Mayo Gardai launch 75th anniversary celebrations
21 May 1997
The Mayo Garda Division, which is celebrating the 75 th anniversary of the foundation of the force, has organised a number of commemorative fundraising events which will help local charities.
Details of the celebrations and the involvement of the Mayo Gardai were announced at a press reception in Breaffy House Hotel.
Mayo Chief Supt. John Carey presented a brief outline of the history of the Garda which had as its first Commissioner Michael J. Stynes, a native of Newport.
He traced the growth of the force through the turbulent post Treaty years through to the present day and paid tribute to members for the great loyalty and discipline that was a hallmark of the Gardai.
"Our history shows that occasionally there were problems of bad debts and drink and one Superintendent had to be checked by way of a fine of 5 for selling turf for a profit," said Supt. Carey.
Supt. Joe Staunton said the Mayo Gardai had organised three projects...one of which was an agreed deduction of 1 per week from their wages, the second was an Open AM/AM at Carne Golf Course in Belmullet on Saturday, July 5th and the final one was a concert to be staged later in the year.
The proceeds of the Am/Am will be given to a fellowship to commemorate the career and memory of Det. Garda Jerry McCabe who was shot by the IRA during a bank robbery in Adare.
Funds from the other activities will be shared between the Mayo Cat Scan and the Mayo/Roscommon and the North West Hospice movements.
