WATCH: New Mayo Garda recruit ‘over the moon’ after graduating
Claremorris man David Brennan was one of 206 new Garda recruits sworn into An Garda Síochána
David Brennan from Claremorris was one of 206 new Garda recruits sworn into An Garda Síochána during a graduation ceremony at the Garda College in Templemore on Friday, July 24.
He will now begin his career based at Carrickmacross Garda Station in County Monaghan.
Speaking after the ceremony, David admitted it was a memorable day. "I am over the moon to be honest with you, such a nice day, couldn't ask for more," he said.
While the excitement of graduation was still fresh, David revealed he was also eagerly anticipating Sunday's All-Ireland final, saying he "can't wait" to see Mayo take on Kerry.
The Mayo native said moving to Monaghan for his new role will be a significant change but one he is embracing. "It is a big move, but I am looking forward to it," he said.
When asked what attracted him to a career in An Garda Síochána, David said it had been an ambition since he was young.
"I always wanted to go into the guards from a young age to be honest. The job appeals to me, getting to know everyone in your community, I can't wait to start."
Before joining An Garda Síochána, David worked at Fort Wayne Metals, just outside Claremorris, where medical devices including stents and pacemakers are manufactured.
He said one of the biggest attractions of the job is that no two days are the same.
"The variety of the job, every day is not going to be the same, I am looking forward to meeting new people as well," he said.
David graduated as part of Intake 254, which saw 206 Garda recruits take the oath of office on Friday afternoon. The class represents the largest single attestation since 2019, before the Covid-19 pandemic.
Addressing the media, Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O'Callaghan congratulated the new Garda members as they embarked on careers in public service.
"I want to wish all the members of An Garda Síochána well in their careers. It is a very worthwhile career they are embarking on and also that obviously there are risks involved in it but that I suppose is part of the reason why people want to devote themselves to public service within An Garda Síochána," he said.
The Minister also welcomed the attendance of PSNI Chief Constable John Boutcher at the ceremony.
"I also want to mention I very much welcome the fact that we have the Chief Constable of the PSNI down here today, John Boutcher, and I want to welcome him to the passing out as well," he added.
Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly said the graduation represented another important boost for frontline policing.
"We have 206 members of An Garda Síochána being attested today so that is really welcome for communities all around the country and in addition to that we have just over 200 people arriving into our college on Sunday night. So we are in a really good position around resourcing at the moment," he said.
The newly sworn Gardaí were recruited through the 2024 and 2025 recruitment campaigns and completed a blend of classroom learning at the Garda College in Templemore alongside practical training in Garda stations.
Of the 206 graduates, 142 are male and 64 are female, while 24 members were born outside Ireland, representing 15 different countries.
The latest attestation brings the total number of probationer Gardaí sworn in since recruitment resumed in 2022 to more than 2,200.
An Garda Síochána currently has 14,733 sworn members, with more than 600 Garda trainees currently in training. A further intake of over 200 recruits is due to begin at the Garda College on Monday, July 27.