People came from far and wide, New York, Qatar, Mayo and beyond
After 41 years dedicated and loyal service Inspector Walter Kilcullen retired from An Garda Síochána on the 31st December 2013.
Walter was stationed in Lucan and was an active member of the DMR West Branch of AGSI. He was one of the DMR representatives on the National Executive Committee and held the Honorary position of Treasurer. He was a proud Mayo man and never forgot his roots. Most of his service was involved in crime investigation and he spent a long period of his service as Detective Sergeant in Kevin Street. He was one of the few people who got two tours of service on overseas duty with the United Nations in Cyprus, once as a Sergeant and the second as an Inspector.
As Walter recalled his 41 years’ service in An Garda Síochána he reminded us of his dealing with the late Martin Cahill aka “The Monk” and how he enjoyed his time as a member of An Garda Síochána and his service to AGSI. He spoke about the trials and tribulations of being a member of the Garda Síochána – the sacrifice that families have to endure because Dad or Mum is a member, and having to miss family occasions because they are involved in some investigation – and the ultimate sacrifice that Adrian Donohoe made.
Many of his serving and retired colleagues attended his retirement function in the Garda Club, Harrington Street on the Friday 24th January to wish him well in his retirement.
AGSI President Tim Galvin presented Walter with a scroll in recognition of his service to the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors and wished him, his wife Mary and their family good health in the future.
Christy Morrison DMR West Branch Secretary and Walters replacement on the National Executive Committee presented Walter with a statuette on behalf of his Branch.
Retired Detective First Class Denis Mulcahy NYPD New York City Bomb Squad travelled to be with Walter and to make a presentation to him. Denis, now retired, but still very active set up Project Children in 1975, an organisation that brought children from Northern Ireland to the U.S for six weeks over the summer holidays.
Richard McDonnell, DMR West Branch Chairman was MC for the night. He thanked Walter for his service on the Branch Committee and as their representative on the National Executive and wished him and his family well in the future.
Another long distant traveller was Eamonn Lynch who travelled from Qatar and made the return journey the following day. Old friends are best.
Chief Superintendent Declan Coburn on behalf of Commissioner Callinan thanked Walter for his service to the community and An Garda Síochána and wished him and his family well in the future. The Commissioner could not attend as he was in Dundalk for the memorial mass for Adrian Donohoe. Adrian was murdered on Friday 25th January 2013.
Emma, Walter’s daughter was happy to see Willie Gleeson from the National Executive. Willie is an old pal and he didn’t forget the drinking chocolate – a special treat for Emma.
To Walter, Mary and family we wish you good health in the future and a long and enjoyable retirement from the National Executive and all at AGSI Headquarters.
Photos by Alan Dowley
