Garda stabbed in domestic incident in Cork receives medal for bravery

Among those attending the ceremony in Dublin on Monday were Garda Commissioner Drew Harris and Justice Minister Helen McEntee.

Of the eight medals, two were awarded posthumously, including one to a Garda who was shot by the IRA.

The Silver Medal was awarded to Garda Timothy McSweeney, who was stabbed in an incident after being called to a house in Douglas in March 2022.

After entering the house, Garda McSweeney was confronted by a man who was drunk and behaving aggressively towards a woman who feared for her life and that of her children.

The woman had attempted to flee the house with her children when Garda McSweeney arrived.

He said: “(The man) was drunk and went to the kitchen to get his jacket. Then he grabbed a large knife and started stabbing me.

“I immediately told the woman and children to run away. The struggle lasted about five minutes and I was able to take him to the ground and take the knife from him. Then I called for help.

“I suffered stab wounds to my hand and arm and tore my knee.”

When asked how he managed to get the knife back after the stabbing, Garda McSweeney said: “I was afraid of what he might do to the woman and the children, so I kept going and used every muscle in my body to get him to the ground and take the knife from him.”

“I am deeply honored to receive the medal. I didn't realize it was such a big occasion.

“My family is honored. I'm here with my wife, my two daughters, my mother and my brother. So it's a great family day.”

Detective Garda Morgan Lahiffe was posthumously awarded a Bronze Scott Medal after he and another Garda, Gerry O'Sullivan, subdued three armed men in a supermarket in Togher, Co Cork, in August 1971.

The attackers pointed a gun at them, but later pursued the armed men as they attempted to escape and caught them before they could flee.

Detective Lahiffe died in December last year.

Garda Lahiffe's daughter Avril said: “We are very proud. It is a great honour to receive this award. To say it is his second medal is fantastic.”

“It's a very emotional day. He only died in December, so he was close to getting it himself.

“It is a great honor for him and he has enjoyed serving the community.”

His widow Jean Lahiffe said: “I am very happy. It is sad that he is no longer here to receive it himself.”

In March last year, Sergeant Niamh Connaughton and Detective Garda Warren Farrell were attacked and held at gunpoint after foiling an armed robbery at a liquor store in Clondalkin, Dublin.

Although they were held at gunpoint, both managed to hold back their attackers.

Detective Farrell said: “We mindlessly walked into the store and confronted the two armed individuals who were there.

“They pointed a gun at us and at the time I barely thought about it, but when I thought about it later, it was frightening.

Sergeant Connaughton said: “I was attacked but fortunately no one was seriously injured.

“When you think about it later, you realize what really happened.

“I got hit in the face, but thank God I'm OK now. It affected my work for a while and my sleep. It's taking a while to get over it, but we're here.”

“It is a privilege and we are very happy to have these medals. Not many people have that.”

Other award winners included Sergeant Kieran Flynn and Inspector Joseph Finnegan, who rescued three people trapped in a sea cave in dangerous weather.

The two Gardaí also found the bodies of two men who died in the incident.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said the conditions for being awarded the Scott Medal were “very high”.

“I want to acknowledge how deserving all of today’s recipients are of such recognition,” Harris said.

“Today is a day when we recognise your outstanding contribution to the country and to An Garda Síochána.

“You are here today for very individual reasons and because of very, very different situations.”

Ms McEntee said their stories illustrated the different “opportunities, challenges and dangers” facing the Gardaí.

“It makes us all aware of the enormous risks that come with a career as a Garda. It reminds us that those who choose to wear the uniform cannot choose what the day brings,” Ms McEntee said.

“From rescue and recovery at sea to responding to increasing levels of violent domestic crime, we see the evolving, unpredictable but hugely fulfilling and important nature of your roles.

“It is a testament to the dedication and courage of our Gardaí.

“Your chosen profession involves dangers. To protect others, you sometimes have to put yourself in danger.

“You must run toward danger as others run away from it. And you do this without expecting recognition.”

“But that does not mean that bravery and selflessness should go unrecognized.”