Ballina gardaí welcome four new Little Blue Heroes recruits

THE gardaí in Ballina have four special new recruits.

The Little Blue Heroes had their graduation ceremony at Ballina Stephenites GAA Club yesterday where Kiah Ruane, siblings Sarah and Mick Corrigan, and Lily Rose McLoughlin were officially made Honorary Gardaí.

They were presented with their certificates of confirmation and bravery medals by Assistant Commissioner Barry O’Brien and local Superintendent Joe Doherty of Ballina/Belmullet Community Engagement.

Helping out on the day was Mayo’s senior Honorary Garda Aimee O'Loughlin who welcomed her new colleagues to Little Blue Heroes.

The event was reported on the Little Blue Heroes Facebook page, where there's lots more photos from Garda Russell Gibbons.

Joining the celebrations were Ballina ambulance, fire brigade, Moy Search & Rescue Unit, the Garda Mounted Unit, Garda Dog Unit, RSU, Roads Policing Unit, Community Policing Unit and Ballina garda staff.

Paul Bourke of Toymaster donated walkie talkies for the new gardaí, with John Maloney of SuperValu looking after the catering, Wispys provided party balloons, and cupcakes and cakes by Cakes by Hollie.

Little Blue Heroes received a cheque for €746 from the family of Honorary Garda Kiah who did a birthday fundraiser in aid of the Little Blue Heroes Foundation.

The foundation also extended thanks to Ballina Stephenites for facilitating the event, Garda Audrey Garvey (Little Blue Heroes volunteer) and Sergeant Margaret Sweeney who coordinated the day.

For more photos from the day and to follow the Little Blue Heroes, pop over to Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/littleblueheroes