Ann’s charity efforts are recognised with an award
CLOGHERHEAD Garda Sergeant Ann Byrne has been recognised for her humanitarian work in Haiti and Kenya after she was awarded the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (ASGI) Excellence Award.
Ann, who has dedicated over 30 years service An Garda Siochana and the people of Louth, told the Drogheda Independent she is ‘overwhelmed’ by the award.
‘I couldn’t believe it when I got a phone call to say I was getting the national award. I initially thought I got the award for the Louth Division so I was in a bit of shock to get it nationally,’ said Sgt Byrne.
‘I am thrilled but there are also thousands of other people doing voluntary and charity work so this award also recognises them and helps to highlight voluntary organisations.’
Presenting Sergeant Byrne with the Award at the organisation’s annual delegate conference in Killarney recently, ASGI General Secretary John Jacob, described Ann as a woman with a great compassion for young and old.
‘It is this compassion that led Ann to embark on a selfless mission which has become an integral part of her life,’ said Mr Jacob.
Ann said she initially became involved with the charity Haven in Haiti after she watched horrific footage of the devastating earthquake which struck Haiti in 2010.
‘I was heartbroken watching the television seeing the devastation there so I got in touch with Haven and that April I made my first trip to Haiti to help with the team to re-build orphanages, houses and a physiotherapy room,’ said Ann.
After several trips to Haiti she decided to join Friends from Ireland Project to help people in Kenya building three national schools, a library and a secondary school.
‘Ann’s voluntary work in Haiti and most recently in Kenya, is a reflection of her kind, caring and determined nature, characteristics she equally employs in her role as a member of An Garda Síochána,’ Mr Jacob said, describing her as an excellent ambassador for the force.