Arva people pay tribute to retiring sergeant

The function room in the Breffni Arms Hotel in Arva was packed last Friday night as hundreds of people from the local area turned up to say farewell to the long-serving garda sergeant, Willie Ward. On behalf of the organising committee, Eamon Gray, presented Sgt Ward with a beautiful framed mirror, bearing the An Garda Síochána logo and depicting an outline of the local garda station. Cards were signed by the crowd as they entered the venue.

All money donated on the night will be given to local charities. He was accompanied by his sons, Oisin and Cian; daughter Orla and members of his wider family.

During his career with the gardaí, Garda Ward served in multiple posts across the Cavan Monaghan Division - in Carrickmacross Garda Station, Scotstown, Ballybay, Cootehill and Cavan.

In 1994, he went on a 12-month peace keeping tour of duty to Cyprus with the United Nations. When he came back to Cavan, a vacancy arose in Arva and Gda Ward was granted a transfer in July, 1997.

The MC on the night, Barney Cully, pointed out that he was soon promoted to the role of sergeant. “To everybody’s delight here, Willie was left in Arva. He soon immersed himself in the community,” said Barney.

“He has settled in so well, he has decided to make Arva his permanent residence,” he added.

In reply Willie Ward thanked everyone for coming along: “I am humbled by the crowd that has turned up”.

In addition to covering Arva, his area also included Cornafean, Dromard and Gowna. Over the past five years, he was also responsible for the Ballinagh and Killeshandra areas and “I would like to thank the people in those areas for their help”.

“Joining the local football club lead to my involvement in the community and the support I received from the whole community over the years was unbelievable,” said Sgt Ward.

“I would like to thank Eamon Gray and all the organising committee for a lovely night.”