TRIBUTES HAVE BEEN made to Ciarán Jones, a member of the Garda Síochána who died tragically during the flooding on Monday.
The 25-year-old was off-duty at the time of his death but he was working to protect others during the dangerous conditions.
His body was recovered yesterday morning at Ballyward Bridge at Manor Kilbride in Wicklow.
An Taoiseach Enda Kenny led the tributes and tendered his sympathies to the family of the young man.
It is understood that Jones, his brother and a friend were at Ballysmuttan Bridge near Blessington helping motorists in difficulty at the time of the tragic incident. A search involving gardaí, the army, the Glen of Imaal rescue team and an air support unit was launched immediately.
His body was recovered before 9am yesterday.
Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan paid tribute to Jones for his service. “Ciarán was a valued and highly-regarded member of An Garda Síochána and his local community,” he said.
Justice Minister Alan Shatter also extended his sympathies to the Jones family.
“The Garda Síochána and all of us have lost a brave man who put his life at risk in helping the public at a time of great danger and the Stepaside community have lost a dedicated member of the Stepaside Garda Station. His courageous actions were in the finest tradition of the Garda Síochána,” he said.
Fine Gael TD for Dublin South Olivia Mitchell said that Jones will be “sorely missed”.
“It is simply tragic that Garda Jones, only starting out on his career, has been taken away from us in such a way,” she said. “He has died in the most heroic way, although at this time this is little comfort for his grieving family, who are foremost in my thoughts.”
Kilbride GAA also remembered “one of their best loved son’s”, who was a keen club member and footballer, in a statement on its website.
“He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by each and everyone who loved him. A young man who lived the community spirit, was proud of the village of Kilbride, its history and especially its GAA history.The Kilbride club and the extended community have lost a lovely young man in his prime and are mourning him greatly.”
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