A retirement function was held in Willies honour on Friday 13th of November in the Rochestown Park, Hotel, Cork. Friends and colleagues came from far and wide to wish Willie well in his retirement. Judging from the tributes paid to him Willie could be described as being somewhat of a legend. He worked for many years in the Control Room in Anglesea Street station where his voice which was described as a commanding voice and was respected by all. When an incident arose Willie took charge of the situation and his directions were never questioned he knew the area well. Chief Superintendent Mick Finn recalled many operations that Willie was involved in and the professional manner in which he carried out is duties. He thanked him for his dedicated service to An Garda Síochána and the people of Cork. He also thanked him for the professional way in which he dealt with AGSI issues on behalf of his colleagues.
On the 14th March 2001 Willie became a member of the National Executive Committee of AGSI and remained on the committee for 14 years up to the date of his retirement which is a record in itself. He was a dedicated representative for his colleagues and was available 24/7 to deal with any problem. He held the position of President of the association and was Vice-President up to the date of his retirement. He was Chairperson of the Legal Aid Committee and was the AGSI representative on the Discipline Appeal Board attending his last appeal hearing on the 18th November.
He was a mine of information in relation to all matters and his knowledge and experience is a great loss to the association. He also held the honorary position as Treasurer of the association and kept the balance sheets in good order. He had an astute eye for detail and great knowledge of pay, pensions and responsible for the introduction of the Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVC) for AGSI which has been very beneficial to retiring members. One of his last meetings was attending the EuroCop Congress in Dublin Castle where General Secretary John Redmond wished him well for the future.
Where he has retired from the Garda Síochána and AGSI he has started a new career as a Funeral Director. While we wish he success in his new career let us hope that we do not meet him too soon in a professional capacity.
We wish Willie and Carol many years of good health and happiness for their future.
Photos by Alan Dowley
