'An inspiration to all women' - High praise as mother of six graduates as Garda

An Garda Síochana has described one of its newest Garda officers as "one of many strong women" in the Force after the mother of six passed out in Templemore this week.

New Garda Lisa-Marie Fitzgerald was one of the 120 newly attested gardaí to celebrate their passing out ceremony in Templemore on Friday and came in for high praise.

The mother of six was driven to become a garda because of her will to "keep the people of Ireland safe" despite her very busy home life.

An Garda Síochana posted a number of photographs of Lisa-Marie with her children at the training college and said: "The training to become a Garda is rigorous and the commitment it requires to complete is next to none - that’s why behind every Garda are their loved ones just as devoted to their duties.

"Among those newly attested at the Garda College yesterday was Garda Lisa-Marie Fitzgerald.

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"Garda Fitzgerald came to pursue her career in policing driven by her will to help keep the people of Ireland safe, while also raising her six children.

"Her eldest couldn’t make yesterday’s attestation as he is currently completing his Leaving Certificate, but who we know must be very proud of his Mam.

"There was a point in history when women were prohibited from joining Ireland’s Police and Security Service - Garda Fitzgerald is one of the now many strong women in An Garda Síochána that are proving the importance of their leadership and place in policing.

"Look out for Lisa-Marie when she takes up her role in Buncrana Garda Station in the coming two weeks, and do wish her well in her career."

Many members of the public were quick to comment their congratulations with one describing Garda Fitzgerald as "an inspiration to all women."

They said: "Fantastic to see an inspiration to all of us women and mums out there as having a family there are times we think we are just a mum and wife, so it's lovely to see a mum to start a career. Congratulations and stay safe."

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Another woman said: "Well done, Garda Fitzgerald, that's an amazing commitment to make while you have kiddies, stay safe and I wish you all the very best in your career."

A third added: "What an inspiration you are to all of the women out there who think that they can’t do something because they are rearing a family. You are doing it! Best of luck to you and your family always."