Det Garda Ben O'Sullivan, who was wounded in the IRA gun attack which resulted in the death of his colleague, Det Garda Jerry McCabe, retired from the force in Limerick yesterday.
He is the only garda to receive two Scott gold medals for bravery. The first, awarded in 1994, was for overpowering and arresting a man with a loaded shotgun. Last July he was awarded the medal a second time following the IRA attack at Adare, Co Limerick, in June 1996. A posthumous award for Det Garda McCabe was presented to his widow, Ms Anne McCabe.
Det Garda O'Sullivan, who is retiring at the age of 57 after 37 years service, said yesterday his many happy moments in the force had helped to put the attack behind him. His colleagues had been the shock absorbers who helped him get back to work, but nobody had any idea how much he wished the incident had never happened. He had lost a close friend and he had to put the grief behind him.
Chief Supt Liam Quinn said Det Garda O'Sullivan's career was one of commitment and service delivered with a sense of humour which was infectious. He was a man who could recognise danger but who had no fear and who had a great ability to communicate with people.
"It is true to say that he is probably one of the best-known people in Limerick," he said.
Det Garda O'Sullivan will tomorrow receive a presentation from his colleagues.
He still carries bullet shrapnel in his head and body from the IRA attack. Four men are serving sentences for the manslaughter of Det Garda McCabe.