Retired Dunboyne sergeant is honoured

Former Dunboyne Garda sergeant, Alan Dowley, who retired recently after 22 years in Dunboyne, was honoured at a retirement function in the Dunboyne Castle Hotel on Friday night. Residents of Dunboyne and Batterstown, as well as former Garda colleagues, turned out in force on the night to show their appreciation for the popular ex-sergeant. A native of Co Kilkenny, Mr Dowley lives in Batterstown and was stationed in Drogheda and Julianstown before moving to Dunboyne on promotion 22 years ago. He served 31 years in the Gardai overall. He was an active member of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors and was, until recently, regional vice-president of that organisation. He recently resigned and is now taking up an administrative role in the organisation as a civilian. He is an active and popular member of the local communities in Batterstown and Dunboyne and is a member of the board of management of Rathregan National School. He is married to Nora and they have twin sons, Philip and Vincent. Vincent has followed his father"s footsteps into the Gardai and is currently stationed in Santry, Dublin. Mr Dowley was pleased and surprised at the large turnout on Friday night and his many former colleagues have said they will miss him greatly.