by Paddy Walsh
IN thirty years of dedicated service, Garda Sergeant Gerard Dalton earned his stripes and the plaudits of members of legal practitioners, the court services, and colleagues as he presented his final court sitting in Letterkenny.
The Offaly native, who has served at a number of stations throughout the county, took his bow at last week’s sitting of Falcarragh District Court.
Describing his career as “remarkable”, Judge Eiteain Cunningham said he was retiring after thirty years of dedicated service.
Sgt Dalton had approached his work with a strong sense of duty and integrity and had shown nothing but respect and a willingness to help in any way he could.
It was an incredible proud moment for Sgt Dalton and his family as he entered into a new chapter in his life.
Referring to the “sacrifices” he had made along the way, Judge Cunningham said thirty years of service was no small feat.
Thanking him for the professionalism he had shown, she voiced the hope that he would enjoy every moment of his retirement wherever it chose to take him.
Representing the legal practitioners, solicitor, Kieran O’Gorman said it was sad to see the retiring Sergeant leave.
Describing him as “very capable”, he said it had been a pleasure to work with him over the years in what was a very trying job. Mr O’Gorman wished Sgt Dalton and his family all the best.
Frank Dorrian, solicitor, said that the Sergeant had always conducted himself very fairly despite the fact that they had been on opposite sides on many an occasion.
Garda Inspector, Paul Gallagher revealed that Sgt Dalton was a native of County Offaly but an adopted son of Donegal with thirty years service in the force. He had worked in various stations throughout the county including Letterkenny, Annagry, Bunbeg, Glenties and in Milford where he had been based for some time. He had also served in Dublin during his career.
When he, Inspector Gallagher, had first arrived in Donegal from Dublin, his first contact with Sgt Dalton was when the latter reversed into his car.
“It was an absolute pleasure to work with him. There have been times when we worked together in tragic circumstances and I have witnessed his dedication to the welfare of victims and colleagues.”
The Inspector wished him and his wife, Wendy, family and friends health and happiness in the years ago.
On behalf of the courts services, Geoffrey McGonigle spoke of Sgt Dalton’s “integrity, honesty and fairness” in his role and dealings with people. ”Hopefully there are no more early calls unless it’s for a round of golf,” he quipped.
Responding to the “kind words”, Sgt Dalton he said he had enjoyed undertaking court presenting and would miss his time in the Garda Siochana. He appreciated all the cooperation he had received from the court services and his colleagues and the legal profession.
Stating that he had always said that if he had his health after thirty years, he would try something else, he indicated: “I am looking forward to the next chapter in my life.”
Related posts:
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)