Bravery awards for Trim Gardai

Two Trim based Gardai were honoured for their bravery at an awards ceremony on Friday at Farmleigh House.

Sergeant Brendan O' Toole and Garda Caitríona Munnelly were among 26 recipients of National Bravery Awards.

The Ceann Comhairle, Seán Ó Fearghaíl presented the awards to those who risked their own lives to aid others in peril.

Both Trim Garda received bronze medals and certificate of bravery, much to the delight of their colleagues.

Supt Martina Noonan, Trim said "We are very proud of them. Everyone is delighted."

The award was made in recognition of their bravery in June last year when they searched a burning house to ensure nobody was trapped inside and protected members of the public from a man swinging an iron bar.

Early in the morning of 13th of June 2022, at about 6:45am, Sergeant O' Toole and Garda Munnelly were in the Ballivor area, when a distressed man directed them to an incident.

According to the award citation; "They observed a large amount of smoke bellowing from the roof of a house and a number of people attempting to extinguish the blaze. They also observed another man breaking the windows of the house with a large pointed iron bar and pouring a liquid substance onto the flames. This man was also swinging the bar at the people trying to extinguish the blaze.

"Without hesitation Sergeant O' Toole and Garda Munnelly exited the vehicle and positioned themselves between the man and the members of the public. As the Gardai approached him, the man swung the bar at them and also sprayed a liquid substance at them. Notwithstanding the danger, the two Gardaí were able to disarm and apprehend him without injury to any persons present.

"At this stage the property was engulfed in flames but once the threat from the man was neutralised, Sergeant O' Toole and Garda Munnelly searched the property to ensure no one was trapped inside. "Although both Gardaí suffered minor smoke inhalation and the home of a local couple was completely destroyed, nobody was injured as a result of the incident."

It was not the first time for Sgt O'Toole to receive a bravery award. He received a Scott medal and a bronze medal for an incident in May 2014 when he pursued two armed raiders who held up a corner shop in Kildare. Originally from County Wexford, Sgt O'Toole was a detective in Rathmines Garda Station at the time.

He was transferred as sergeant to Trim in May last year and he and Garda Munnelly are still in the same Garda unit in Trim.

Garda Munnelly, a native of Co Mayo, was still a probationary Garda when the incident in Ballivor occurred.

Sgt O'Toole said he was delighted with the award as it is nice to receive recognition. "It had been a tricky situation. The safety of the public was a priority, we had to ensure they were safe.

"I am delighted for Catriona. She didn't hesitate and because of her actions during a dangerous incident, the only damage was to property."

Garda Munnelly said she was delighted with the award.

"It was lovely to receive it, it is a special occasion.

"It was a frightening situation, but I didn't have time to think, I just went on instinct," she recalled.