Inspector Brendan Cadden retires from An Garda Siochana
‘He is a great professional, but a very fair man with a great human side to him’ - Supt Andrew Watters
A long and distinguished garda career came to an end on Friday, when Brendan Cadden retired from the force.
One of Drogheda’s most popular gardaí down the years, he was promoted to Inspector in 2007, having been sergeant in charge before that.
Originally from Clones, County Monaghan, Brendan has worked in the Boyneside town for nearly three decades with a brief interlude in Athlone for 16 months.
‘I consider myself more Drogheda than Monaghan now,’ he once told the Drogheda Independent.
From farming stock, the Caddens didn’t have any garda connections until Brendan joined the force. His younger brother, Gerry also joined the gardaí.
Married to Joan from Riverstown, Dundalk, with two girls Deirdre and Ellen, he has been part of the guards since he was 19.
Indeed, it was noted by solicitor Paddy Goodwin, who attended school with Brendan in Clones in the 1970s, that he is third longest-serving garda in the State.
Inspector Cadden’s last day coincided with the weekly sitting of Drogheda district court, and Mr. Goodwin, on behalf of the local practitioners, said Brendan has been of great benefit to the town since 1982.
‘He is a great friend to me, and to Drogheda.’
Judge John Coughlan remarked it was a privilege to have Inspector Cadden as a court presenter. He was very skilful in his work.
The judge wished Brendan and his family well.
On behalf of the probation service, Neasan Farry thanked him for his support since Mr. Farry moved here twelve years ago.
‘He always looked out for the probation service, and I wish him a peaceful retirement.’
Barrister Ronan O’Carroll said he is sorry to see the inspector go, a view he is very confident is shared by all his colleagues at the Bar.
The atmosphere in any court is set by the judge and court presenter, and everyone owes Brendan Cadden a great deal of gratitude, Mr. O’Carroll continued.
‘He is held in the highest regard by the Bar, and he protects those in need of protection.’
Clerk, Tanya Friary added she and her colleagues in the courts service enjoyed a fantastic relationship with the inspector.
In reply, Brendan pointed out he worked through all the ranks in Drogheda.
He moved house here shortly after getting married, and described it as a great town, he was happy to work in.
The inspector said people had been very fair to him, and to the gardaí.
Supt Andrew Watters (pictured) paid tribute to the Inspector this week, saying that everyone in the town knew him.
‘He is a great professional, but a very fair man with a great human side to him. He would give someone a chance if he felt it would help them, he’s that kind of man.
‘We will miss him, not only as the person he is, but for his vast wealth of knowledge of the local area and the community.
‘Knowledge is a key part of policing and Brendan was paramount in that,’ he stated.
‘He is well respected inside and outside the station and will be a loss to the town and its people.’