END OF AN ERA AT BALLA AS GARDA TONY RETIRES

A firm handshake between old friends marks the end of an era at Balla Garda Station.

By Tom Shiel

A firm handshake between old friends marks the end of an era at Balla Garda Station.

Garda Tony Howley, who is retiring from the central Mayo Station after 36 years, clasps the hand of ex-Garda, 89 year old Frank Vaughan.

Frank, who was based at Balla when he retired in 1971, called in this week on one of Tony's last days on duty, to wish his former colleague and present card-playing partner well.

Between them, the loyal pair clocked up 77 years in the Force.

"I enjoyed my career but now I am looking forward to spending more time with my family", said Tony, a native of Tourlestrane, County Sligo.

He added: "Of course, I will also be trying to improve on my golf as well as getting in a few games of 25 with Frank in places like Craggagh and Manulla where we have lots of friends".

Garda Tony's first posting was Belmullet in 196I. Since then he has served in Carrowkennedy, Mulranny, Ballycastle and Balla.

MEMORABLE

The low point was just after he joined the Force when he helped bring ashore on the Mullet Peninsula the bodies of nine Spanish sailors whose boat sank in a storm.

His Balla 'beat', which he thoroughly enjoyed, covered Balla, Ballinafad, Facefield, Manulla, Mayo Abbey and parts of Belcarra and Craggagh

Of his career in Balla, he says: "The quality of life here is excellent. There is a good community spirit and that is reflected in the low level of crime".

It's been a hectic Easter for Tony, his wife, Mary , and their six children: Mary, Adrian, Tomas, Joan, Carol and Paula.

FUNCTIONS

Next week, Tony will have a bit of time for rest and reflection- and a few games of 25 with old pal Frank who'll have loads of advice, no doubt, about how to spend retirement time productively.