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Retirement of Patrick (Podge) Tobin

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Podge Tobin said a fond farewell to colleagues after almost 37 years in the Garda Síochána, having joined on the 7th September 1977 and spending 24 years in the rank of Sergeant the majority of which was spent in Ballyconnell.

On Sunday the 14th September Patrick Tobin (Podge) hung up his Sergeant’s uniform for the last time. Podge hails from Kildare but having spent almost 37 years of his life in Ballyconnell and only serving in one other station – Arva – he has become one of the community in Ballyconnell. He has set his roots very deep in the area and married Aideen who is a native of the area and they have four children. So we don’t think he’ll be heading back to Kildare.

Judging from the turnout at his retirement function on Friday the 12th September he is well respected by the people of Ballyconnell. Both serving and retired members filled the Anglers Rest to wish Podge well in his retirement. Tributes were paid to him by Martin Noone from the Cavan/Monaghan branch of AGSI. Tony Walker, manager of the Slieve Russell Hotel acknowledged Podge’s achievements in becoming Captain and President of the Slieve Russell Golf Club.

Superintendent James Coen thanked Podge for his dedicated service to the community of Ballyconnell and recalled some of the major events that were supervised by Podge such as operations to prevent the spread of Foot & Mouth, various incidents along the border, and the more recent G8 Summit in the adjoining county of Fermanagh to mention but a few.

MC for the night was John Heslin.

President Tim Galvin, General Secretary John Redmond and Deputy General Secretary John Jacob wish Podge well in his retirement. We have no doubt that Podge has some plan up his sleeve to keep himself busy into the future. Best of luck with that too.

Photos and blog post by Alan Dowley

 Martin Conroy, Cavan/ Monaghan presents Podge with the AGSI retirement bust

Martin Conroy, Cavan/ Monaghan presents Podge with the AGSI retirement bust
Superintendent James Coen makes presentation to Podge
Superintendent James Coen makes a presentation to Podge
John Heslin, Ballyconnell
John Heslin, Ballyconnell who acted as MC for the night
Tony Walker, Slieve Russell Hotel Manager and Podge
Tony Walker, Slieve Russell Hotel Manager along with Podge

 

Podge Tobin and former General Secretary Podge Tobin
Podge Tobin and former AGSI General Secretary Joe Dirwan

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