Accommodation
Prices 2024
IPA Members
Non Members
IPA House Dublin
€35 per night PPS
€40 per night PPS
Single Supplement charge is withdrawn
Children under 16 years old – Half Price & Infants under 3 years old - Free
Apartments (excluding Killarney)
IPA Members
Non Members
€30 per night PPS
€35 per night PPS
IPA Members children (16+) €30 per night
All Children under 16 yrs FREE in all Apartments
Bed Linen & Towels (Overseas Visitors Only)
€10 per person per stay
Single Supplement Charge is withdrawn
High Season (July & August)
Galway
Cork
Sligo & Wexford
€575 per week
€450 per week
€400 per week
Note: Minimum 7-day rental in High Season, Sat to Sat, (week max)
Bed Linen & Towels (Overseas Visitors Only)
€10 per person per stay
Killarney Apartment Only
Rate per night includes the following:
• Accommodation for up to 6 adults/kids
• Free Parking
• Cleaning/Linen & Towels
• Family Access to Aquila Leisure Centre/Gym
October – April
May
June
July
August
September
€220 two nights minimum (Additional nights at €110 per night – Max €500 for 7 Nights)
€500 per week
€675 per week
€725 per week
€725 per week
€550 per week
All Prices are shown inclusive of Vat at 13.5% rate Vat invoice issued for each booking
May – September - Seven nights minimum stay Saturday to Saturday Only
Low Season (October to June inclusive Apartments Only)
Cork, Sligo & Wexford
Galway
€300 per week
€365 per week
Note: Applies to 7-day rental in Low Season only
Ben Linen & Towels (overseas visitors only)
€10/person (per stay)
Accommodation Officer: Chris Verling, 13 Iona Drive, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, D09 RC94, Ireland
Email: accommodation@ipaireland.org
Tel: +353 (0)1 830 2907
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ipaIrelandHouses
Twitter: www.twitter.com/IpaIrelandHouse
Welcome to the Autumn 2024 edition of the IPA Journal.
Editorial
I hope that you have had an enjoyable summer. It certainly was an eventful one for IPA Ireland with plenty of activity across many local Regions, and with a number of our members attending International events. In this edition, we have a mix of articles which I hope you will find of interest.
The IPA National Golf Competition was another great success this year, with good weather and a solid turnout making for a great day at Tullamore Golf Course. Well done to Donie Sweeney and the local Region for the work that goes into this annual event. We will have some more pictures from this event in the Christmas Edition. By the time you read this, the IPA National Soccer Competition will have been held in Longford with a number of winning teams heading to Majorca next year for this great event. A full report will feature in the Christmas Edition.
The Young Police Officer’s Forum continues to provide junior IPA members with amazing opportunities to travel and attend professional police related training courses and seminars. Two (2) Irish members joined International colleagues in Austria in September, and Charlie McPartland has an article and some great photos on this memorable event. This type of activity is certainly what IPA is all about and thanks to Joyce O’ Grady for keeping this going.
Section Ireland sent a Delegate and two (2) Observers to World Congress in North Macedonia in September, and the Section as always spent this time meeting the representatives of other Sections and IEB colleagues, ensuring that your voices are heard. World Congress is an amazing opportunity to advance Irish IPA interests, such as the travel, internship and training opportunities afforded to our members each year.
Finally, we would continue to encourage you to go to our website and register for online access, before downloading the IPA App. This will provide you with prompt communications on IPA activity and events worldwide. Don’t forget to turn on ‘push notifications’!
I hope that you have an enjoyable Autumn.
Servo Per Amikeco
Chris Cahill Editor
email: chris@ipaireland.org
IPA JOURNAL IRELAND
IPA Journal is distributed to members of the International Police Association in Ireland, 75% are serving members of An Garda Síochána of all ranks, the remainder being retirees. We also mail the magazine to friends of IPA Ireland overseas.
This magazine is sustained by the generous support of sponsors and advertisers; we exhort our members to appreciate this and to patronise those who contribute to our success. All revenue received by IPA in excess of requirements is devoted to philanthropic purposes. IPA provides funding for scholarships, relief of distress, charities, education, sport, cultural pursuits, bonds of friendship and co-operation between all police officers.
IPA Office:
IPA House, 13 Iona Drive, Glasnevin, Dublin 9.
T: 01 830 2907 F: 01 830 4612
E: ipairish@gmail.com
Editorial Board
President: Conor O’Higgins
Editor: Chris Cahill
E: chris@ipaireland.org
1st Vice President: Marie Daly
National Treasurer: Damian Crummey
Contributors
Brendan Matthews
Charlie McPartland
Chris Cahill
Chris Verling
Conor O’ Higgins
Donie Sweeney
Hugh Gallagher
Publishers
Real Media Group
Jannik Heisinger
John Clarke
Kieron Fennelly
Richard Casey
Shane Smyth
Torben Ole Muessing
Suite 167, CoLab Business Centre, Port Road, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal
T: 074 91 77893
E: publish@realmedia.group
Disclaimer:
The views expressed in IPA Journal unless expressly stated, do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editor, the Publications Management Committee, the International Police Association, the Publisher, An Garda Síochána or the Garda Commissioner. The Editor reserves the right to edit and abridge any material submitted for publication. Durgan Media excludes liability for any loss or damage resulting from errors or inaccuracies in the printing or omission of the whole or part of any advertisement. Further, views expressed within editorial content reflect those of the author, not those of Real Media, and are printed in good faith for informational purposes only. Advertisement material may not be reproduced without prior written permission from Real Media. The contents of the publication, such as text, graphics, images and other material may be protected by copyright under both Irish and foreign laws. Unauthorised use of the material may violate copyright, trademark and other laws.
Photo by Clarisse Meyer on Unsplash
President’s Message
Conor O’Higgins
Autumn 2024
As we look forward to the Autumn, there are two events that are very much linked to the services we provide to our membership. These events are:
» Half Yearly meeting due in November,
» Regional Congresses and AGMs.
The Half Yearly meeting will be held and allow for the Regional Chairs and Secretaries to review National Council 2024 and areas requiring attention at mid-year between National Council 2024 and National Congress 2025. The venue and agenda will be circulated by Secretary General, Carlo Griffin shortly after publication of this issue.
Regional Congress are scheduled for October of this year. Regional Congress is convened to review the past year, Elect a new Regional Committee to cover the years 2024 to 2027 and to consider motions to National Congress. It is also convened for the purpose of consideration and nominations for the elections to National Executive Committee, Standing Orders Committee, Internal Auditors, HLM Select Committee and Archives Committee. National Congress will be held this year in the Marble City of Kilkenny from the 2nd to 4th April 2025 in the New Park Hotel. I wish each Region every success with their Congress and thank the outgoing committees for their sterling work and support over the past three years.
Regional membership should consider availing of the:
» Sponsored places in IPA organised Seminars at Gimborn Schloss, Germany,
IPA REGION 4 AT THE RACES
IPA Region 4, DMR North, organised a Regional outing to the Laytown Races in Co. Meath on Monday 16 September 2024. This is the only race event run on a beach under the rules of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board and there have been races here since 1868!
There was a good turnout of Regional members, together with colleagues from Meath Region, some of whom are pictured below.
Well done to Secretary Brendan Mathews and Region 4 for another great event, showcasing what IPA is all about.
» The Arthur Troop Scholarship available for educational and professional advancement.
IPA App – The IPA App is a fantastic means of ensuring that members are fully informed of all IPA events and activities. It is a fast way of circulating information. The members signed up to the App has grown but many have still to do so. I urge members to sign up by clicking in through the IPA website www.ipaireland.org.
Junior Police Officers Program – Assistant Secretary General, Joyce O’ Grady, continues to build on the progress made in this area. The progress includes:
» Identifying the needs of our junior members,
» Developing a National and Regional Junior Police Officers Forum to work with the National Executive Committee,
» Developing inter Section contacts through participation in the Gimborn Conversations Group of fourteen Sections mainly in the North of Europe,
» Enabling Junior Members through the Mentoring program, to act as ambassadors in their respective regions.
Wishing you all a happy autumn.
Mise i gcairdeas
Conor O’Higgins
President IPA Ireland E: conorohiggins@gmail.com
IPA Hosting Strategy Meeting
By Chris Verling - National Accommodation Officer
Thebiennial International Hosting Section Meeting for 2024 was held in Northumberland, UK from the 1st to 4th September. Karel Simpson, Mike Elliott and Caroline Brown of Region 3, North East England Branch supported by Karen Duckworth Vice President, Social & Culture, ensured every detail was attended to for a very successful Hosting Meeting. Christos Parginos, Chair of the Socio-Cultural Commission on the International Executive Board chaired the meeting. IPA House related matters are coordinated by the Socio-Cultural Commission (SCC), who in turn are supported by the International Administrative Centre (IAC) based in Nottingham, UK. IPA Section Ireland holds 6 of 41 IPA Houses worldwide, second to Section Germany which has nine. Section Ireland was represented by National Accommodation Officer Chris Verling, and Hosting Managers Aidan O’Connell, Gillian O’Donoghue and James Conneely.
Seven sections participated in the Housing Strategy Meeting on this occasion with Delegates from Portugal, Greece, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Denmark, Germany and Romania. Each Section presented information detailing their properties. Discussions on many topics took place including access methods to information for Members, booking procedures, management issues, international housing use by members, cost saving ideas, the decline in volunteering in society and modern-day marketing and information delivery methods. The idea of a Hosting Managers
Forum was born, and this project is to be progressed by Section Ireland in association with the Socio-Cultural Commission. The construction of an International Accommodation Booking Form, similar to the current International Travel Form was also discussed. While much business was carried out, new friendships flourished as many attended for the first time. An evening at the Beacon of Light Centre in Sunderland where UK Police took part in a wheelchair rugby game certainly impressed with Delegates getting an opportunity to try it for themselves afterwards. Police UK Disability Sport CIC provide adaptive sports and recovery services to serving and retired police officers and staff from all areas of the UK Policing Community. A reality check for sure!
In support of the Green IPA Commission strategy to promote eco-friendly practices in IPA Houses worldwide, each delegation had the opportunity to take part in a tree planting ceremony at Beamish, the Living Museum of the North, unrelated to the ‘Beamish Stout’ of Section Ireland, but well worth a visit all the same! The strategy will look at the potential opportunities for sections to install solar panels, better insulation, smart meters, boiler efficiency assessment, possibilities for using eco-friendly cleaning products, energy saving light bulbs, upcycling furniture, waste disposal, among others.
Thanks to all involved for a very successful meeting!
It was a great pleasure meeting all the nice people involved and especially inspiring the get to know the little heroes and their families.
Internship with An Garda Síochána
Aspart of our studies at the University of the Police North Rhine-Westphalia we were given the opportunity to complete our final internship at the Garda. For three weeks, we were able to gain insights into various areas of the Irish police force and make new friends in the process.
There we went on patrol with the colleagues from Pearse Street and were able to see the work of the Traffic Unit as well as the Drugs and Organized Crime Unit. During this time, we had the pleasure to stay at the lovely IPA Headquarters.
Then we traveled to Cork and spent a weekend experiencing the unique culture there. Afterwards we joined the students at the Garda College in Templemore. Through our participation in the classes, we were able to identify many similarities as well as significant differences between Irish and German police training. Bound together by our common goal to become police officers we got along very well with the local students and had a lot of fun together.
Further on in Athlone we were allowed to watch the Water Unit at work on Lake Ree. The next day we did a day trip back to Dublin and visited the Mounted Unit at Phoenix Park. We were also able to get to know Dublin from a different perspective at the Air Support Unit. Following this we had the great honor to participate in the yearly IPA Event on the Aran Islands in support of the Little Blue Heroes Foundation. It was a great pleasure meeting all the nice people involved and especially inspiring the get to know the little heroes and their families. Our last stop took us to Waterford, where we met with the local traffic unit, customs and the coast guard and had some nice last days.
In summary, we had a wonderful time in Ireland. Without exception, all the people involved welcomed us with open arms and made this trip a unique experience. Finally, we would like to thank the IPA Section Ireland and especially Joyce O' Grady without whose help such an internship would not have been possible.
By Jannik Heisinger (IPA Aachen/Germany) and Torben Ole Muessing (IPA Selm/Germany)
Wine Event
Onthe 19th September 2024, Region 9 Curragh Plains, Kildare, hosted a Wine and Cheese Night in Lawlor’s Hotel in Naas. With a great turnout, made up of Gardaí, who live locally, retired members, and even IPA members as far away as Galway attending, members enjoyed a selection of wines along with a talk about wine tasting from Liam, the hotel’s Manager.
To complement the wines, a wonderful selection of cheese was offered along with some very tasty canapes. It was a wonderful experience for all who attended and a great opportunity for catching up with and making new friends. Thank you to everyone who attended this event and especially to all who helped organise and arrange it.
Find us on Facebook by searching IPA Kildare to follow us and see what our next adventure is.
Shane Smyth IPA Region 9 Kildare
BMW E34 520I 1992
THE FIRST IN A NEW SERIES, THE JOURNAL’S MOTOR TEST TAKES AN UNASHAMED LOOK BACK AT A CAR OF THIRTY YEARS AGO.
The 1988-95 BMW E34 was the company’s third Five Series and consolidated BMW’s reputation as the class-leading executive saloon. By the time of the launch of the E34, BMW had three distinct model ranges, the compact Three series, the Five series and the Seven series large cars. Essentially an aero engine builder, but also maker of what was then the world’s most advanced sports car, BMW’s plants were all but destroyed during World War 2 and much depleted, the company limped through the 1950s with a bulbous V6 saloon, far too expensive for German buyers and by assembling the Isetta bubble car which generated turnover at least. But when the Quandt family became BMW’s major shareholder in the early 1960s, the company picked up its skirts dramatically and never looked back.
By 1963, a new BMW saloon, the 1500 was being delivered to dealers. At its heart was an overhead cam 4-cylinder engine in a sharp Michelotti body with all round independent suspension. Vastly more advanced than concurrent Opels, Fords and British mass-produced cars, mostly still wedded to ineffi cient overhead valve engines, BMW stole a march on its competitors and sustained it in the 1970s where with its smooth six-cylinder engines and new 2500 saloon it took market share from Mercedes and Jaguar. Within a decade a BMW was regarded as the ‘car to have’ by the kind of American who favoured European models.
The Five series evolved from BMW’s large 1970s saloons, and the E34 was launched on a wave of confidence in the knowledge that its much-admired E28 predecessor whose ride however was let down by a ride quality some way short of that offered by a Mercedes or Jaguar. The E34 design largely corrected this- the car is longer and the rear axle though using the same trailing-arm configuration as before, is better located. The E34 also had 50:50 weight distribution which added to stability.
Four models were sold in Europe, a 4-cylinder 518i and three six-cylinder cars, the 520i, 525i and 535i. The V8 M5 came later. Our test car is the smallest of the sixes, the 520i. In 1992, this cost £22,000 in the UK and roughly as much (plus RoI tax) for Ireland. The sterling price included BMW’s smart cross-spoke wheels, a manual sunroof and a ‘computer’ – an intriguing push-button device, which despite thirty-odd years still offers simple calculations such as average speed and mileage. It is the only ‘exotic’ accessory on what is by today’s standards a completely analogue car.
Although most of these E34s have long been scrapped - the ‘How many left?’ website which uses government information suggests that fewer than 90 are still on the road in the UK, everything still functions on this 75,000 mile example. The central locking operates smoothly as do the four electric windows, electrically adjustable mirrors and the relatively
MOTOR TEST
complex ventilation controls – no a/c on this car. But above all it is the deep, cultured rumble of the straight ‘six’ which will appeal to drivers with petrol in their veins. This is 1991cc version, high tech in its day with twin overhead camshafts and 24 valves and rated at a then impressive 148bhp, but with 1430kg to haul, performance was modest and while the 520i would sustain 120mph on the Autobahn, 0-60 took 10 seconds. Today in the cut and thrust of city traffic it can be left behind by a hard-driven turbo diesel, but that is to miss the point.
The pleasure of driving this BMW is the feeling of engineering quality, everything from the ‘clunk’ when the doors shut to the weight of the controls and the smoothness (there is no escape from this adjective) with which the engine will revs all the way to its 6300rpm cut-out, but changing up between 3500 and 4500rpm usually suffices to keep this E34 abreast of fast traffic. The clutch is reasonably light, bites at mid-travel and the manual shift is pleasure to use, though on the motorway you do find yourself looking for the sixth gear which had to wait for the generation after next before becoming generalised.
The big BMW handles surprising well: once used to the large steering wheel (adjustable for height but not rake) and slightly dead zone around the straight-ahead, the driver can enter corners in the BMW confident that in the dry at least it will not under- or oversteer itself off the road. In the days before chassis electronics, larger rear driven cars like BMWs were famous for
Kieron Fennelly
tail slides on wet roundabouts. With this lower-powered version, a sensitive driver is unlikely to get into trouble, but it is a reminder that with any car of this vintage, the driver carries rather more responsibility than with a ‘modern.’ The brakes are reassuringly strong, but on this model, BMW did not yet offer ABS.
The quiet in the plush cabin is impressive: the suspension on this car has been completely renewed: passengers and driver are well insulated from road noise and rough tarmac. Ride is comfortable and the BMW does not lurch into corners. The seats are large and firm in the right places and the cloth upholstery like the door fittings shows very little wear. The driver sits in front of surely one of the most handsome and clear instrument layouts of any car: two main dials and ancillaries exactly where you need to see and find them, all to hand except the computer, a curio anyway, which is such a stretch it is best left to the passenger to manipulate. BMWs were famous for their instrument panels and dashboards, both pleasing and practical. Recent trends toward digital dashboards have done little to improve clarity and the replacement of knobs and controls by touchscreens means more eyes-off-road moments for drivers trying to adjust radio settings or operate the fan.
The appeal of this BMW is unashamedly old school yet in thirty years, these cars have all but disappeared. Peruse the classified ads in Britain and only one or two appear, usually discouragingly corroded; offering 210bhp, the 3.5 litre 535i is still sought after while the rare V8 3.8 M5 enjoys almost cult status (reflected in its €30,000+ asking prices) but can be very expensive when it goes wrong. Provided their oil and coolant has been changed regularly, the six cylinder engines last surprisingly well: ads on German ad sites show a dozen E 34 Five series priced between €5,000 and €15,000. Condition obviously varies, but all are with cars at least 200.000 km and some with over 300,000km. Its restrained performance means our humble 520i has escaped the attentions of the “drift” crowd; the previous proprietor spent €8,000 on restoring it and that is roughly its value today. Elegant, unostentatious classic motoring for an owner who appreciates proper engineering in a practical car.
THE NON STANDARD 17 INCH WHEELS ON THIS CAR WERE ADDED BY A PREVIOUS OWNER.
BRIEF SPECIFICATION
Engine:
Six cylinders in line twin camshafts electronic fuel injection
Bore & stroke: 80mm x 66mm 1991cc
Compression ratio: 10.5:1
Max power & torque: 148 bhp @5900rpm 190Nm@ 4700rpm
Transmission:
Five speed gearbox, front engine, rear drive
Performance: 0-60mph 9.6 seconds max speed 128mph
Steering:
Recirculating ball, hydraulically assisted
Suspension:
Front: MacPherson struts, anti-roll bar;
Rear: trailing arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar.
Consumption: 25-32mpg
President’s Diary
Autumn Edition 2024
Police Celebration Day Warsaw accompanied by Accommodation Officer, Chris Verling and other guests
18th July 2024
NEC meeting at Garda Regional HQ, Galway. To mark the occasion of the retirement of International Vice President and Secretary of Region Galway - Mick Walsh, from An Garda Síochána the NEC met in Galway and made a presention of the IPA Retirment Piece to Mick. President Conor O’ Higgins spoke about the sterling work done by Mick at Regional, National and International levels of IPA.
23rd to 25th July 2024
President Conor O’ Higgins and Accommodation Officer, Chris Verling, attended at the Polish Police Celebration Parade in Warsaw on the invitation of the National Board of IPA, Section Poland.
29th July 2024
Chaired a meeting of the Heads of Commission to finalise arrangements of the 70th Anniversary celebrations in September 2025.
31st August 2024
Opened the joint seminar of IPA Section Ireland and Region 2, Section UK (Northern Ireland) at the Grada College.
12th September 2024
Presented former President Denis Dunne with his Honorary Life Membership Award and Pin at a function in Kilkenny. Denis was accompanied by his wife Noreen, Sisters Marion and Breda, Chris Verling and Aine Donnelly, Tipperary Region, Aidan Fitzpatrick and Lisa Kavanagh, Carlow/Kilkenny Region. Catherine O’Higgins was also in attendance. Denis was honoured to have received the award.On the same date President Conor O’ Higgins attended the final night banquet of the Garda, PSNI, Irish Defence Forces and The Irish Guards Golf Tournament at
with IEB
wishing him
James Stephens Barracks in Kilkenny. The tournament took place over three days at Kilkenny Golf Club and IPA Section Ireland sponsored aspects of the tournament.
14th September 2024
Attended at the IPA Hiking Club AGM and witnessed the election of new committee. I also presented the club with the IPA Club Award which was agreed at Natrional Council in Killarney. The club grows from strength to strength and under the new Chairperson Lorraine Wheatly, will grow further.
15th September 2024
Attended the commemoration ceremony of all those Police Officers from the RIC and DMP who lost their lives during the First World War. I was delighted to accept the invitation fromSecretary of The Harp Society, Marie Roche.
19th to 22nd September
2024
Attended World Congress in North Macedonia (Full report within).
President O’ Higgian meets the Chief of Police, Poland at the Police Celebration Day in Warsaw
NEC
Member Mick Walsh
well on this retirement from An Garda Síochána
Lambay Island Tour
IPA Region 7 DMR South
ON 18TH SEPTEMBER 2024, REGION 7 (DMR SOUTH) HELD A UNIQUE EVENT WHEN THEY VISITED LAMBAY ISLAND. WE ARRIVED BY DART AT MALAHIDE MARINA, A GROUP OF SEVEN IPA MEMBERS FROM REGION 7. THERE WE MET EAMONN MCGRATTAN, SKIPPER OF THE BOAT AND TOUR GUIDE FOR OUR FORTHCOMING VISIT TO LAMBAY ISLAND. WE WERE BEHIND SCHEDULE AS WE SET OUT ACROSS THE CALM WATERS OF DUBLIN BAY, THE SUNLIGHT REFLECTING OFF THE SEA ON A WONDERFUL AUTUMN DAY.
The temperature was a balmy 21 to 22 Celsius with a blue sky overhead and Dublin Bay spread out around us, Wicklow and Bray Head to the south and to the north, Skerries, Rush and the distant Mourne Mountains. In just 30 minutes we were docked at a picturesque harbour which boasted a beautiful sandy beach, sheltered by stone walls to one side and the main harbour pier opposite. An inviting location for a swim later after our exertions.
In front of us lay a collection of whitewashed single storied houses which accommodate staff and visitors who wish to stay on the island. These houses can be seen from the shore at Malahide which is about 10km from Lambay Island, which is the largest island off the east coast of Ireland. We sat on a stone wall designed in a graceful semicircle to welcome visitors as they approach the houses along a grassy path from the pier. Eamonn entertained us with a lively account of the history and topography of the Island, its owners
Lambay Island Tour John Clarke
and famous Architect, Sir Edward Lutyens. Lambay is 1.5 miles long and a mile wide containing 750 acres, over 600 of which are fit for farming cattle, sheep grazing and of course gardens.
The present population is about 10 people, although visitors can be accommodated in the coastguard cottages which we had seen at the harbour. I was interested to learn that Robert Lloyd Praeger, the famous naturalist of Clare Island fame, visited here in 1895 and took part in an island natural survey in 1905. Lambay has been inhabited since ancient times and ownership has changed hands frequently. Cecil Baring of London banking fame has been the most recent new owner. Cecil became the 3rd Lord Revelstoke and married Maude, daughter of a tobacco millionaire in the USA. Cecil saw an advertisement in an English paper and bought the island for £9,000.00 in 1904. Over a period of five years, they transformed the old fort in the centre of the island into an Edwardian masterpiece where successive generations have lived up to the present day.
Sir Edward Lutyens was engaged to work on the project, which is since acknowledged as his principal achievement in Ireland. Work continued with construction of farm buildings up to 1915. Both Cecil and Maude are buried in the family plot on the Island. A walled graveyard contains a small church with remarkable stained-glass windows. Residents still gather here for prayers on Sunday mornings. The ownership of the Island passed down through generations and now rests with their great grandson Alex, now the 7th Lord Revelstoke who is the resident guardian and curator of Lambay.
Sir Edward Lutyens designed the buildings and collaborated with a famous garden designer in the layout of the surrounding gardens and plantations. It was also Lutyens who used local seashells when binding the stonework on the walls of the old buildings. We continued our trek, not very strenuous, along a track which brought us to the summit at approximately 126 metres. Here we paused and gazed about in awe at Ireland’s eastern coastline with a cacophony of bird song ringing in our ears and steep cliffs beneath us. Lambay Island is a haven for wildlife and is internationally renowned as a National Bird Sanctuary. Puffins can be seen on the cliffs below us as well as Kittiwakes and Guillemots.
Fauna here includes a herd of fallow deer, a colony of grey seals, and surprisingly a troop of Wallabies darting about in the gorse on the higher ground. What a treat to see these animals imported to these islands perhaps a hundred years ago. Our guide informed us they are exported to foreign markets earning much needed cash to keep the island going. The story goes that the relevant Lord Revelstoke did his bit for the war effort by exporting over 100,000 gulls’ eggs to hungry Britain during the Second World War. Organic farming is carried on with vegetables and fruit grown within a walled garden, while cattle and sheep graze nearby. Eamonn also pointed out to us a grassy area used as an airstrip where small aircraft can land and take off.
We returned safely to the harbour where a few of us enjoyed a brief swim in the blue waters of a lovely sandy beach closely watched by two very curious seals. Perhaps they were Cecil and Maude, there
to welcome us to their beautiful island. Our brilliant guide and host Eamonn McGrattan provided us with a tasty BBQ of chicken, burgers and sausages washed down with some welcome bottles of beer to finish off a magnificent day’s outing on a beautiful, enchanting, and historic island. By the way I never mentioned that Lambay Island Whiskey is matured here in champagne casks and I understand will soon be distilled here. I recommend readers go there and enjoy the tour, it’s well worth the effort, especially if you have the sun shining down on you.
I would like to dedicate this article firstly to the memory of Brendan Collins, brother of Padraic Collins who participated in our tour to Lambay. Brendan died in the USA the day before our tour. I also wish to dedicate it to my wife Phyliss who was a true Northsider and whose grandfather was born not far from Malahide.
Lambay Island Tour
A SPANISH ROADTRIP CON DOS AMIGOS
It’s a sure sign I’m getting older when potential holiday trips are largely determined by destinations reachable from Cork Airport. With no objective in sight, we threw a dice and settled on Reus having heard a colleague rate the nearby coastal city of Tarragona very highly. Once flights were booked my mind went into overdrive trying to pack as many towns and cities as possible into a 10 day road trip along with a smattering of culture, history, swimming, and fine dining thrown in for good measure.
Aftera seamless airport car collection we spent our first night in Reus and the following morning doing various self-guided city centre walks including the Gaudi Centre, the house where Gaudi was born, and also viewing several modernist buildings for which the city is famous. Gaudi is Reus’s most famous son and the architect of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona who, unfortunately, died after being knocked down by a tram in 1926.
We then drove northeast, bypassing Barcelona, and based ourselves in Roses on the coast for the next few days. We swam at the beautiful and very quiet Platja Sa Conca and from there walked the coast path
into stunning Cadaques where Salvador Dali had his summer house (now a museum). The house tour was booked out so we opted for a self-guided tour of the gardens which didn’t disappoint. The art on display throughout covered the whole gamut of what you’d expect from Dali being at times whimsical, incredible, sacrilegious, spectacular, and exquisite. The little secluded bay where the house and gardens are located is also worth the trip in its own right. The next day we drove to the Dali Theatre-Museum in Figueres where Dali himself is buried in a crypt below the stage. The sheer volume and size of the artworks on display bamboozles
Richard Casey
A SPANISH ROADTRIP CON DOS AMIGOS your mind as your brain tries to comprehend how a person could not only conceive such ideas but also bring them to fruition…..pure genius. Figueres is also a lovely city to ramble around.
Following a swim in a very angry sea in Platja de Pals that evening we headed for the beautiful medieval hilltop village of Pals next morning. It was a delight to walk around considering it was by chance that we stopped there. A mid-morning coffee overlooking the square accompanied by mouth-watering chocolate croissants left me smiling like the Cheshire cat. That evening we headed for Girona and, having walked around the old city, main square, and cathedral, we glimpsed a pair of Eurasian otters in the river oblivious to the tourists above.
Having been hunted to extinction these otters were reintroduced in the early 90s and are clearly making a name for themselves being beloved by the cities inhabitants. To avoid weekend traffic we then put the foot to the floor and headed for Montserrat. Despite the crowds, the Benedictine monastery and surrounding mountains exude a palpable calmness along with some stunning views.
Sitges was our base for the next few days and the setting of the cathedral at the start of the promenade was a backdrop to die for as evidenced by the number of people snapping photos and selfies like their lives depended on it. For some peace and quiet the next day we drove inland for 20 minutes to Sant Pere de Ribes and spent the
morning mooching around Castell de Ribes and Ermita de Sant Pau before heading back out to the coast for a swim at Platja de l’Home Mort which is accessed by a soothing 20 minute walk through pine forests.The next morning found us rambling around Vilanova i la Geltru to see the town’s famous murals and streetscape wall art followed by a swim at Platja de Ribes Roges and its famous sculpture by Oscar Estruga Vilanova depicting a cow with a woman in its belly (it needs to be seen to be believed).
Tarragona was our destination for our last few nights and, as small cities go, it has everything you could ask for from a pristine but busy beach, a Roman amphitheatre, Roman Forum, a 2nd century Praetorium and Roman Circus and a cathedral dating from the 12th Century. The old city was a pure delight to ramble around with narrow cobbled streets and ancient stone buildings reaching for the skies creating their own cooling breezes. The Mediterranean balcony at the bottom of Rambla Nova looks out on stunning coastal views and there are restaurants and shopping centres aplenty to keep even the most seasoned fashionistas busy.
For our penultimate day we headed for Salou and, once we escaped the hustle and bustle of the promenade, fountains and crowds, we managed to find a secluded rocky cove between the two main beaches. We passed away the morning swimming, people watching and making up our own backstories for the people strolling above us on the promenade. While Salou doesn’t have the ancient history of Tarragona, it does have a charm all of its own attested to by the sheer volume of holidaymakers and sunseekers present in droves.
An afternoon drive to Altafulla rewarded us with a ramble around its ancient castle, Roman walls, and squares with just each other for company. The heat and siesta had driven everyone indoors and we had the twisting cobbled streets all to ourselves scoring major brownie points for Senor Romantico! Our final drive brought us to Platja de Tamarit where we swam below the imposing Castell de Tamarit on the busiest beach of our trip. The following morning had us racing back to Reus where, before we even boarded the plane, the dulcet tones of a Cork accent announced ‘it’s lashing back home lads’. We were back to earth with a bang or, as they say in Spain, ‘asi es la vida’.
We were back to earth with a bang or, as they say in Spain, ‘asi es la vida’.
NYPD OFFICERS BADGE MAKES
JOURNEY HOME TO SLIGO
IN NOVEMBER 2023, TONI STEWART REACHED OUT ON SOCIAL MEDIA TO ANYONE WHO COULD HELP HER WITH THE PROCESS OF ASSISTING HER IN TAKING HER HUSBAND’S TIMOTHY’S NYPD BADGE TO HIS MOTHER’S FAMILY GRAVE IN CO. SLIGO. TIMOTHY’S MOTHER JOSEPHINE CREAN CAME FROM CUFFSTOWN, KILGLASS, ENNISCRONE, CO. SLIGO.
The Innisfree Branch of the International Police Association responded to her request and following emails etc to Toni, all was arranged for the 3rd July 2024.
Toni, her son Aidan, Debra Le Comte & Mary Ann Fielding travelled to Ireland for a holiday and got to Enniscrone for a few days. While in Enniscrone a church service was held by Canon George McHale in the Holy Family Church in Kilglass.
Hugh Gallagher
Detective Stewart’s NYPD Shield
AGS Colleagues at Enniscrone
The Innisfree Branch was represented by Michael Reynolds, Simeon Whittington, Hugh Gallagher & Eamonn Sweeney.
Canon McHale conducted the service, Toni and friends spoke of her husband Timothy’s Police Service in the NYPD. At the service was Superintendent Pauric Burke, Inspector Frank Egan, and Gardai Ronan O’ Donnell & Cathy Melody. The Innisfree Branch was represented by Michael Reynolds, Simeon Whittington, Hugh Gallagher & Eamonn Sweeney.
After the service was conducted, all parties travelled to Enniscrone Graveyard, where Timothy’s Police Badge was buried with his maternal family in the Crean family plot.
Great assistance was provided by Raymond Beglin, a neighbour of the Crean family and his grandson who helped prepare the grave. Piper Whitte Callaghan provided bagpipe music for the event. IPA memorabilia was presented to Toni and her son.
Detective Stewart’s Family with Garda colleagues at the service
Hugh Gallagher with Toni Stewart
Timothy Stewart NYPD
IPA YOUNG POLICE OFFICERS SEMINAR
AUSTRIA 2024
The 2024 IPA ‘Young Police Officers Seminar’ (YPOS) was hosted in Vienna, Austria from the 29th July – 3rd August 2024. Section Ireland was represented by charles McPartland and Colm Sutton, both serving members from Clondalkin Garda Station. The entire group consisted of 40 youth members from 26 different nations representing respective IPA sections across Europe and as far as the usa, Canada and Australia.
MONDAY 29TH
Upon arrival at Vienna Airport, members were met by a welcoming team who helped organise trains directly towards the central “Hotel Zeitgeist” where everyone was staying. A uniformed opening ceremony was held to formally welcome all the guests and to introduce ourselves and our policing backgrounds. The rest of the night was to be enjoyed socialising and breaking the ice. The majority of the 5-day seminar was held daily at the Federal Police Academy’s Rossauer Barracks, a scenic multi-storey building that looks more like a royal palace, surrounded by buttresses, spires and high-rises. Coaches were organised every morning on our behalf from the hotel, after our buffet breakfast.
TUESDAY 30TH
The initial presentations were about IPA Section Austria, their IPA Academy and the IPA’s Education centre at Gimborn, Germany. It was a much needed presentation as many of the attendants were, self admittedly, not truly aware of the full range of opportunities the IPA has to offer, from educational courses to social clubs.
The group also received a detailed background about the Austrian policing structure, a breakdown of their units and their operational functions/abilities. The day concluded with sightseeing around Vienna City from 4pm. The group was split in two and tour guides were provided for a walking tour of the city, which was full of rich history and architecture.
WEDNESDAY 31ST
A full day of practical activities, we were shown the Austrian Polizei’s special intervention unit “WEGA” (An amalgamation of Irelands ASU & Public Order Unit) and the K9 units. A full display of their policing capabilities were showcased on their custom built obstacle course, a 50m high-rise. Officers scaled the outside of the building within 2 minutes wearing full armour and PPE, before rappelling/fast roping down, including the police K9. An arrest scenario was also played out with a K9 unit.
WEGA displayed their full arsenal of vehicles, weapons, and equipment for participants to try on. Later that day, we were bussed to the Polizei Operational Training Centre ‘Süßenbrunn’ where
Charles McPartland
Colm Sutton
NEC Member Joyce O’ Grady with Charlie and Colm
each member went head-to-head in a live fire shooting competition with Austria’s Glock 17 Gen 3 pistol and Steyr AUG assault rifle (used by the Irish Defence Forces). The trust placed on the delegates to allow them on a live Police shooting range, especially members from unarmed police forces, was greatly appreciated and epitomises the IPA.
The fi nal event of the day was a recreational visit to the Old Danube river where the Austrian police have a private facility (similar to the Garda boat club but including a riverside bar & restaurant) where we had a dragon boat race between two groups followed by a swim in the river. The night concluded with a BBQ buffet and drinks.
Austria YPO Group
Austrian Police Vehicles
Thursday 1st
An important project (the ‘Strategic Young Members Forum’) was held at the barracks and was co-presented by Ireland’s Assistant Secretary General Joyce O’ Grady. It gave members a direct input into the future goals and strategies of the IPA that members themselves might one day come to lead.
In particular, everyone was highly enthusiastic about participating in the Young Police Officers Mentoring Programme, which is an accredited course, currently being run by Section Ireland. A VIP guided tour through the Austrian Parliament, which finished with an extravagant reception dinner at the Mayors’ residence.
Friday 2nd
Last, but not least, we attended the ‘Einsatzkommando (EKO) Cobra’ headquarters in Wien (Austria’s Elite Tier 1 counter terrorism unit and ATLAS member nation – Includes ERU, GIGN/ RAID, GSG9, SCO19 etc). An extremely rare insight was gained by attendees into the exceptional training of the units, including the K9, Air Marshal and Ministerial Close Protection.
Members were invited to challenge themselves on the COBRA obstacle course, including the building climbing/ zip-lining and it created one of the strongest social events of the trip, with members encouraging and cheering each other on.
The day concluded with a formal closing ceremony at the hotel, where each member was presented with their certifi cate of participation, and members had a chance to thank their hosts, on what was an exceptional event, at the hotel after party. A few ballads followed after enough pints of Zwettler beer were drank, (including a fi ne rendition of Molly Malone by Sections Belgium, Canada, Finland, Ireland, Germany and Region 2 Uk (Northern Ireland) off to a nightclub and ready to depart the next day.
The primary purpose of such an event is to build new, long-lasting relationships between IPA members around the world and to engage in professional development, networking and the exchange of knowledge and best practices in law enforcement. It’s fair to say this trip did that and much more!
Obstacle Course
Polizei Equipment on Display
Mandatory Hydration
Boating on Old Danube
World Congres s 2024
Attendees - Delegate, Conor O’Hig gins, President - Observe rs - Donal Sweeney and Chris Verling .
DAY 1
Official opening and presentation by IP Martin Hoffman followed by official reception and photo call.
REGION MEETINGS:
Europe West – I chaired the meeting of Europe West which consisted of 10 Sections. Ireland, the United Kingdom, Gibraltar, Italy, San Marino, Monaco, Belgium, France, Luxemburg and Switzerland. IEB member Oli Hoffman also participated.
The Meeting considered an agreed agenda which included:
» New Strategy Document – Feedback from each Section on progress;
» Organisational matters - Issues that may require assistance from IEB;
» Growth - Membership matters and best practice in recruitment and retention;
» Communications - Discussion on Internation App;
» Sustainability - Membership principal area;
» Le - Await report from Treasury;
» YPOS - Motivating Sections to get involved.
» Rotation of Chairman - Conor O’Higgins requested to remain in position.
THE GATHERING
Delegations were invited to host an information table with each Section’s gifts, food and refreshments on offer.
MAP OF NORTH MACEDONIA
OHRID
DAY 2 - OPENING OF ASSEMBLY
This year it was decided to circulate the reports of all IEB members prior to World Congress. It was also decided that only the International President and the International Treasurer would address World Congress and that all other reports be subject to question and comment.
International President Martin Hoffman delivered his first speech to World Congress. In it he covered the following items:
» Reflecting on the Past Year;
» Engagement and Representation;
» Strategic Initiatives and Key Projects;
» Growth inside and outside Europe;
» Financial Health and Sponsorship;
» Communication and Transparency;
» Michael Walsh’s Resignation;
» Encouraging Engagement;
» What’s planned Next;
» Continuous Feedback and Improvement;
» Concluding Remarks.
International Treasurer, Mick Walsh, set out the financial statement for year ended 2024 and the projections for 2025. He recommended a member’s fee of €1.50 per member and in order to balance the budget proposed that €120,000 be used from Capital.
At the conclusion of Mick’s report, International President sought comments or questions. There were none. As president of Section Ireland I availed of this opportunity to pay tribute to Mick when I referred to the following:
» The pride Section Ireland had when Mick was elected to the International Auditor Post, International Treasurer post, and in 2023 International Vice President Post.
» The great honour it is for a Section to have one of its members elected to such high office, Mick being the second member following in the footsteps of Ms. Phyllis Nolan, former President of Section Ireland.
» The sterling contribution Mick had given while serving on the IEB. His involvement in the modernisation of many aspects of the management of finances and other areas.
» Mick’s eagerness to always assist where necessary.
» Mick’s positive approach and friendliness in the true ethos of IPA.
» In conclusion, I wished Mick well and every success in his new private venture and good wishes to Caroline and their three children.
Mick received a standing ovation from World Congress as he left the podium.
Motions passed at Congress included:
1. The appointment of a Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Advisor to the IEB;
2. The maintenance of all IPA documents in the English language;
3. The change in the length of time a Section can be suspended from 2 years to 6 years;
4. The further suspension of section Russia for 1 year.
Many presentations were made on various topics by delegates.
Yours in Friendship
CONOR O’HIGGINS PRESIDENT SECTION IRELAND
IPA NATIONAL GOLF
COMPETITION 2024
Onthe 28th august 2024, the ipa national golf competition took place at tullamore golf club. A total of 46 golfers took part in what was probably the most successful competition since covid. The weather on the day, considering we had a poor summer, was dry and mild. Teams of two from all parts of ireland participated in this year’s competition with each team playing a four ball with a team from another region.
The competition kicked off at 2pm and the last teams went out at approximately 3:45pm. The course was in fantastic condition considering the amount of rainfall we had in the preceding few days. As the teams started to come in after a four hour marathon, there was no doubt that the scoring was going to be high. As a matter of fact Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy would have been under pressure.
As the teams came in they were treated to a fine meal in the clubhouse courtesy of IPA. The scores in each case were checked by our two experts and dedicated IPA members Willie O’ Grady and John Hopkins. It soon emerged the top five had little to separate them with the eventual winners from Galway scoring a total of 45 points.
The results were as follows:
5th Place - 39 points
Dave Lyons and John Liston.
4th Place - 44 points
Con Nolan and Anthony Hennelly.
3rd Place - 44 points
Paul Heffernan and Bill Gibbons.
2nd Place - 45 points
Martin Whelan and Brendan Mc Donoghue. 1st place - 45 points back 9 better
Mick Walsh and Gerry Carrol.
The presentation took place after the meal. Thanks to Tullamore Golf Club for a great day. I also would like to thank John Hopkins and Willie O’ Grady for all their help in running this event. Thanks to our busy Supplies Officer James Codd for supplying the prizes and the IPA golf balls and tees. Also thanks to Colette Conlon and Joyce O’ Grady for all their help on the day and to our Accommodation Officer Chris Verling for the first and second prizes of stays in our fine IPA Apartments. Finally thanks to our 1st Vice President Declan O’ Byrne for standing in for our President Conor O’ Higgins.
Mick Walsh with the Top Prize
