Mayo Garda Superintendent retires after 39 years of service

Mayo Garda Superintendent Joe McKenna has retired after 39 years of loyal service.

The Westport native was based at Castlebar Garda Station for the past number of years and he was held in very high regard in the community at large for his professionalism and dedication.

A farewell function in his honour, attended by former and serving members of An Garda Siochana from across the region, has taken place at the Castlecourt Hotel, Westport.

Also in attendance were members of Joe's family, his neighbours, local councillors, representatives of the Courts Service and legal profession as well as representatives from a wide range of local agencies.

Many warm tributes were paid to him for his outstanding policing work over many years and he was wished health and happiness in his retirement.

* Pictured are Superintendent Joe McKenna (third from right) with, from left, Garda Evan McKenna, former assistant Garda Commissioner Barry O'Brien, Garda Chief Superintendent Raymond McMahon, former Garda Inspector and serving Councillor Christy Hyland and Detective Inspector Seamus Nolan. Photo: Conor McKeown