Time for ‘a rest’ as long-serving Limerick garda retires

ONE OF the longest-serving gardai in the country has hung up his hat and uniform for the last time.

Garda Bill Collins, based in Cappamore for the last 20 years, had to retire after 40 years as he turned 60. An Garda Siochana has a compulsory retirement age of 55, which can be extended to 60, subject to the Commissioner being satisfied of their ability to continue carrying out duties.

Mr Collins was appointed to the force on October 5, 1983. He served in Listowel, Henry Street, Mayorstone, and Bruff before his final move to Cappamore in 2003.

Local councillor Martin Ryan said Mr Collins was “your typical salt of the earth local country garda that knew everything about everyone and always had his finger on the pulse”.

“He was the type of garda that local people know, love and want to see in their area,” said Cllr Ryan.

Inspector Gearoid Thompson said Mr Collins has left “an indelible footprint” on Cappamore and east Limerick and was an “integral part of our community”.

“Bill is one of a kind. It would be very rare that guards would get into their 40th year and to spend a substantive amount of that in the one place. The Cappamore Show won’t be the same without seeing Bill in uniform. He had such a massive presence in Cappamore – he embedded himself in the community,” said Insp Thompson, who announced that Mr Collins’ replacement is a fellow Tipperary man, Garda Stephen Noonan.

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“It will take a great guard to replace Bill but Stephen is a strong character, experienced and will be a great community guard,” said Insp Thompson, who also spoke of what a great double act retired sergeant, Helen Holden and Mr Collins were for years in the Cappamore area.

Ms Holden said Mr Collins was a great colleague and friend during those years.

“He had the perfect temperament for community policing – the ability to relate to the local people. He understood their needs and was always willing to go above and beyond to protect the community. There was many occasions where people would contact the station either in person or in writing to express their gratitude for his help on difficult situations,” said Ms Holden.

Following her retirement in 2019, the new sergeant appointed to Cappamore was Adrian Condon. “I was very lucky to have a garda like Bill to welcome me to the area. His local knowledge was second to none. Bill epitomised local policing at its best. He set a template that myself and Garda Noonan will endeavour to follow,” said Sgt Condon.

They all wished Bill a long and happy retirement.