up to fifty million people worldwide. That means one in twenty people in Ireland will have a seizure within their lifetime (figures by Epilepsy Ireland). It is therefore very important that Gardaí are able to recognise the behaviours associated with the various types of seizures and are able to determine the difference between a person under the influence of an intoxicant and a person having a complex partial seizure - t he responses to one needs to be completely different to the response to the other.

Most people will recover and respond, posing no threat to themselves or others if monitored, left alone and kept safe for the duration of the seizure. The actions taken by the Officer on the scene could mean the difference between helping or harming the person.

THERE ARE NEARLY FORTY THOUSAND PEOPLE IN IRELAND WITH EPILEPSY AND UP TO FIFTY MILLION PEOPLE WORLDWIDE.

THAT MEANS ONE IN TWENTY PEOPLE IN IRELAND WILL HAVE A SEIZURE WITHIN THEIR LIFETIME

For more information on Epilepsy, go to Epilepsy Ireland`s website at www.epilepsy.ie or phone +353 1 455 7500Credits: articles and images Epilepsy Ireland and Larry Hoey.


by Matt

Makowski

How anybody could function nowadays without a smartphone is practically

unthinkable for most of us. These devices are heavily embedded in our day to day life, to the point where the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) now treats an individual’s mobile number as personal data. Data that should be safeguarded, but which can also be unlawfully obtained, abused and turned against its legitimate owner.

The anatomy of a SIM swap scamConsider the following scenario: a

customer data breach occurs on one of dozens of websites to whom you’ve previously entrusted your personal information. Information that’s leaked includes your name, surname, your home address, your bank and credit card details…and your mobile phone number.

Upon being notified about the data breach you instantly cancel the credit card, thinking of damage limitation. But somebody out there already has enough information to attempt fraudulent action against you. A criminal buys a fake ID document on a dark web marketplace for less than 100 euro and populates it with your personal details. Armed with that fraudulent ID, he/she contacts your mobile service provider and claims that your phone had been stolen or lost and that a new replacement SIM card is needed. This typically takes place in a phone shop - a replacement SIM can be issued to anybody who on the spot can answer basic identity verification questions and produce a document with the legitimate owner’s personal details. Alternatively, this can be done by phone or using online support chat - if the suspect manages to convince the helpdesk staff member that they, he/she already has a SIM card, a new

Our regular correspondent and author of this Column, Matt Makowski threw me a curved ball very recently

with his announcement that he was in the process of concluding his service with An Garda Síochána and would be moving on to a job in private industry. While it is deeply regrettable that An Garda Síochána will lose such a valuable member, I am relieved to know that Matt will continue his membership of our Association and his contributions to this, the Technobyte column in the IPA Journal. Naturally my fear had been that we would lose his valuable expertise and the knowledge which he shares with us all in the pages of our magazine. Great to know that “Technobyte by Matt Makowski” will remain a staple part of the IPA Journal and I take this opportunity on your behalf and on behalf of all of our readers of wishing Matt every success in his new venture in life. The Ed.

A SIM CARD SWAP (OR SIM HIJACKING) IS CERTAINLY NOT A NEW TYPE OF AN ATTACK - BUT UP TO RECENTLY IT WAS UNCOMMON IN IRELAND. ITS RISING POPULARITY IS OWED TO OUR INCREASED RELIANCE ON SMARTPHONES FOR SERVICES LIKE 2-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION FOR VARIOUS ONLINE PLATFORMS, FROM SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS TO INTERNET BANKING.

TECHNOBYTE - SIM SWAP SCAMAND HOW TO DEFEND YOURSELF

handset and all they need now is to attach your phone number to that SIM.

Subsequently the criminal activates the replacement SIM, which usually results in de-activation of your own SIM card, in which scenario your phone stops working. The fraudsters already know which bank you use, so they can avail of mobile banking services using the replacement SIM to receive authentication codes or transaction confirmation messages sent by the financial institution. Even if they can’t immediately access your online accounts, they use the “reset my password” option to acquire new passcodes which are sent to them via text message.

Everybody can be a targetSounds far-fetched? This is exactly what happened to an Eir

mobile customer from Cork. The story was covered by C103 Cork Today Show in March 2019 - it transpired that in the timeframe of two hours during which the victim’s phone was out of service, a criminal accessed his AIB Online account and managed to secure a 7000 euro loan approval.

Exploiting this avenue of attack can be used not only to go after our money online but also your social media accounts. Since many users rely on the SMS-based 2-Factor Authentication mechanism for their social media accounts, these can be (and have been) targeted. Causes that lie at the centre of this fraud are not technical - they’re human. Before executing the scam, the perpetrator must gather a collection of data about the victim. Sometimes they do it using leaked or hacked databases, but sometimes by collecting publicly available information that most of us willingly put up online.

Perpetrators can complete any missing information by resorting to online phishing tactics, social engineering or similar attempts, sending their victim emails impersonating their friends, financial institutions, charities or even inviting them to respond to job offers. In some scenarios the attackers might even collude with employees of mobile operators in order to identify lucrative targets. Such employees might engage in various forms of unethical and criminal behaviour - from turning a blind eye to forged documents being produced to obtain a SIM replacement, to actively assisting scammers in their endeavours.

How do I defend myself from this scam? » The first step is to limit the digital exposure of your personal data. This means reviewing your existing online accounts and if need be cancelling some of them. Avoid sharing your full personal data sets with online service that don’t really need them - it’s unlikely that online shops really need your correct date of birth.

» Treat your mobile phone number as a piece of private information. Do not give it to individuals whom you don’t really know or trust. There are viable alternatives that you can use and still be contactable - any voice over IP service like Google Voice. You can use these services both from your desktop computer or mobile device and they do just fine as a replacement for landline / mobile numbers while offering a degree of separation from your GSM based number.

» Contact your mobile service provider and ask about setting a security PIN on your account with them. This is a different security feature to a PIN on your mobile phone handset. Account security PIN will be used to authenticate you to customer support members each time you contact them with an issue.

» Consider switching a mobile provider while carrying over your number. This can be helpful because any potential attacker won’t be able to figure out whether your 087 number really belongs to Vodafone or to another carrier.

» Do not rely on SMS-based 2-Factor Authentication codes. Instead, use an app like Google Authenticator, or even better, a hardware solution like Yubikey.

» Use encrypted applications for day to day communication while avoiding sending old-school type traditional text messages. Encrypted text services like WhatsApp, Signal or Telegram offer superior protection to information being sent over the network due to end to end encryption algorithms.

» Avoid using the “Login with Google” or “Login with Facebook” option to access third party content with your most used accounts.

» When creating security questions for the “Forgot my password” feature on various websites, avoid those that can be tied to your personally identifiable information - like the name of your pet that you previously decided to share online!

» Consider using a password manager to store all your passwords.

» Invest in and learn how to configure Virtual Private Network (VPN) software. VPN is a technology that allows you to directly connect to a private network using an “encrypted tunnel”. You can then safely use even the most unsecured public WiFi connections.

I hope that this article has raised your awareness, even a little, in relation to the safety and wellbeing of your personal data and your favourite pieces of technology and has highlighted for you the methods used by criminal elements to relieve unsuspecting members of the public of not just their money but also of their digital security. So, till the next time, stay technically safe!


by Matt

Makowski

How anybody could function nowadays without a smartphone is practically

unthinkable for most of us. These devices are heavily embedded in our day to day life, to the point where the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) now treats an individual’s mobile number as personal data. Data that should be safeguarded, but which can also be unlawfully obtained, abused and turned against its legitimate owner.

The anatomy of a SIM swap scamConsider the following scenario: a

customer data breach occurs on one of dozens of websites to whom you’ve previously entrusted your personal information. Information that’s leaked includes your name, surname, your home address, your bank and credit card details…and your mobile phone number.

Upon being notified about the data breach you instantly cancel the credit card, thinking of damage limitation. But somebody out there already has enough information to attempt fraudulent action against you. A criminal buys a fake ID document on a dark web marketplace for less than 100 euro and populates it with your personal details. Armed with that fraudulent ID, he/she contacts your mobile service provider and claims that your phone had been stolen or lost and that a new replacement SIM card is needed. This typically takes place in a phone shop - a replacement SIM can be issued to anybody who on the spot can answer basic identity verification questions and produce a document with the legitimate owner’s personal details. Alternatively, this can be done by phone or using online support chat - if the suspect manages to convince the helpdesk staff member that they, he/she already has a SIM card, a new

Our regular correspondent and author of this Column, Matt Makowski threw me a curved ball very recently

with his announcement that he was in the process of concluding his service with An Garda Síochána and would be moving on to a job in private industry. While it is deeply regrettable that An Garda Síochána will lose such a valuable member, I am relieved to know that Matt will continue his membership of our Association and his contributions to this, the Technobyte column in the IPA Journal. Naturally my fear had been that we would lose his valuable expertise and the knowledge which he shares with us all in the pages of our magazine. Great to know that “Technobyte by Matt Makowski” will remain a staple part of the IPA Journal and I take this opportunity on your behalf and on behalf of all of our readers of wishing Matt every success in his new venture in life. The Ed.

A SIM CARD SWAP (OR SIM HIJACKING) IS CERTAINLY NOT A NEW TYPE OF AN ATTACK - BUT UP TO RECENTLY IT WAS UNCOMMON IN IRELAND. ITS RISING POPULARITY IS OWED TO OUR INCREASED RELIANCE ON SMARTPHONES FOR SERVICES LIKE 2-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION FOR VARIOUS ONLINE PLATFORMS, FROM SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS TO INTERNET BANKING.

TECHNOBYTE - SIM SWAP SCAMAND HOW TO DEFEND YOURSELF

handset and all they need now is to attach your phone number to that SIM.

Subsequently the criminal activates the replacement SIM, which usually results in de-activation of your own SIM card, in which scenario your phone stops working. The fraudsters already know which bank you use, so they can avail of mobile banking services using the replacement SIM to receive authentication codes or transaction confirmation messages sent by the financial institution. Even if they can’t immediately access your online accounts, they use the “reset my password” option to acquire new passcodes which are sent to them via text message.

Everybody can be a targetSounds far-fetched? This is exactly what happened to an Eir

mobile customer from Cork. The story was covered by C103 Cork Today Show in March 2019 - it transpired that in the timeframe of two hours during which the victim’s phone was out of service, a criminal accessed his AIB Online account and managed to secure a 7000 euro loan approval.

Exploiting this avenue of attack can be used not only to go after our money online but also your social media accounts. Since many users rely on the SMS-based 2-Factor Authentication mechanism for their social media accounts, these can be (and have been) targeted. Causes that lie at the centre of this fraud are not technical - they’re human. Before executing the scam, the perpetrator must gather a collection of data about the victim. Sometimes they do it using leaked or hacked databases, but sometimes by collecting publicly available information that most of us willingly put up online.

Perpetrators can complete any missing information by resorting to online phishing tactics, social engineering or similar attempts, sending their victim emails impersonating their friends, financial institutions, charities or even inviting them to respond to job offers. In some scenarios the attackers might even collude with employees of mobile operators in order to identify lucrative targets. Such employees might engage in various forms of unethical and criminal behaviour - from turning a blind eye to forged documents being produced to obtain a SIM replacement, to actively assisting scammers in their endeavours.

How do I defend myself from this scam? » The first step is to limit the digital exposure of your personal data. This means reviewing your existing online accounts and if need be cancelling some of them. Avoid sharing your full personal data sets with online service that don’t really need them - it’s unlikely that online shops really need your correct date of birth.

» Treat your mobile phone number as a piece of private information. Do not give it to individuals whom you don’t really know or trust. There are viable alternatives that you can use and still be contactable - any voice over IP service like Google Voice. You can use these services both from your desktop computer or mobile device and they do just fine as a replacement for landline / mobile numbers while offering a degree of separation from your GSM based number.

» Contact your mobile service provider and ask about setting a security PIN on your account with them. This is a different security feature to a PIN on your mobile phone handset. Account security PIN will be used to authenticate you to customer support members each time you contact them with an issue.

» Consider switching a mobile provider while carrying over your number. This can be helpful because any potential attacker won’t be able to figure out whether your 087 number really belongs to Vodafone or to another carrier.

» Do not rely on SMS-based 2-Factor Authentication codes. Instead, use an app like Google Authenticator, or even better, a hardware solution like Yubikey.

» Use encrypted applications for day to day communication while avoiding sending old-school type traditional text messages. Encrypted text services like WhatsApp, Signal or Telegram offer superior protection to information being sent over the network due to end to end encryption algorithms.

» Avoid using the “Login with Google” or “Login with Facebook” option to access third party content with your most used accounts.

» When creating security questions for the “Forgot my password” feature on various websites, avoid those that can be tied to your personally identifiable information - like the name of your pet that you previously decided to share online!

» Consider using a password manager to store all your passwords.

» Invest in and learn how to configure Virtual Private Network (VPN) software. VPN is a technology that allows you to directly connect to a private network using an “encrypted tunnel”. You can then safely use even the most unsecured public WiFi connections.

I hope that this article has raised your awareness, even a little, in relation to the safety and wellbeing of your personal data and your favourite pieces of technology and has highlighted for you the methods used by criminal elements to relieve unsuspecting members of the public of not just their money but also of their digital security. So, till the next time, stay technically safe!


IPA members from Germany visit the Garda National Technical Bureau

The Garda Commissioner sanctioned a study visit for officers from the International Police Association in June/July of this year and on July 1st two young

officers from the German Polizei, Mr Timo Beckman and Mr Simon Mainzer visited Garda Headquarters. Sergeant Brian O`Dea and Garda Larry Hoey from the Regional Committee in Garda Headquarters accompanied these two young officers as they visited the Garda National Technical Bureau and the various sections within the Bureau.

First stop was the Telecommunications Section, where they were met by Sergeant Niall Duffy who described the technical developments in the modern era, including the retrieval of evidence from mobile phones and smart devices. D/Sergeant Ursula Cummins welcomed them to Ballistics Section including the arms museum (who doesn’t like to see guns?) Then, bullet comparison and the important role that the IBIS system plays in investigations was explained. D/Sergeant Dave Conway, Photography Section explained the importance of photography in criminal investigation and covered the various image processing the Section carries out.

To Fingerprints Section next where D/Sergeant Richard Hynes outlined the AFIS system, how finger marks are discovered and examined and the maintenance of the national fingerprint and palm-print database. D/Sergeant Geraldine Butler in the Documents/Handwriting Section gave the young officers an in-

depth look into the world of forensic handwriting comparison and the tell-tale signs of forged documents.

Following lunch, the visiting officers were met by Commissioner Harris before returning to The IPA House and continuing their work-experience visit to Ireland.

Garda Larry Hoey

REGIONAL NEWS

SLIEVE BLOOM REGIONAL NEWSMeeting and greeting in the shadows of The Slieve Blooms

Our Slieve Bloom Region introduced a motion, adopted at National Congress almost two years ago, which required IPA Clubs visiting a Region to notify

that Region in advance of their proposed events. We were proud to have succeeded with that motion as it enhances the contacts between IPA members and Regions/Clubs and further develops the long-standing tradition of welcoming visiting members when they come our way.

So, on the 4th July, following advance notice kindly provided by the Club, the Slieve Bloom Regional members John Hopkins and Michael Dalton were delighted to be there to give a warm Slieve Bloom welcome to the members of the IPA Pistol Club when they visited the Midland National Shooting Centre.

This shooting centre is situated just off the main Tullamore/Cloghan road in the townland of Derrymore. On the day of our visit, the IPA Pistol Cub had reservations for 30 to 40 entries booked in. The Pistol Club operation was very well organised under the watchful eyes of Safety Officers Eamon McCarthy and Alan Lynch. Seeing the competitors in action brought me back to my working days and our visits to the outdoor ranges back then.

It was great to meet up with our IPA colleagues and see them in action. Well done to all concerned.

MichaelDalton

IPA NEWS

IPA CORK CITY, NEW YORK AND SAVANNAH TOUR, MARCH 2020Taking in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Savannah.Cost €1870 PPS (includes Tour Event Polo Shirt)

This 9 Day Tour; 12th to 21st March 2020 has been organised by IPA Cork City and includes a 3 night stay in the 3* Hilton Times Square West Hotel, New York and 5 nights in the 2* Best Western Central Inn, Savannah (a standard but very popular Hotel). All prices based on two persons per room.

Transfers included/provided.

Travel Schedule:

12th March, 9.00am - Depart Dublin to New York – United Airways

15th March, 8.31am – Depart New York to Savannah – United Airways

20th March, 7.40pm – Depart Savannah to Dulles – United Airways

20th March, 11.10pm – Depart Dulles to Dublin – United Airways

21st March, 10.05am – Arrive Dublin

Costing €1870 per person sharing, the price includes return and connecting air fares, transfers and hotel accommodation as described. Price guaranteed until 12mn, 30th September, 2019 after which cost may increase.

An organised visit to the Fraternal Order of Police Club in Charlestown, to the Police College in Savannah and to the Aircraft Carrier USS Yorktown is included.

The main focus of the trip will be the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Savannah, Georgia on Tuesday 17th March, which we are told is the 2nd largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the USA.

Events in New York will be arranged through the IPA there.

Places are limited so early booking to Pat Nunan, John O’Connor or Brendan Murphy - 087 6449653 is advised to avoid disappointment.

Bookings:

€300 Deposit required with booking. Cash Payments cannot be accepted.

All payments to be made to the IPA Account in St. Paul’s Garda Credit Union:-

BIC: PGCUIE21

IBAN: IE92PGCU99100605000603

Please ensure that your Name/Reference is included with payment.

Come along and join us in another great IPA Tour Event

The IPA Ireland Website has come through many development stages since its introduction almost twenty years ago. Moving from ipaireland.com to ipaireland.ie, the website has now moved to ipaireland.org and is operating on a new platform.

The upgrading of the website was necessary because of internet security considerations and the need for enhanced security; upgrades which we couldn’t easily accommodate on the old platform. What this means for you and all of our members is a new enhanced website with a high level of security, providing relevant information on the many aspects of our Association, easily found by scrolling through the site. A “members’ area” containing more detailed information; accommodation bookings, admin forms etc can be accessed following registration.

Unfortunately, due to the restrictions imposed by GDPR 2018 and being totally beyond our control, it has not been possible to transfer the members’ registrations from the old site to the new one, so each member needs to register on our new site. We apologise for

the inconvenience which this may cause but we are asking all members to please visit the site and complete a registration and also to insert your email address at SUBSCRIBE to receive all update notices and IPA special offers.

On the Home page, please click on the green “Log In/Register to Become A Member” button.

This will being you to the registration page. Here there are two sections – New User Registration and Subscribe to IPA Ireland News via email. Please complete both sections, so that you can access all areas of the site and to receive all IPA updates and offers.

WWW.IPAIRELAND.ORGA NEW BEGINNING FOR

THE IPA IRELAND WEBSITE


IPA members from Germany visit the Garda National Technical Bureau

The Garda Commissioner sanctioned a study visit for officers from the International Police Association in June/July of this year and on July 1st two young

officers from the German Polizei, Mr Timo Beckman and Mr Simon Mainzer visited Garda Headquarters. Sergeant Brian O`Dea and Garda Larry Hoey from the Regional Committee in Garda Headquarters accompanied these two young officers as they visited the Garda National Technical Bureau and the various sections within the Bureau.

First stop was the Telecommunications Section, where they were met by Sergeant Niall Duffy who described the technical developments in the modern era, including the retrieval of evidence from mobile phones and smart devices. D/Sergeant Ursula Cummins welcomed them to Ballistics Section including the arms museum (who doesn’t like to see guns?) Then, bullet comparison and the important role that the IBIS system plays in investigations was explained. D/Sergeant Dave Conway, Photography Section explained the importance of photography in criminal investigation and covered the various image processing the Section carries out.

To Fingerprints Section next where D/Sergeant Richard Hynes outlined the AFIS system, how finger marks are discovered and examined and the maintenance of the national fingerprint and palm-print database. D/Sergeant Geraldine Butler in the Documents/Handwriting Section gave the young officers an in-

depth look into the world of forensic handwriting comparison and the tell-tale signs of forged documents.

Following lunch, the visiting officers were met by Commissioner Harris before returning to The IPA House and continuing their work-experience visit to Ireland.

Garda Larry Hoey

REGIONAL NEWS

SLIEVE BLOOM REGIONAL NEWSMeeting and greeting in the shadows of The Slieve Blooms

Our Slieve Bloom Region introduced a motion, adopted at National Congress almost two years ago, which required IPA Clubs visiting a Region to notify

that Region in advance of their proposed events. We were proud to have succeeded with that motion as it enhances the contacts between IPA members and Regions/Clubs and further develops the long-standing tradition of welcoming visiting members when they come our way.

So, on the 4th July, following advance notice kindly provided by the Club, the Slieve Bloom Regional members John Hopkins and Michael Dalton were delighted to be there to give a warm Slieve Bloom welcome to the members of the IPA Pistol Club when they visited the Midland National Shooting Centre.

This shooting centre is situated just off the main Tullamore/Cloghan road in the townland of Derrymore. On the day of our visit, the IPA Pistol Cub had reservations for 30 to 40 entries booked in. The Pistol Club operation was very well organised under the watchful eyes of Safety Officers Eamon McCarthy and Alan Lynch. Seeing the competitors in action brought me back to my working days and our visits to the outdoor ranges back then.

It was great to meet up with our IPA colleagues and see them in action. Well done to all concerned.

MichaelDalton

IPA NEWS

IPA CORK CITY, NEW YORK AND SAVANNAH TOUR, MARCH 2020Taking in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Savannah.Cost €1870 PPS (includes Tour Event Polo Shirt)

This 9 Day Tour; 12th to 21st March 2020 has been organised by IPA Cork City and includes a 3 night stay in the 3* Hilton Times Square West Hotel, New York and 5 nights in the 2* Best Western Central Inn, Savannah (a standard but very popular Hotel). All prices based on two persons per room.

Transfers included/provided.

Travel Schedule:

12th March, 9.00am - Depart Dublin to New York – United Airways

15th March, 8.31am – Depart New York to Savannah – United Airways

20th March, 7.40pm – Depart Savannah to Dulles – United Airways

20th March, 11.10pm – Depart Dulles to Dublin – United Airways

21st March, 10.05am – Arrive Dublin

Costing €1870 per person sharing, the price includes return and connecting air fares, transfers and hotel accommodation as described. Price guaranteed until 12mn, 30th September, 2019 after which cost may increase.

An organised visit to the Fraternal Order of Police Club in Charlestown, to the Police College in Savannah and to the Aircraft Carrier USS Yorktown is included.

The main focus of the trip will be the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Savannah, Georgia on Tuesday 17th March, which we are told is the 2nd largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the USA.

Events in New York will be arranged through the IPA there.

Places are limited so early booking to Pat Nunan, John O’Connor or Brendan Murphy - 087 6449653 is advised to avoid disappointment.

Bookings:

€300 Deposit required with booking. Cash Payments cannot be accepted.

All payments to be made to the IPA Account in St. Paul’s Garda Credit Union:-

BIC: PGCUIE21

IBAN: IE92PGCU99100605000603

Please ensure that your Name/Reference is included with payment.

Come along and join us in another great IPA Tour Event

The IPA Ireland Website has come through many development stages since its introduction almost twenty years ago. Moving from ipaireland.com to ipaireland.ie, the website has now moved to ipaireland.org and is operating on a new platform.

The upgrading of the website was necessary because of internet security considerations and the need for enhanced security; upgrades which we couldn’t easily accommodate on the old platform. What this means for you and all of our members is a new enhanced website with a high level of security, providing relevant information on the many aspects of our Association, easily found by scrolling through the site. A “members’ area” containing more detailed information; accommodation bookings, admin forms etc can be accessed following registration.

Unfortunately, due to the restrictions imposed by GDPR 2018 and being totally beyond our control, it has not been possible to transfer the members’ registrations from the old site to the new one, so each member needs to register on our new site. We apologise for

the inconvenience which this may cause but we are asking all members to please visit the site and complete a registration and also to insert your email address at SUBSCRIBE to receive all update notices and IPA special offers.

On the Home page, please click on the green “Log In/Register to Become A Member” button.

This will being you to the registration page. Here there are two sections – New User Registration and Subscribe to IPA Ireland News via email. Please complete both sections, so that you can access all areas of the site and to receive all IPA updates and offers.

WWW.IPAIRELAND.ORGA NEW BEGINNING FOR

THE IPA IRELAND WEBSITE


Loans are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. Figures quoted are indicative, actual repayments may vary.To minimise the total interest payment on your loan we recommend you repay in as short a term as you can afford.

Warning: If you do not meet the repayments on your loan, your account will go into arrears.This may affect your credit rating, which may limit your ability to access credit in the future.

St. Paul’s Garda Credit Union Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

St. Paul’sGarda Credit Union Limited

thinking about Home Improvements?

Tel: 021 4313355 Email: [email protected]

Web: www.stpaulscu.ie

For a no frills, no fee loan at a great rate of

4.25% (4.33% APR)talk to us at St. Paul's Garda Credit UnionTel: 021 4313355Email: [email protected]: www.stpaulscu.ieUnder Home Renovation Incentive (HRI) Scheme you can claim up to €4,050 Income Tax Credits on qualifying work on your home

*Typical weekly repayments at Home Improvement Loan Rates 4.25% (4.33% APR) variable over the maximum 10 year term

Amount Weekly Repayment Total Repayment Total Interest€25,000 €58.94 €30,695.95 €5,695.95€30,000 €70.58 €36,840.23 €6,840.23 €40,000 €94.31 €49,116.65 €9,116.65€50,000 €117.63 €61,400.38 €11,400.38

€50,000Home Improvement

Loan for

€117.63per week*

Home Improvements poster A2.qxp 31/10/2017 10:07 Page 1