The Garda Commissioner, Fachtna Murphy, has expressed his sadness at the death of former Commissioner of An Garda Síochána, Eamonn Doherty.
Mr. Doherty passed away early this morning following a long illness and the Commissioner extended his sympathies to his wife, Patricia, daughters Deirdre, Patricia and Fionnuala, sons Colm and Eamonn and his extended family including siblings, nieces, nephews and grandchildren.
The Commissioner said:
"I offer my condolences to Eamonn's wife and family. Eamonn had a full and productive life, 45 years of which he gave in dedicated commitment to An Garda Síochána.
Throughout his distinguished career, he consistently demonstrated a high level of professionalism and dedication to the community.
This continued to be a marked feature of his life following his retirement from An Garda Síochána in 1988. In everything he did, he worked to make a difference to the lives of others in a spirit of public service.
Eamonn gave great leadership to An Garda Síochána during difficult times and his important contributions in areas such as training and sport influenced many careers and helped mould this strong organisation.
He will be remembered fondly by his many friends and colleagues.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
Garda Press Office
24th April 2010
Note for Editors:
Eamonn Doherty was born on the 12/12/1923 in Buncranna, County Donegal. He joined an Garda Siochana in 1943 and spent 45 years in the service retiring in 1988. Mr. Doherty was the first member of an Garda Siochana to train with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He subsequently was the first Training Officer appointed to the then new Garda Training Centre at Templemore in 1964. He was Commissioner of an Garda Siochana from November, 1987 to December 1988. During his time in an Garda Siochana Mr. Doherty was very involved in sport and subsequently became chairman of Cospoir the Irish Sports Council. On retirement he was the Irish Governments nominee to the E.U. Task Force on Drugs. He also chaired the Doherty Commission which led to the transfer of Air Sea Rescue Service from the Irish Air Corps to the Irish Coastguard. In 2006 he received the Ireland Medal Award from the Royal Life Saving for his work relating to this commission. He was Donegal Man of the Year in 1987 and was Irish American of the Year in Chicago in 1987. He was also a Patron of the Irish Amateur Boxing Association.
