Day out at Templempore...

Today was my brother's graduation day from Templemore where he became a fully fledged member of the Garda Siochana. I was so proud of him as he marched smartly in his uniform and all I could think of was how as a small kid he loved watching the movie Police Academy and here he was today living his dream...

An officer and a gentleman!






Minister Willie O 'Dea (who has making the media headlines this week with a €50,000 bet from Ben Dunne to shave off his signature moustache) did the honours at the ceremony which is known as 'the passing out ceremony'. His speech was as long as a thesis on crime statistics, so very long that one of the graduates did indeed 'pass out' while she was waiting in line for him to finish waffling - even as she was escorted to a seat by first aiders in front of him, it didn't deter him. As it was raining cats and dogs and people had to stand there listening to his verbal diarrhoea as it chucked down, I couldn't help wondering if he would have been better off spending time shaving his facial hair for charity!


Nevertheless it was a proud day for everyone concerned. The marching and drillwork was spectacular to watch and there was such a great buzz when the caps were tossed in the air.