15 Scott Medals For Bravery To Be Awarded By The Garda Commission Today

Friday, 24 September 2021 09:36

File image: Garda Commissioner, Drew Harris/RollingNews

Today's medals arise from the Garda response to the November 1983 kidnapping of then Superquinn boss Don Tidey.

The Garda Commissioner Drew Harris is set to award 15 more Scott Medals for bravery at a ceremony in Dublin castle today.

Todays special ceremony will see awards presented in relation to events that occurred in December 1983 following the kidnapping of Mr. Don Tidey, by armed members of the IRA.

Adrian Kennedy reports:

"This is the second time in a month that the Garda Commissioner has handed out Scott medals - but today's awards focus on a specific incident - the November 1983 kidnapping of then Superquinn boss Don Tidey.

Mr Tidey was abducted from outside his home in Rathfarnham, Dublin - and a 4 week nationwide manhunt led Gardai to Drumcroman Woods in Co. Leitrim.

A vicious shout-out ensued and trainee Garda Gary Sheehan - and Private Patrick Kelly from the defence forces were both shot dead at the scene. The kidnappers escaped - and Mr. Tidey was rescued.

Garda Sheehan from Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan, will today be posthumously awarded a GOLD Scott medal for Bravery - while a further 14 silver and Bronze medals will be presented to other Gardai involved in the events of that day in December 1983 - and a connected event four days later.

The ceremony takes place later this morning in Dublin Castle."

Fifteen Scott Medals for bravery are being awarded to Gardai tomorrow who were involved in the rescue of Don Tidy, a businessman kidnapped by the IRA in 1983. These include a gold medal for Gda Gary Sheehan who was shot dead during the operation, along with Pvt Patrick Kelly
— Conor Gallagher (@ConorGallaghe_r) September 23, 2021

More from National News

Sharp Rise In M9 Collisions With Garda Call-Outs Up Year-On-Year

The figures, provided by An Garda Síochána, show a sharp increase compared to previous years.
Councillor Seeks Clarity On How Often Nightclubs and Late Bars In Naas Are Inspected For Fire Risks

Kildare Fire Service says all venues applying to renew their annual dance licence through the District Court were inspected in advance of the hearings.
New Figures From CSO Reveal How Much International Protection Applicants Earn Compared To Average Worker In Ireland

The data also found that a majority of asylum seekers entered the workforce once permitted to do so
Unpaid Eight-Month Work And Training Placement For Adults With Disabilities Branded "Extremely Unfair"

One Kildare mother told Kfm News that their child had been attending structured placements each weekday, typically from around 9:30am to 3pm, and in some cases carrying out tasks for up to two hours at a time - but are not receiving any form of payment.
Department Of Education Defends Kildare SNA Cuts Amid Claims Of Reduced Need At Some Schools

They said there "are many reasons why the level of need for SNA support in schools may fluctuate including falling enrolments, reduced or increased care needs and changing demographics as children move from primary to post-primary schools".
Naas Nurses Threaten Escalation As Staffing Row Deepens

Nurses spoke to Kfm News this week about issues they are dealing with on a daily basis.
Driving Tests Face Disruption As RSA Testers To Strike Next Week

The driving test centre in Naas is the only driving test centre in Kildare and attracts candidates from Kildare, Dublin, Wicklow and Laois.
Jury Delivers Not Guilty By Reason Of Insanity Verdict In Ballyfin Demesne Strangling Case

31-year-old Henry McGowan, from Brooklyn, New York, was found to be having a psychotic episode when he strangled his father to death at the 5-star hotel.