Retiring Chief Super says Donegal Gardai must keep 'affiliations' with local communities

Retiring Chief Superintendent Terry McGinn says An Garda Siochana must retain its connections with the communities in Donegal as the force heads for a new era.

Chief Superintendent McGinn, the most senior Garda in Donegal, will officially retire on Tuesday. Her successor has yet to be announced.

In a letter, which was read to a meeting of the Donegal Joint Policing Committee (JPC) on Friday, Chief Superintendent McGinn said the recent Creeeslough explosion outlined the value of community.

Ten people lost their lives when a horrific explosion ripped the Applegreen filling station complex on October 7.

“The Creeslough explosion showed the importance of communities working together in a united manner,” Chief Superintendent McGinn said.

Quoting Michael Stains, the first Garda Commissioner, who said 'the Garda Síochána will succeed not by force of arms or numbers but on their moral authority as servants of the people', Chief Superintendent McGinn believes this to be a key component of successful policing.

She said: “We must adhere to this philosophy to maintain close affiliations with the communities we serve.

“I wish to recognise the community engagement, family liaison and intensive investigation work carried out at that time and since.”

Her retirement will end 40 years in the force.

In 2005, she succeeded Noel White as the Chief Super in the Donegal Division in 2005 having been appointed as a Superintendent in Glenties in 2002. Previously, the County Louth born woman worked with the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation in Dublin.

She said: “I was privileged to lead an efficient and effective policing service throughout our communities for the past 20 years.

“I am now the longest serving Chief Superintendent in An Garda Siochana, but the time as come to take on a journey in my life.

“On one hand, I am looking forward to this journey and the opportunities and endeavours it will bring.

“Naturally, I will be saddened not to be working in a role in which I was passionate, hard working and committed.”

She thanked the public in Donegal for their support and assistance to An Garda Siochana and said the work of the JPC 'cannot be underestimated for dedication and diligence in working together to solve issues for the benefit of the wider communities we serve'.

The Covid-19 pandemic had, she said, provided an 'opportunity to work together to help the vulnerable in the community' and noted how the ChefAid project was adopted in other counties.

Among the highlights of hr term were the visit of King Charles, who was the then Prince of Wales in 2016, and the hosting of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Ballyliffin in 2018, which 'shone a light on our breathtaking scenery'.

“An Garda Siochana was proud to provide policing services to support these events and keep communities safe,” she said.

On the dark side of the role, Chief Superintendent McGinn told how there had been a staggering number – 189 – of deaths on Donegal's roads since 2006.

She said: “With your support and that of other agencies, our roads policing units have worked solidly to reduce these figures year on year.

“As An Garda Siochana launches a Christmas and New Year road safety plan, I implore the public to act responsibly to avoid further deaths.”

Chief Superintendent McGinn hailed the 'dedication of duty' displayed by her colleagues on a daily basis and remembered serving members who have lost their lives.

“Their dedication and sacrifice will always be remembered,” she said.