New Garda sergeant takes up post in Dingle

A NEW Garda sergeant took up her post in Dingle on Tuesday, bringing with her years of experience in combating crime and drug abuse.

Former plain-clothes detective Elaine O’Donoghue, who was based in Tralee with the Kerry Divisional Drugs Unit for the past year, already knows Dingle well through her involvement in undercover drugs operations in the town. She was promoted to the rank of sergeant on January 20 and posted to Dingle as Area Administrator, working alongside Sgt Martin Allen who is the Sergeant in Charge. Sgt O’Donoghue, who is from Killarney, replaces Sgt Lynda Brosnan (also from Killarney) who has been transferred from Dingle to Tralee.

After graduating from the Garda college in Templemore in 2009 Sgt O’Donoghue worked for five years in Dublin, followed by over four years in Listowel before she was transferred to Tralee to work as a detective with the Kerry Divisional Drugs Unit.

Sgt O’Donoghue told The Kerryman she has a particular interest in combating crime and drug abuse. This involves enforcement to prevent the abuse and distribution of drugs – most commonly cannabis and cocaine – but also extends to a campaign to educate young people about the dangers of drug abuse. This week Gardaí were in Meanscoil Nua an Leith Tríuigh in Castlegregory to talk to pupils and other primary and secondary schools throughout West Kerry will also be visited as part of a countywide drugs education campaign being conducted by the Kerry Divisional Drugs Unit.

Drugs and crime aside, Sgt O’Donoghue said she feels very lucky to be able to work as a Garda in her home county and she is looking forward to meeting and engaging with the people of West Kerry.