Memorial held to mark 30th anniversary of the death of Sergeant Paul Reid
The Garda Retired Members Association-Donegal North Branch (GSRMA) and the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA) held the ceremony at the UN Peacekeeping Memorial at Conwal Cemetery, Letterkenny, on Sunday, May 18
An Garda Síochána Donegal marked the 30th anniversary of the death of Sergeant Paul Reid in Sarajevo with a wreath-laying ceremony.
The Garda Retired Members Association-Donegal North Branch (GSRMA) and the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA) held the ceremony at the UN Peacekeeping Memorial at Conwal Cemetery, Letterkenny, on Sunday, May 18.
On this date in 1995, Sergeant Paul Reid and his colleague Garda Phillip Carr were returning to base from their peace monitoring duties at Sarajevo Airport, Bosnia and Herzegovina. As they travelled through the city, their official vehicle was struck by a sniper's bullet, which caused it to go out of control and crash, injuring Garda Carr and fatally injuring Sergeant Reid.
Monsignor Kevin Gillespie officiated at the event. Inspector Paul Gallagher attended the ceremony on behalf of Chief Superintendent Goretti Sheridan.
An Garda Síochána Donegal posted to social media: “The Garda Retired Members Association wish to convey their sincere gratitude to Monsignor Kevin Gillespie, to Inspector Paul Gallagher, to the IUNVA Chairman, James Mc Evoy who assisted with the military side of the ceremony and who also made a presentation to Ms. Mary Devlin (family member of Sergeant Reid) who was present representing Paul's wife (Rosemarie) and family who attended a UN ceremony in Sarajevo.
“Thank you to the members of IUNVA Post 9, 10 and 19 who attended and assisted and to the Military Police Veterans also. Thank you to all retired members of An Garda Síochána who assisted.
“A sincere thank you to everybody who travelled to be part of this very special ceremony today. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”