Local children get insight into history of An Garda Siochána
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AT the launch of the Garda Children’s Workbook was Garda Aoife Curley with her son Ben from Kiltiernan NS. Sean Lydon Photographer/ Lydon ImagesImage 2 of 3
AT the launch were Siobhan McSharry (Scoil Chuimín & Caitríona NS Oughterard), Aidan Doherty (Scoil Naomh Padraig NS, Moylough), Superintendent Paudie O’Shea and Sarah Byrne (Barnaderg NS). Sean Lydon Photographer/ Lydon ImagesImage 3 of 3
AT the launch of the workbook were Michael Owens (Director of Services Housing, Galway County Council), Galway County Mayor Cllr. Martina Kinnane, An Garda Síochána Assistant Commissioner Cliona Richardson, Marie Mannion (Heritage Officer, Galway County Council) and Liam Hanrahan (Director of Services, Economic Develpment & Planning, Galway County Council). Photos Sean Lydon Sean Lydon Photographer/ Lydon ImagesPUPILS from schools in North Galway were in attendance of the launch of a new bilingual workbook which is set to teach 5th and 6th Class children about the history of An Garda Síochána.
Produced in partnership with Galway County Council, the Garda Children’s Workbook offers an educational and colourful insight into the foundation and development of the Gardaí.
It was officially launched at the Garda North Western Region Headquarters in Galway by Assistant Commissioner Clíona Richardson earlier this month. Also in attendance were pupils from Barnaderg and Moylough National Schools, alongside four other schools from across the county.
“Our workbook provides an insight into the founding of the Force in 1922 and as to how those first Gardaí helped develop a style of policing which eventually led to them being accepted and trusted by the communities they served,” stated Assistant Commissioner Richardson.
"It also explains the work that An Garda Síochána do on a daily basis across the country in ensuring that we keep people safe. This work in some cases is carried out by specially trained Gardaí in roles such as the Dog Unit, Mounted Unit, Air Support Unit and Armed Support Units.
"The activities section in the workbook will give children an opportunity to work together with their classmates and test their knowledge and understanding of the role of An Garda Síochána, which hopefully they will find both interesting and beneficial.”
Marie Mannion was the joint Editor and Project Manager of the workbook. She worked closely with teachers to ensure the workbook meets the standards for 5th and 6th Class pupils and aligns with their curriculum.
"The whole idea for this is for pupils to understand the rich history of the Gardaí, where they came from, what they do and what it means to all of our lives,” explained Mannion, who is also the Heritage Officer at Galway County Council.
Gardai, members of the Garda Síochána Retired Members’ Association and representatives from Galway County Council and Moylough Heritage were also in attendance at the launch, along with historian William Henry.
The workbook is being delivered to schools around Galway City and County by Community Gardaí and is also available to download from garda.ie.
“An Garda Síochána plays a crucial role in keeping our communities safe and secure,” added Martina Kinane, Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council.
“This workbook is an opportunity to discover more about their work in a fun and engaging way. Through this workbook, we hope to embrace our cultural legacy while building a more inclusive and understanding society.”