Local Laois Gardaí Sergeant retires after 35 years of dedicated service

Laois Gardaí paid tribute and bid farewell to a local Garda Sergeant who is retiring after 35 years of dedicated service.

On his final day at Ballylinan Garda Station, Sergeant PJ O’Brien officially handed over the keys to Sergeant Karen Sourke, marking the end of a remarkable career spanning 35 years in An Garda Síochána.

“Since 2016, PJ has served as Sergeant-in-Charge for Ballylinan, Stradbally, and Arles, where his leadership, integrity, and steady presence made a lasting impact on the communities he served and the colleagues he led.

Surrounded by friends and fellow Gardaí including Inspector Joe Culliton, Garda Rob Foran, Aaron O’Connor, and Brian Kelly, PJ was wished well on his retirement as he symbolically “locked up” Ballylinan Garda Station one last time,” Gardaí said. 

“On behalf of the wider Garda family and the communities of Laois, we thank PJ for his years of service and commitment to public safety. We wish him health, happiness, and many new adventures in his well-earned retirement.

Go n-éirí an bóthar leat, PJ.”