Ireland's youngest garda visits Kilcullen

The youngest garda ever to patrol in Kilcullen spent time on the beat in the town yesterday, writes Brian Byrne.

Ceejay McArdle from Castleblayney, aged six, was visiting Naas, Kilcullen and The Curragh in a round of events to highlight the fight against cancer.

Ceejay is a walking example of that fight, as he has been battling leukaemia since he was three.

As he had always wanted to be a garda when he grows up, he was made an honorary member of the force in 2016, joining the graduating class of that year at the Garda Training College in Templemore.

Since then Ceejay has arguably become the busiest garda in Ireland, regularly travelling around the country to attend events related to fighting cancer.

He even has his own Facebook page where those who want to follow his story can be a part of Team Ceejay.

Kilcullen's Gda Joanne O'Sullivan and her colleagues Gda Jon Brien and Gda Jim Lacey hosted Gda Ceejay on his Kilcullen visit, which began with a meeting in the Heritage Centre with members of Two Mile House ICA who showed some of the 'Bravery Blanky' blankets they make and provide to Crumlin Children's Hospital. The hand knitted and crocheted blankets, along with hats, Hickman line bags and vests, and other essential items are given to children in Ireland diagnosed with cancer.

While there, Gda Ceejay was also presented with a signed Kildare jersey and his mum Susan was presented with a bouquet of flowers.

Afterwards he joined Joanne, Jon and Jim in a patrol around town where he checked out the Bridge Nature Trail, and met with local business owners and residents.

He finished up in the Kilcullen Garda Station to do some paperwork, the bane of every Garda's working life!

(Pictures by Noel Clare.)