HONOURED FOR THEIR COURAGE
Local gardai are awarded Scott Medal for their brave actions
TWO local gardai who responded to terrifying incidents in Clogherhead and West Street were amongst those honoured with the Scott Medal for bravery.
Det George McGuffin’s actions in holding onto a suspect who raided a bank on West Street in 2014 - after the man’s armed accomplice threatened to shot him - were described by one judge as the most ‘courageous and fearless’ he had seen in 14 years on the bench.
The incident was captured by the Drogheda Independent at the time (pictured is George McGuffin, in green and inset).
Garda Patrick Carey also received the medal after his actions during an attempted armed robbery at Clogherhead Post Office in 2015.
TWO local gardai have been awarded Bronze Scott Medals for outstanding bravery in the line of duty.
Det George McGuffin and Det Garda Patrick Carey received the medals at a special ceremony in the Garda College last week.
Det McGuffin was off duty in the centre of Drogheda in May 2014 when he rugby tackled a bank robber who had held up the Permanent TSB on West Street.
As he held the raider - who was later jailed for six years - his accomplice threatened to shoot the garda, but he refused to allow him escape.
The second raider then fled on a motorway.
At the subsequent court case at Dundalk Circuit Court, Judge Michael O’Shea said the ‘courage and fearlessness’ of Det McGuffin were ‘ the highest by a garda I’ve ever come across in my 14 years as a judge.
‘He displayed exemplary courage and bravery when confronted and his continuing fearlessness was of the highest bravery. The steps he took were absolutely brave and courageous.’
Garda Patrick Carey also received the medal after his actions during an attempted armed robbery at Clogherhead Post Office in 2015.
He was in the store when the armed raiders struck but as they attempted to drive away, he drew his weapon and was injured when the vehicle drove at him. One of the raiders also pointed a shotgun at him.
He later helped in an arrest of one of the individuals.
Also at the ceremony, the family of the late Garda Tony Golden accepted a posthumous Gold Medal .
On 11 October 2015, Garda Golden was called upon to protect a member of his community and was shot dead at the scene in Omeath.