Well known Garda and former All Ireland medal winner who served in Laois appointed to new role

A well known Garda who left the Laois Offaly Division having been promoted to Superintendent in Tipperary last year has been assigned a new position the Clare Tipperary Division. 

All-Ireland winning Clare hurler Garda Superintendent Ollie Baker moved to the Nenagh policing district following his appointment from Inspector to Superintendent in October last year.

He had previously served in Tullamore but has also spent time in the Portlaoise district and in Galway and Westmeath.

Under the Garda Operating Model announced for Clare/ Tipperary Garda division on Monday, Supt Baker will now take up a new role. 

Supt Baker, who is based at Nenagh Garda Station, was given responsibility for Clare East/ Tipperary North Community Engagement Functional Area.

“The Garda Operating Model is being introduced as part of A Policing Service for the Future, which is the implementation plan based on the report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland. This model is recommended by both the Commission of the Future of Policing in Ireland and the Garda Inspectorate,” Gardai said in a statement. 

The restructure reflects international best practice as well as the realities of modern day policing in Ireland, the changing nature of crime and population trends.  The Operating Model will see the number of Garda Divisions reduce from 28 to 21, Gardai stated. 

“It included restructuring at National, Regional and local levels to provide a greater focus on community policed based on local needs. The new model introduces major changes to the structures of An Garda Síochána by providing a wider range of policing services for people in their local area,” they said. 

“It will particularly enhance the investigation of crime through the delivery of a greater range of specialised services in local areas, such as the investigation of sexual crime, domestic violence, cyber-crime, and economic crime,” Gardai said.  

In total there were six Garda Superintendents and one Garda Chief Superintendent appointed to roles in Tipperary and Clare as part of the announcement. 

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Chief Superintendent Colm O'Sullivan of Ennis Garda Station was given responsibility for Clare/ Tipperary Garda Division.

Superintendent Edmond Golden of Thurles Garda Station was given responsibility for Tipperary Central Community Engagement Functional Area.

Superintendent Kieran Ruane of Clonmel Garda Station was given responsibility for Tipperary South Community Engagement Functional Area.

Superintendent John Ryan of Ennis Garda Station was given responsibility for Clare Community Engagement Functional Area.

Superintendent Conor Dillon of Tipperary Town Garda Station was given responsibility for Clare/ Tipperary Performance Assurance Functional Area.

Superintendent James Tierney of Nenagh Street Garda Station was given responsibility for Clare/ Tipperary Crime Functional Area.