Highest honours for bravery presented

Retired Sergeant James (Cyril) Smith and the late Sergeant Thomas Britton were recognised for their bravery in bringing one of the most wanted men in Ireland before the courts over four decades ago.

A special ceremony hosted by An Garda Síochána at the Hillgrove Hotel in Monaghan recognised the courage and professionalism of two members of the organisation. Scott Medal Commendation Certificates were presented to retired Sergeant James (Cyril) Smith and posthumously to Sergeant Thomas Britton for courageous conduct involving risk to their lives in the line of duty.

The presentation recognised the actions of the two gardaí in 1979, when both officers were attached to the Monaghan Traffic Corps. While on patrol, they observed a vehicle associated with a violent criminal known at the time as the ‘Border Fox’. The gardaí pursued the vehicle in circumstances that were both dangerous and uncertain.

During the incident it became clear the suspects involved were armed and prepared to use violence. Despite the significant personal risk, Sergeant Smith and Garda Britton continued their efforts to protect the public and bring the situation under control.

The Scott Medal, the highest honour for bravery within An Garda Síochána, recognises acts where Garda members place the safety of others above their own.

The commendations were presented by Chief Superintendent Alan McGovern and Superintendent Pat O’Connell to retired Sergeant Smith and to the family of the late Sergeant Britton, whose legacy of service continues through his daughter and son, both serving members of An Garda Síochána.

Speaking at the presentation, Chief Superintendent McGovern said: “Our uniform may change with time. The challenges we face may evolve. But the courage that defines An Garda Síochána does not.

“On that day in 1979, Sergeant Smith and Sergeant Britton showed us exactly what courage looks like. They confronted a criminal known for extreme violence. They were unarmed. They could have ignored what they saw or turned away. But they didn’t. They stepped forward because of the character of the men they were.”

He praised their “courage” and “instinct”.

The Border Fox, Dessie O’Hare, was arrested and later convicted before the Special Criminal Court.

“That outcome was made possible because two members of An Garda Síochána refused to step back when confronted with danger. They had no firearm. They had no back-up. But they had something far more powerful — the courage to do their duty.”