Garda Commissioner Drew Harris was joined at yesterday's unveiling in Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim by Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Mr James Browne TD, Brigadier General Rossa Mulcahy of the Óglaigh na hÉireann / Irish Defence Forces and members of the Sheehan and Kelly families.
A Monument of Remembrance was unveiled honouring Recruit Garda Gary Sheehan and Private Patrick Kelly for their ultimate sacrifice in their service to Ireland on the 16th of December, 1983.
Both men were part of a joint Garda and Óglaigh na hÉireann / Irish Defence Forces search operation to safely locate Mr. Don Tidey who had been kidnapped, when they were confronted and killed by the Provisional IRA at Drumcornan Wood, Ballinamore.
Both young men paid an eternal price and so it is right that their sacrifice is now etched in stone, just as their loss is etched in our hearts and minds.
The memorial has been designed to portray both men aptly in the form of two pillars standing tall.
We know that it will serve as a permanent reminder of the sacrifice they made for the people of Ireland.
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