Presentation of Garda Mount "Connall" to the Garda Commissioner by Tetra.

The Garda Commissioner, Fachtna Murphy, recently accepted a presentation of a new Garda mount from Tetra. The horse, named Connall, is the newest member of the Garda Mounted Unit, which has stables in Aras an Uachtaráin.

The Garda Mounted Unit performs vital duties in preventing and detecting crimes. The Garda Mounted Unit provides a visible and invaluable presence for An Garda Síochána in our communities and at major events.

The profile of a Garda on horseback offers a high visibility approach to crime prevention and detection. A Garda on horseback is approximately twelve feet high, allowing them to see and be seen. International evidence has shown that one officer on horseback is equivalent to five or six officers on the beat.

The name Connall means “strong wolf” and is derived from Irish mythological folklore. Connall is the name of several individuals in Irish myths and legends, including the hero Connall Cearnach (“Connall of the victories”) who was a member of the Red Branch of Ulster and who avenged Cuchulainn’s death by killing King Lugaid.

Connall was named by head groom Conor Bangham and is in line with the names of other horses in the Mounted Unit, such as Boru, Lir and Setanta.

Conall is by a sire, namely “Luke Skywalker” out of “Beech Vale Gypsy” and was bred by Ms. Evelyn Mc Millan from Saintfield, Co. Down. The mount was supplied by Mr. Gary Clugston from Ballymena, Co. Antrim. Connall stands at 17 hands tall.

History of the Garda Mounted Unit:-

The Garda Mounted Unit was established in March 1998, with one Sergeant and six Gardaí, as well as six horses. The unit is based at Aras an Uachtaráin, where the horses are stabled.

Since its inception in 1998, the Garda Mounted Unit has engaged in and assisted with the day to day policing requirements of An Garda Síochána. The unit trains new Gardaí who join its ranks and also selects and trains suitable mounts for the unit.

As a result of the success of the unit, which was highlighted in a review carried out by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the Garda Commissioner increased the strength of the unit to two Sergeants and sixteen Gardaí. The unit currently has twelve horses which allows for a three tour system, including one night tour.

The presentation of Connall by Tetra brings to eight the number of horses which have been presented to An Garda Síochána. Organisations which have previously provided generous sponsorship to the Garda Mounted Unit are: Axa/PMPA; Blanchardstown Shopping Centre; the Department of Agriculture; Henry Street / Mary Street Traders; the Irish Draught Horse Society; the Square Shopping Centre, Tallaght; Superquinn and Westmanstown Sport and Recreation Club.

Plaques displaying details of each sponsor, the name of the horse and the date of presentation are permanently displayed at the Garda Mounted Unit stables in Aras an Uachtarain.