Gardaí from Abbeyleix and Portlaoise Garda stations will hold a 'Cops and Donuts' fundraiser in aid of Special Olympics Ireland.

This November, Gardaí will sell donuts in Portlaoise shopping centre, with 100% of funds raised going towards the cause.

"Local Gardaí will be gathering with Special Olympic athletes and volunteers to sell donuts in aid of Special Olympics Ireland, this is our fourth year to run the event," Abbeyleix Sgt Paul Howard told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

Pictured: the launch of Cops and Donuts in Laois shopping centre, 2024

"Last year we sold out in record time, we advertised that we would be in Laois shopping centre from 12pm to 4pm, we sold out completely around 2:30pm. We've ordered more donuts this year!" Sgt Howard laughed.

Almost 50 volunteers will assist in the event on Sunday November 23, staggered throughout the day. Sgt Howard hails the day as 'great fun for a great cause'.

"It's always a great turn out, we enjoy hanging out with the athletes and they love hanging out with us Gardaí too. The day always flies," he said.

Cops and Donuts is a worldwide fundraising initiative, which Sgt Howard began running in his former Limerick garda station in 2013.

"One of the gardaí is continuing on the tradition in Limerick, I started it in Laois after my transfer to Abbeyleix garda station in 2022. I am a member of the Law Enforcement Torch Run committee, and we help organise certain events such as polar plunges and Cops and Donuts.

"We're very lucky to have donuts donated to us fresh from Kelly's Bakery in Wexford, the business has a longstanding tradition with Special Olympics," the sergeant explained.

Last March, Sgt Howard was chosen to represent An Garda Síochána in the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics winter games. The Laois garda was one of 106 enforcement officers around the globe to represent their country for the Law Enforcement Torch Run.

Sgt Howard has arranged for over 2,000 donuts to be baked and delivered to Portlaoise on the morning of the Cops and Donuts event.

"We had 1,500 last year and sold out, so we have upped it this year. We will be in the shopping centre straight across from Tesco, with both cash and card payments available," he said.

"I know that a lot of people don't carry cash, myself included, so the Special Olympics have arranged for a card machine to be on site too. Donuts will be available at €2 for two, or €5 for six. A few people were dissapointed that they missed us last year when we sold out and wrapped up, they had come over purely just to buy the donuts. So make sure to come over early!" Sgt Howard finished.

The event will also be attended by trainee Gardai from Garda College, Templemore who are currently on placement in Portlaoise Garda Station.

If you are thinking about joining An Garda Síochána, gardaí encourage those interested to speak with trainees about their experience.

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