Gardaí in Galway have treated a group of children with serious and life-impacting illnesses to a very special day out at the regional headquarters in Renmore.
The 'Little Blue Heroes' were sworn in as Honorary Members of An Garda Síochána and given a VIP tour of the station.
It's a big day out for these little people and their families. They came from all across Galway city and county to be honoured at the graduation ceremony hosted by the Little Blue Heroes Foundation.
This is a not-for-profit-charity operated entirely by volunteers made up of Garda members, past and present, alongside community groups.
Its mission is to provide practical and financial support to families of children who have serious illnesses whilst making dreams come true to be Honorary Gardaí for a day.
Later the children were taken on a tour of the station and introduced to members of the Armed Support Unit, Mounted Unit, Public Order Unit, Roads Policing Unit and Dog Unit.
It was an opportunity to see and hear about the day-to-day work of our emergency services.
Garda Brian O'Donnell is one of the key organisers of the annual event.
"We love being part of this event and seeing the happiness and the smiles on the kids' faces. Most of them face multiple health challenges and chronic conditions. It's a little bit of respite for their families as well."
The Little Blue Heroes Foundation supports these families with practical and financial support while empowering the lives of children through positive community engagement.
Roisín Costello wiped her tears away through smiles as she caressed her 15-month-old son, Oisín.
"This is such a wonderful day for our children. My little man is the youngest here today and he has so many complications as a result of his condition, 22q Deletion Syndrome. Yet here he is in his garda uniform beaming with happiness. The support we get from this foundation on so many levels is phenomenal."
The children were presented with a medal and a certificate by Assistant Commissioner Cliona Richardson at the special ceremony, marking the close of a very special day with memories to be treasured forever.
'An honour and a privilege'
Tomás McLoughlin, 14, from Corofin, is one of today's graduates and said: "It's been an honour and a privilege to be a part of the garda community.
"It’s great support that they've given us over the over the past three years and the Christmas surprises, and loads of other gifts, especially after my hip surgery in November 2021."
Tomás explained that as an honorary garda he "got to keep an eye on mum and dad".
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, he said that when he gets older, he wants to be a radio presenter and a sports commentator and that he might like Des Cahill’s job.
Tomás’s mother, Annemarie McLoughlin, said today was a special day for the whole family as well as Tomás, as it recognises children like him who have a lifelong condition and a disability.
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She explained that the little Blue Heroes Foundation granted Tomás’s wish in November 2021 of becoming an honorary guard after he was nominated by family friend Aine Ryan.
She said that their local garda Dermot O'Brien came to the house and presented Tomás with his garda uniform and number.
"The Little Blue Heroes, they are a not-for-profit registered charity, so they are a voluntary charity led by the garda members, retired garda and people from the community and provide not only practical, but also financial support for families of children similar to Tomás."
Ms McLoughlin said a highlight of all this was charity remembering Tomás and other children like him at different times of the year.
"In particular Christmas time, his birthdays and Tomás would always look forward to the gifts he would receive each Christmas.
"So, a beautiful gold box of gifts would arrive through our local garda that they would present to Tomás at the house.
"This is something that Tomás would look forward to because it will provide a highlight for Tomás at Christmas time with his own little special little gifts."
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