Retiring Chief Superintendent praised at Laois Joint Policing Committee

Retiring Garda Chief Superintendent John Scanlan was praised for his service to Laois at his last Laois Joint Policing Committee meeting. 

Laois County Council CEO John Mulholland noted the success the Garda Chief Supt had enjoyed in his role for more than a decade. 

“It is one of the safest counties in the country and given our proximity to Dublin and other regional centres that is no mean feat,” said Mr Mulholland.  

He said over the past eleven years Chief Supt Scanlan had collaborated with the council in an “extraordinary fashion” during some major events including Storm Ophelia, Covid and in major events like no other counties' experience such as the Electric Picnic and the National Ploughing Championships.

He praised the impact Chief Supt Scanlan had on West Laois and in particular Cullohill, which he said wouldn't have found the confidence to host The Folly Festival without his input. 

Mr Mulholland said the Chief Supt had taken a keen interest in local food producers and in sport locally, although he noted that since 2018 he had never stopped talking about the Shannonside men.

“It is very noticeable that under the green jersey you have a blue and white one,” said Mr Mulholland. 

Chief Supt Scanlan was praised for encouraging youth engagement in sport and recreation and for his involvement with young Munster and it was noted that all his work was done with great modesty. 

“I think these are things that need to be said at the end of your career so, go raibh maith agat,” concluded Mr Mulholland   

Laois TD Brian Stanley thanked Chief Supt Scanlan for his hard work over the past 11 years. 

“I want to pay tribute to Chief Superintendent John Scanlan. It is hard to believe it is 11 years since you arrived,” said Cllr John King.  

He said the Chief Supt had made a “serious impact” and had put Cullohill on the map. He thanked him for getting an extra Garda Sergeant in Rathdowney and for all his hard work. 

Cllr Conor Bergin also praised the Chief Supt. He recalled the major issues with rural break-ins 11 years earlier. 

“I think he is going to be a huge loss to Laois,” said Cllr Bergin.

He expressed his belief that the Chief Superintendent could take up a role in event management, given his record of working with the National Ploughing Championships and Electric Picnic. 

Muintir na Tire’s Conor O’Leary thanked the Chief Supt for his support of community alert. He noted the Chief Supt had never shied away from attending meetings. 

Cllr Padraig Fleming wished Chief Supt Scanlan and his family well in his retirement. 

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Those sentiments were echoed by Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley who said Chief Supt Scanlan had always worked hard behind the scenes to address any issues. 

“I wish you the best of luck in your endeavours,” she said. 

“To me you were the face and voice of the Gardai and I wish you well,” said Bobby Delaney. 

Wishing Chief Supt Scanlan well, Chair of the Joint Policing Committee, Aisling Moran made a presentation on behalf of its members. 

Chief Supt Scanlan thanked the committee members for their good wishes. He said the work of the council representatives is often not recognised but said their assistance was vital. 

He thanked John Mulholland and all the staff at the council for all the work they do. 

“This is my last Joint Policing Committee. I have been here for 11 years. The landscape of policing has changed dramatically in that period,” said Chief Supt Scanlan. 

“This is a law abiding community here of very decent people that I have had the honour of serving,” said Chief Supt Scanlan.  

“Unfortunately what you see is what you got from time to time. I don’t stand on ceremony, I call it out for what I think it is, sometimes I have been wrong, I apologise for that, but all in all I think we work well together, so thank you all,” said Chief Supt Scanlan.    

“The best tribute I make to county Laois is that I came here and I live here and I will remain to live here. That should be my stamp of approval on the people of Laois, on the place that Laois is and I  say to you all, protect the integrity of this county,” he said.