Bravery medals awarded to two gardaí in Cork

Two members of An Garda Síochána have been awarded for their bravery for their involvement in the arrests during an armed robbery and abduction incident in Cork in 2005.

The Garda Commissioner hosted a ceremony yesterday, Wednesday, to award deceased and serving members of An Garda Síochána with Scott Medals for bravery in Dublin.

13 Scott medals were awarded - three gold, one silver and nine bronze.

Bronze Scott Medals were awarded to Sergeant John McDonagh and Sergeant Joseph Young for the arrest of armed robbery and abduction suspects on 2 May 2005. On that day two masked males entered a house in Mount Oval.

A garda document said the men took a pregnant woman and her four children hostage whilst waiting for the return of her husband.

“On returning home, the businessman was violently assaulted, bound and gagged and a hood put over his head. He was threatened and informed that the following morning he would have to take both males to his business to hand over a large sum of money,” according to the document.

During the night, the businessman managed to free himself and escape and made his way to a neighbour’s house where he contacted gardaí.

Gardaí were dispatched to the scene and all units were made aware that the males inside the house were armed and violent. Gardaí discreetly surrounded the house.

Garda Joe Young and Detective Garda John McDonagh, both armed, took up a concealed position near the front of the house.

Both armed males left the house through the front door. Garda Young and Detective Garda McDonagh drew their official firearms and along with Sergeant Gary McPolin confronted the armed males. Garda Young shouted: “Armed gardaí, armed gardaí!”

One of the armed males dropped a silver revolver and lay down as instructed, and was arrested by Detective Garda McDonagh. A Silver Colt Revolver loaded with six bullets was recovered at the scene.

The other armed male ran and was chased by Garda Young. Garda Young again called “armed gardaí!”.

The armed male turned, stumbled and fell to the ground. His right hand was in a pocket from which a black handle was protruding.

Garda Young ordered the male to raise his hands, which he did, and the armed male was arrested. A stun-gun was found in his possession.

The armed suspects were subsequently charged and convicted of various offences and received custodial sentences.