Watch video: Trainee gardaí share experiences ahead of recruitment deadline

With the latest Garda recruitment campaign closing on June 3rd, three trainee gardaí currently undertaking part of their training at Roscommon Garda Station have shared their journeys into policing.

Speaking to the Herald, the three Roscommon natives offered their thoughts on why they decided to joining An Garda Síochána.

At just 20 years old, Andrew Ward from Mount Florence in South Roscommon, represents a new generation answering the call to public service. Before entering training, Andrew spent four years working as a hotel porter, a role he says gave him valuable life experience.

“You’re dealing with people every day, helping, solving problems, staying calm under pressure,” he explains. “That definitely stands to you coming into this job.” Originally, Andrew had considered a career in the Defence Forces but over time, his ambitions gravitated towards An Garda Síochána.

For 24-year-old Daniel Rogers from Roosky, the decision to join the gardaí was shaped by family tradition. He is one of eight from his immediate and wider family to have joined the force.

Daniel studied social care and says his passion lies in working with people.

“I’d love to go into community policing if I get that opportunity,” he explains.

The journey of 25-year-old Oisín O’Reilly into the gardaí combines family with an impressive sporting background. Having grown up with an uncle in the force, joining An Garda Síochána was always on his radar. “I always intended to join at some stage,” he says.

Before entering training, Oisín enjoyed a successful career in soccer, playing in the League of Ireland with Galway United and Sligo Rovers. He believes the experience of playing at a competitive level has helped prepare him for the demands of policing.

“Sport teaches you discipline, teamwork and how to deal with pressure,” he says. “Those are all things that carry across into the job.” 

His sporting involvement also extended into his Garda career, representing the force in a recent Futsal tournament in Spain against other police teams - an experience he describes as both competitive and rewarding.

All three trainees emphasise that Garda training is both physically and mentally demanding. The initial programme lasts 36 weeks in Templemore, where recruits are introduced to law, operational procedures, conflict management, and physical training.

Out of this 36 weeks, 24 are based in Templemore and 12 are completed at allocated Garda training stations. Once they have attested, probationer gardaí spend a further 70 weeks in training stations.

Current recruitment applications are being managed by publicjobs.ie on behalf of An Garda Síochána and can be submitted via www.publicjobs.ie. The competition remains open until Wednesday, June 3rd at 3 p.m..

Text: Richard Canny

Video: Aoife Hynes