Cork gardaí honoured for bravery
Two courageous Cork gardaí have been awarded medals for bravery in the line of duty at a ceremony in Dublin today, Monday.
The Garda Commissioner hosted a ceremony to award deceased, retired, and serving members of An Garda Síochána with Scott Medals for bravery at Walter Scott House at 11am this morning.
Cork Garda Timothy Sweeney received a Silver Scott Medal while Garda Morgan Lahiffe was posthumously awarded with a bronze medal.
On 24 March 2022, Garda Timothy McSweeney, responded to a domestic incident at a house in Douglas, coming to the aid of an injured party in fear for her safety and that of her children.
Garda McSweeney entered the house and encountered a male who was intoxicated and in an agitated state. The male went to the kitchen and grabbed a large knife. In order to protect himself and the occupants of the house, Garda McSweeney instinctively grabbed the man’s wrist with the intention of disarming him.
A violent struggle ensued where Garda McSweeney suffered a number of knife wounds to his arms and an injury to his knee and back when he was dragged to the floor. Despite his injuries, Garda McSweeney continued to struggle with the male for some time until he managed to get him onto the ground, draw his baton, and restrain him.
On the 20 August 1971, Garda Morgan Lahiffe, accompanied by Garda Gerry O’Sullivan, responded to a call concerning three armed raiders that had entered the Five Star Supermarket in Togher.
On entering the premises, a masked raider ran towards the two gardaí, pointing his gun at them. Garda Lahiffe and Garda O’Sullivan refused to leave the shop, before a second armed raider came from an office, forcing them to reluctantly retreat. As the armed raiders left the premises, both gardaí were again threatened at gunpoint. The raiders got into a car and drove onto Clashduv Road, pursued by Garda Lahiffe and Garda O’Sullivan.
Garda O’Sullivan got out of the car at a phone box to alert headquarters and request assistance. Garda Lahiffe followed the armed raiders to the College Road area where he was joined by other garda members who assisted in the search for the raiders. One of the armed raiders attempted to escape on foot and the gardaí gave chase. Subsequently the armed raiders were apprehended.
Overall, eight Scott bravery medals were awarded at today’s ceremony, including two gold medals (posthumously), one silver, and five bronze (1 posthumously).
The Scott Medal is the highest award that can be bestowed by the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána and is awarded for most exceptional bravery and heroism involving the risk of life in the execution of duty.