GPA president pays tribute to inspirational Mayo garda

GRA president Jim Mulligan has paid tribute to two gardai who died over the weekend

He stated: “On behalf of the Garda Representative Association, I want to express heartfelt sympathies to the families, friends and colleagues of Garda David Hearne and Garda John McCallion, both of whom died tragically over the weekend.

“Garda Hearne was attached to the Traffic Corps in the South East and stationed in Waterford.

“David was regarded as a hero for his work as a Garda diver, earning bravery awards for saving many lives.

“Garda McCallion, who died while cycling near his hometown of Swinford, came from a family of gardai.

“His death will be particularly painful for his family because his brother, Robbie was killed in the line of duty in Co Donegal ten years’ ago last month.

“The Garda Siochána have lost two great members who were inspirational colleagues to everyone in the organisation and great friends to many members.

“The passing of both men is all the more tragic considering they leave behind seven children between them.”

* Books of Condolence are open at Ballina, Swinford and Claremorris Garda Stations