Former local broadcaster delighted with her move to An Garda Síochána

Making the career move from radio presenter to joining An Garda Síochána is an unusual one, but for new probationary Garda Eunice Moran it is one that she is encouraging others to make.

The Ballaghaderreen woman had worked as a broadcaster for 15 years in several stations, the majority at Mid-West Radio, and in fact she spent her last Sunday morning show in her new garda uniform before heading for training in Templemore.

She said this was a bittersweet moment as she closed one door on her broadcasting career and opened another to her future.

She explained that last year she came to a stage in her life where she began contemplating her future. One career she had always been interested in since primary school was An Garda Síochána.

Eunice recalled: “I was hitting the late stages of the age bracket at the time, and I just said, you know what, it’s now or never.”

This is a decision she has never regretted.

She continued: “I’ve always been an inquisitive kind of person. I like to get to the bottom of the story. But also, I suppose, from the helping aspect - being there to help people and give them support in times of crisis and in times of trauma and of need.”

Once her application was accepted she had to undertake an intensive 36-week training course in Templemore.

She had 12 weeks based on education, 12 weeks work placement in a training station and a further 12 weeks getting used to the equipment and learning how to conduct herself in public as a member of the gardaí.

The well-known Irish country singer and dance teacher said the training was challenging with a lot of physical aspects and a great deal of classroom-based study involved. However, she said that she thoroughly enjoyed this aspect of recruitment.

“I could see the light at the end of the tunnel, and it all made it worth it.” She added: “There were all different age backgrounds and age levels, and they came in and gave it a go realising, ‘I can actually do this.’”

She took on the advice of one of her superintendents who stated, “you are never the finished article”, explaining “as society changes, we have to learn to change with it.” After being officially attested and sworn in as a full member she will be a probationary garda for two years. She is now based at Sligo Garda Station.

She is encouraging others to think about joining the force as a new recruitment campaign is underway.

Eunice stated: “I would tell people to apply, send in the application form and see how you get on. I would advise people to start getting ready for the next stages, the fitness tests, interviews and all the different things that are ahead of you. Start preparing yourself and think ahead about what you can bring to the table. I would recommend it to anybody, and I would say give it a shot and hopefully you’ll be successful.”

She concluded: “You don’t know until you try but it’s a job worth doing. I would do it again in a heartbeat.”

The latest recruitment campaign is ongoing with a closing date of Thursday, October 9th.

Gardaí are highlighting the many additional benefits to those who choose to apply. These include the Foundation Training Programme that all trainees undergo which incorporates a Level 7 Bachelor of Arts Degree in Applied Policing, accredited by the University of Limerick.

Garda trainees receive an allowance of €354 per week for the 36 weeks of training with accommodation and food provided while resident in the Garda College from Sunday to Friday.

The starting salary is €38,694 and this rises incrementally while garda trainees will be assigned to work the core shift roster (12 hours) which attracts additional allowances.

Gardaí will have the opportunity to work on overtime which is paid at a rate of time and a half, unless working on a Sunday/public holiday which is paid at double time.

Other benefits include the Fast Accrual (Uniformed) Members Pension Scheme which allows members to build up pension benefits at a higher rate each year while there are flexible working options available throughout your career.

Access to the doctors of choice GP scheme (GP consultation fee is covered by An Garda Síochána); to the Medical Aid Scheme; to numerous Garda societies and clubs and Garda Credit Unions is included.

Since recruitment recommenced, and the first trainees entered the Garda College in December 2022 over 2,000 trainees have entered the college while over 1,400 probationer gardaí have attested to An Garda Síochána. Over 550 recruits are currently undergoing the training programme at the Garda College.

Recruit classes are now entering the college every 11-12 weeks. The next attestation of and intake of trainees to the Garda College will take place in November 2025.

Candidates applying for An Garda Síochána through this campaign are anticipated to start training through various recruit classes in 2026.

Interested applicants have until the closing date of October 9th to apply. Visit https://www. publicjobs.ie/en/garda-trainee for more information and to submit your application.