Eight serving members of An Garda Síochána have been awarded Scott Medal Commendations of First and Second Class for their bravery and courage shown in the course of their duties while responding to four separate incidents in the Eastern Region.

The ceremony, attended by the Minister of State, James Browne T.D and Assistant Commissioner for the Eastern Region, Paul Cleary was held at Hotel Kilkenny yesterday.

Scott Medal Commendations are a very special recognition and are only awarded to members that have demonstrated exemplary skill and decision-making while in immediate danger and under significant pressure.

Two Second Class Commendations and six First Class Commendations were presented at today’s ceremony. These were:

Garda Caroline Mulpeter and Garda Lorna Reilly

On the 16th of May 2011, Garda Caroline Mulpeter and Garda Lorna Reilly both displayed exceptional courage and bravery, involving the risk to life during the execution of duty, intercepting an improvised explosive device. They were both awarded a Scott Medal Commendation, Second Class.

Garda Caroline O’Brien

On the 7th of July 2019, Garda Caroline O’Brien displayed exceptional courage and bravery, involving the risk to life during the execution of duty, whilst performing a river rescue. Garda O’Brien was awarded a Scott Medal Commendation, First Class.

Sergeant Hud Kelly and Garda Cathal Furlong

On the 26th of April 2015, Sergeant Hud Kelly and Garda Cathal Furlong displayed exceptional courage and bravery, involving risk to life in the execution of duty, entering a burning building with the intention of preserving human life. They have both been awarded a Scott Medal Commendation, First Class.

Sergeant Fiona Ruth, Garda Graham Gohery and then Trainee, Garda Aisling Butler

On the 1st of March 2016, then Garda Fiona Ruth, Garda Graham Gohery and then Trainee Garda, Aisling Butler displayed exceptional courage and bravery, involving risk to life in the execution of duty, in engaging and pursing two armed assailants following an armed robbery at a Post Office. Now Sergeant Ruth, Garda Gohery and now Garda, Aisling Butler have each been awarded a Scott Medal Commendation, First Class.

Minister of State at the Department of Justice, James Browne T.D said, "I am delighted to attend today’s event in the Eastern Garda Region as we honour the courage, dedication, and unwavering commitment of our Gardaí. Their selfless actions, often performed in the face of great danger, embody the very values Colonel Walter Scott envisioned.

"I am deeply proud to present these awards to Gardaí who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to protect our communities, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to them and their families for their service and sacrifice."

Speaking following the ceremony, Assistant Commissioner for the Eastern Region, Paul Cleary added, "Every day, Gardaí go out and conduct their duties to the very best of their ability - always with other people’s safety and preserving justice in mind. That’s what can sometimes make the job quite difficult but these eight members went even beyond that and set aside their own fear and personal safety in view of saving lives.

"Today is a special and important recognition of their courage during these frightening incidents and they have now been rightfully awarded a Scott Medal Commendation. Both as Assistant Commissioner in this region and as their colleague in policing, I am very proud of each one. I have no doubt that their families and loved ones that joined us today are immensely proud also.”