Donegal gardaí remember ‘very dear friend and colleague’ Garda Robert McCallion

Donegal gardaí paid tribute to Garda Robert McCallion on the 17th anniversary of his death.

The 29-year-old was struck by a speeding car after responding with two colleagues to a call at Tara Court in Letterkenny on March 26, 2009. He sustained serious injuries and was conveyed to Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, where he died from his injuries on April 7, 2009. 

Garda McCallion, a native of Swinford, Co Mayo, was given a full State funeral with full honours. He had served four years in the force when he died.

“Today, on the 17th anniversary of his death we remember our very dear friend and colleague, Garda Robert Mc Callion,” shared An Garda Síochána Donegal. “Garda McCallion (R.I.P.) late of Swinford, Co Mayo and Letterkenny, Co Donegal very sadly lost his life in the line of duty. He is never far from the thoughts of all those who had the pleasure of working with him. Our thoughts are also with the McCallion family today. 

“May Robbie's gentle soul rest in peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

Garda McCallion was granted the Posthumous Award at the Garda Sports Stars Awards in March 2025. The award was granted by his father Bob, a former Garda from Carndonagh, at a ceremony in the Mount Errigal Hotel in Letterkenny.

Garda McCallion followed a family tradition by joining the force as his father, brother, uncles and cousin also served in An Garda Síochána. He took a particular interest in his local GAA club in Swinford having played underage Gaelic football with Mayo, where he had made an appearance for the senior team.