Member of the Little Blue Heroes and Honorary Garda, Rory McDevitt from Gweedore was stationed far from home when he travelled to Dublin recently to attend the flagship commemoration event for the centenary year of An Garda Síochána.
On special invitation from Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, Rory was invited to attend the event to represent the rank of Honorary Gardaí.
On arrival to Dublin Castle Honorary Garda Rory was given VIP viewing of the drill display of the Garda Ceremonial Unit, the Garda Band and serving members from across the country.
Honorary Garda Rory with a Garda Dog.
Speaking to the Donegal News, Rory’s Mother, Claire Louise McDevitt said it was an absolutely unbelievable experience.
“We felt so privileged and honoured to be there. It was just so nice to be a part of the celebrations and for Rory to be a part of that as a junior member of the Honorary Gardaí,” she said.
Rory spotting himself on the cover of the Commemoration booklet
“Rory really enjoyed himself at the Centenary Celebrations. He enjoyed the marching and the music.
“He took a great interest in the whole thing and we were amazed at how he coped in that environment.
Rory meeting Chief Commissioner Drew Harris
“He enjoyed the excitement, the lead up to the celebrations and meeting the Commissioner. The first words Rory said when he met Drew Harris were “where are the horses and the dogs?”,” she said.
Honorary Garda Rory at the Centenary celebrations in Dublin.
To end the day Rory inspected the Garda Mounted Unit, Garda Dog Unit and viewed the vintage and new Garda vehicles on display.
Claire said everyone made them feel very welcome.
“Everyone we met, everyone that stopped to give Rory a salute or stopped to ask him where he was stationed was just lovely. Attending events like this is what makes magical moments for the Little Blue Heroes,” she said.
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