Patrick (Paddy) McLaughlin, retired Garda Commissioner, died on December 14th last, some 21 years after his retirement and 61 years after joining An Garda Síochána.
Born in Malin, Co Donegal, he had moved rapidly (by Garda standards then) through the ranks to become Commissioner in 1978.
To hold high rank in the police service of this democratic State is to be confronted with the need to wield effectively the techniques of management, the skills of communication and the arts of leadership. Paddy McLaughlin not only possessed these traits but sought at every available opportunity to share his skills and impart his knowledge to those of us fortunate enough to receive it.
He was a great leader and an innovator. He had a very ordered and adaptable mind with a fine intellect and a clarity of expression, devoid of any ambiguity. He was a detective of exceptional ability and led many successful investigations, particularly during his time as detective superintendent in charge of the Technical Bureau, and enjoyed the esteem and admiration of his colleagues throughout the entire organisation.
To further the training and development of higher officers he set up the Garda College on the campus of the training centre at Templemore. Understanding the relevance of forensic science in crime investigation, and having laboured with a pathology service operated on a grace and favour basis by obliging pathologists throughout the country, he persisted in his representations until eventually a forensic science laboratory was established and a full time position of State Pathologist was created - two major developments in aiding the investigation of murder and serious crime.
Paddy was exceptionally good company and he loved his friends. He was a great raconteur with a remarkably quick wit. He had marvellous recall and could entertain any company with great stories, often made much longer in the telling through the introduction of peripherally related stories. He liked all sports and was knowledgeable about them, but had a great love of Gaelic football which flowed from his playing days at inter-county level. His attendances at Croke Park and other venues were not confined to the big match days but spread throughout the year. And so it was with great pride and joy that he witnessed his beloved Donegal beating Dublin in an All-Ireland final.
On his retirement from An Garda Síochána he involved himself on a voluntary basis in humanitarian and social works. His Trojan work in fundraising for multiple sclerosis sufferers and for Our Lady's Hospice at Harold's Cross is testament to such endeavours.
He was a devout Roman Catholic. His faith enabled him to overcome trials and tribulations without illusions or despondency, sustained by the vision of the ultimate victory promised in the risen Lord.
He will be sadly missed by those of us who were privileged to have had the benefit of his wisdom and knowledge and of his friendship. But, above all, he will be dearly missed by his wife Millie and his children Martin, Regina, Eunan and Gerard.
P.J.C.