Tributes have been paid to retiring Garda Sergeant Gerard Dalton.
The Milford-based sergeant will officially retire next month, but this week marked his last day as a court presenter in Falcarragh District Court.
Judge Éiteáin Cunningham led the tributes, saying that Sergeant Dalton had a “remarkable career” and was now retiring after 30 years of dedicated service.
“He had a strong sense of duty, always approaching his work with diligence, thoughtfulness and integrity,” Judge Cunningham said. “He has shown nothing but respect, courtesy and a willingness to help in any way he can.”
Judge Cunningham said this would be an “incredibly proud moment” for Sergeant Dalton’s family,
She said: “Thirty years of service is no small feat and the sacrifices made along the way are significant.”
She thanked him for his professionalism and unwavering commitment to his duties.
“No doubt you will enjoy every moment of the adventures that await in retirement,” Judge Cunningham added.
Solicitor Kieran O’Gorman said court practitioners would be sorry to see Sergeant Dalton retire.
Sergeant Dalton came to Donegal 30 years ago from County Offaly and has been a court presenter since 2018.
“He was a very capable presenter and he has been a pleasure for myself and my colleagues to deal with and we are all sorry to see him go,” Mr O’Gorman said. “It is a very trying and difficult job and sadly we are saying goodbye.”
Solicitor Mr Frank Dorrian said he and Sergeant Dalton were on opposing sides on many cases and “he always conducted himself very fairly and that has not gone unnoticed by myself and my colleagues”.
Sergeant Dalton will enjoy retirement in the company of his wife Wendy, their two grown-up children and his beloved golf clubs, said Garda Inspector Paul Gallagher.
Sergeant Dalton worked from stations in Dublin, Letterkenny, Annagry, Bunbeg, Glenties and most recently Milford.
Inspector Gallagher recalled how his first interaction with Sergeant Dalton when he himself transferred from Dublin to Annagry. “He rushed out of the station and reversed into my car!” Inspector Gallagher said.
“I would like to acknowledge the work of Sergeant Dalton in his career and specifically in his role as court presenter.
“We have worked together in many tragic circumstances, but I have witnessed his dedication to the welfare of victims and colleagues and I wish him health and happiness in his retirement for the years ahead.”
Mr Geoffrey McGonagle, on behalf of the Courts Service, praised the “utmost integrity, honesty and fairness” of Sergeant Dalton in dealing with people.
“I wish him health, happiness and peace – and hopefully there are no more early calls unless for a round of golf,” he said.
Reporter Mr Paddy Walsh, on behalf of the media, said Sergeant Dalton was helpful with the press and despite the seriousness of court cases, the retiring sergeant “had a great sense of humour”.
Sergeant Dalton thanked those who had paid tribute.
He said he enjoyed his role as a part-time court presenter, which allowed him to also carry out other duties in the force,
“I always enjoyed the court cases, the trials and everything about the courts and I enjoyed my time doing court presenting,” Sergeant Dalton said.
“I will miss my time in An Garda Siochana. I don’t retire today, I still have a couple of weeks left.
“I always said that if I had my health after 30 years that I would try something else.”
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