Laois, Offaly and Tipperary came together in Portlaoise this week to celebrate a true hero, Portlaoise Community Garda Ronan Maher who captained the Tipp hurlers to All Ireland victory.
There were lots of little heroes present too at the Midlands Park Hotel, children with additional needs who are members of An Garda Síochána’s Little Blue Heroes special division.
Garda Maher was beseiged by GAA fans big and small, and he patiently posed for photos, signed hurls and jerseys and passed around the Liam MacCarthy cup.
After a hero’s walk to the stage to resounding cheers, he was interviewed by a local sports legend, Pat Critchley, on his game preparation.
Garda Ronan Maher with Pat Critchley at the celebration of his All Ireland win as captain of the Tipperary senior hurlers.
Ronan spoke on how it felt to have his photo join other captains on the wall in Sarsfield’s clubhouse, including his great grandad.
“I compliment you on the great rapport you have with youngsters and your work in the community, and your continued contribution to local communities here,” Pat told him.
Garda Maher thanked the force for holding the event.
“I didn’t want it to be a big deal but I’m absolutely delighted to see everybody turning out in your own jerseys. Thanks to the people in Portlaoise and Tullamore stations, it means a lot, and that comes from my family as well. Hopefully the Liam MacCarthy will go around to a few schools in Laois,” he said.
Little fans had lots of clever questions too, including one girl who asked “hurling or your girlfriend?”.
“No comment,” was Garda Maher’s wise answer.
Garda Maher’s family and his girlfriend Michelle Lahert were also at the joyous event.
Among the Little Blue Heroes present was Dan Donoher, who won national hearts during Covid with the Do It For Dan fundraiser, and his parents Aisling and Niall.
“He’s six now, he’s flying it,” Aisling told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.
Little Jamie Mannion from Portlaoise was there with his family, also well known through fundraisers to aid his mobility.
“To be a little blue hero is huge, just being part of something. It’s a chance for him just to be a little boy,” his mother Siobhán said.
Little Blue Hero Jamie Mannion with his parents Siobhan and Declan, brother Ryan and Garda Ronan Maher.
The event was hosted by Laois Offaly Garda Division, with Chief Superintendent Tony Lonergan there as well as An Garda Síochana Assistant Commissioner Paula Hillman.
Chief Supt Lonergan described Ronan both as a Garda and a player.
“We’re acknowledging the achievements of one of our own. The outcome on the field was a result of Ronan’s contribution and leadership skills. This quality is no real surprise to us because of his daily role as a community Garda, and the way he’s reached out to influence the community in a positive way.
“He is a reliable, consistant and unassuming Garda member who just gets the job done.
“Liam MacCarthy was last in Laois in 1915 when Laois beat Cork as well,” he added.
Assistant Commissioner Hillman also spoke.
“I am delighted to be here to acknowledge what you Ronan have achieved for your county, your family and for An Garda Síochána. We are very proud,” she said.
She added that the Little Blue Heros charity is “very close to our hearts” and thanked the family of Garda Maher for supporting him.
Gda Maher presented the Little Blue Heroes fund with €500, and he was presented with a painting of himself playing in the All Ireland final, presented by the Chief Superintendent.
Laois Offaly Division’s Chief Superintendent Tony Lonergan presents a painting gifted by members to Garda Ronan Maher.
There were many tributes paid, including by retired Laois Garda Sgt JJ Kirby who described the effect of a coaching session Gda Maher once gave to a Clonad minor team.
“What you did, the way you spoke, it transformed lads. We won the Under 20 championship afterwards”.
He also said Pat Critchley “kept so many young fellas here in the town on the straight and narrow for years. Two very unassuming guys, it’s a pleasure to be in the room with both of you”.
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The day was MC’d expertly by Ken Hogan, retired Garda and former senior Tipperary goalkeeper who listed Gda Maher’s many impressive career wins. See Laois Live Sport for more on the event.
