NYPD Assistant Chief James McCarthy and Detective Jackson Dagobert with the Gorman family Dáire, his sister Aoife, and parents Kenny and Shelley at Castleblayney College.

Brave teen honoured by NYPD

Veronica Corr

Published: Thu 19 Mar 2026, 3:36 PM

Last updated: Thu 19 Mar 2026, 3:51 PM

“When we were in New York it was an amazing experience with the NYPD, and when I saw them coming into school I was gobsmacked and delighted to see them again.”

That was the reaction of teenager Dáire Gorman, Dunraymond, Monaghan, who got the surprise of his life on Friday, March 6, when officers from the New York Police Department, who Dáire met when he was in the States recently, flew to Ireland specially to visit the second-year student at Castleblayney College.

NYPD Assistant Chief James McCarthy, who has strong family ties to Kerry, and Detective Jackson Dagobert came into Dáire’s classroom unannounced to present him with a proclamation recognising his strength, resilience and determination. In a video posted by Castleblayney College, Asst Chief McCarthy said: “I’ve got a really good friend that I met last month that I came all the way across the Atlantic to meet again, since he’s that special of a guy,” he said, before embracing Dáire, adding: “You’re doing great”.

His colleague Det Dagobert then read aloud the Proclamation from the NYPD Patrol Borough of Manhattan.

Detective Dagobert quoted directly from the proclamation: “Dáire has demonstrated extraordinary bravery and joy, leading to a special collaboration with the NYPD Patrol Borough Manhattan South, where he was welcomed not just as a visitor, but as a brother in blue and an honorary member of the department.”

Dáire Gorman with the Proclamation he was presented with recently by the NYPD.

Speaking to the Celt, Dáire’s mother Shelley recalls: “When the door opened into the classroom, and in walked the NYPD, Gardaí and ourselves, he was just sitting there. He called me over and said: ‘I don’t know what to say. I don’t know what to do. This is just unbelievable’. He was completely shocked. But he said it was a great surprise.”

Dáire spent an hour or so in the NYPD’s company and the family went out for dinner to round off the great day. Shelley paid special tribute to Keith Hill’s Peak Top Agency, who helped the NYPD arrange their top secret trip to Ireland and Castleblayney.

Castleblayney Garda Station was delighted to welcome Little Blue Hero Dáire, accompanied by the NYPD, for a very special visit. It was a privilege for Chief Superintendent Alan McGovern, Superintendent Pat O'Connell and members of An Garda Síochána to spend time with him.

Speaking to this reporter after the event, Chief Superintendent McGovern commented: “I am in awe of Dáire’s courage and positivity. It is amazing to see that his spirit remains an inspiration to all in An Garda Síochána.”

During the visit, a presentation was made to Assistant Chief McCarthy in recognition of the strong friendship and cooperation between An Garda Síochána and the NYPD. In a particularly special moment, members of the Armed Support Unit presented Dáire with their unit patch — a gesture that meant a great deal and symbolised the support of Gardaí for the wonderful work of the Little Blue Heroes Foundation.

Honorary Garda and NYPD Officer Dáire Gorman with his colleagues from both sides of the Atlantic, back left to right: NYPD Detective Jackson Dagobert, Garda Chief Superintendent Alan McGovern, NYPD Assistant Chief Jimmy McCarthy and Garda Superintendent Pat O'Connell pictured outside Castleblayney Garda Station.

The reason Dáire, his mother Shelley, father Kenny and sister Aoife visited New York in early 2026, was to attend a game in Madison Square Garden, which the teenager had been gifted.

When the Gorman family were there, a friend organised a trip to an NYPD station: “They all fell in love with Dáire and wanted to come over and see him,” Shelley commented.

Now 14 years old, Dáire was born with Crommelin Syndrome, which means he has no bones in his forearms or lower legs. The brave young man has had many surgeries in his life and he is preparing for another one, to have the bones in his upper arms trimmed back because they are still growing and would pierce his skin otherwise.

Dáire’s progress has been charted on social media in recent years. With An Garda Síochána having made him an Honorary Garda, Little Blue Heroes sent the Liverpool superfan to Anfield to see his heroes play in September 2023. At that match, his father Kenny posted a video of his son who was moved to tears when the crowd sang The Red’s anthem ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’. That video went viral and was viewed by Jürgen Klopp himself who invited Dáire and his family back to Anfield for a VIP meet and greet experience with the Liverpool manager and several players. Klopp and Dáire formed a bond so strong the Liverpool manager mentioned Dáire when announcing his resignation from the club, and Dáire and his family were invited over for Klopp’s last game in charge.

Dáire’s love of Liverpool continues and he is welcome anytime to attend a match.

Dáire is a huge fan of all kinds of sports and has his sights set on a career in broadcast journalism, on TV or radio. He’s off to a flying start too, as he narrated his own documentary ‘What Dáire Did Next’ charting the year since he met Jürgen Klopp, which aired on RTÉ One in December 2024.

Principal of Castleblayney College (CBC) Mary McArdle commented: “Our Castleblayney College community was honoured to welcome the NYPD Police Commissioner during a recent visit that left a lasting impression on students and staff alike.

“The visit centred on the remarkable Daire whose challenges are far outweighed by an infectious personality, resilience and a deeply positive outlook on life.”