The Garda Commissioner has praised the courage of 15 gardai in the rescue operation of prominent businessman Don Tidey almost 40 years ago.
They’ve been awarded the Scott Medal which is the Garda's highest award for bravery.
John Sommers, the son of the late Detective Spt William Somers recalling the day of the rescue operation in December 1983.
Prominent businessman Don Tidey had been abducted in Dublin by the IRA and was found 23 days later in Co Leitrim.
Two men were shot dead in the rescue operation – Private Patrick Kelly and Garda Gary Sheehan who had only been in the job three months.
His sister Jennifer McCann today received a posthumous gold medal for his bravery.
Today at Dubhlinn Gardens, Commissioner Harris presented 15 Scott Medals to Garda members.
The Scott Medal is the highest award that can be bestowed by the Commissioner & is awarded for 'most exceptional bravery and heroism involving the risk of life in the execution of duty.' pic.twitter.com/OhiEiRsp5x— Garda Info (@gardainfo) September 24, 2021
In total 15 serving, retired or deceased gardai have been awarded Scott medals for their role in the operation to rescue Don Tidey.
Now in his 80s, the former supermarket tycoon was here for the ceremony but didn’t want to be interviewed.
John Sommers says meeting him after all these years and following the death of his father was emotional.
