'I love my job and don't want to retire'

The Gardai are losing good, experienced personnel because of strict rules that force members to retire at 60, according to Sgt John O’Dwyer of Kells, who will finish in his role later this month.

Sgt O’Dwyer says he doesn’t want to retire, but points out that many others including experienced, expert witnesses from Garda headquarters are also being forced to go at 60.
O’Dwyer points out that there are already vacancies for sergeants in Kells and his going will leave yet another void.

“I have to retire on 15th November, because on the 16th, I will be 60. I didn't really

want to go but now I am resigned to it, but gardai, along with prison officers and psychiatric nurses are the

only people that have this forced upon them” he points out.

“I will miss my job. I have always loved it, it was a vocation for me. It is ridiculous that I have to go. I am considered fit enough to be a garda on 15th November, but not on the 16th,” he said.