Friend and team mate of Gary Sheehan, Councillor P J O'Hanlon has said it's as important as ever to remember the fallen garda recruit who's anniversary is today. Garda recruit Gary Sheehan from Carrickmacross was just 23-years-old in 1983 when he was shot dead by the IRA during a high-profile operation to rescue Don Tidey, who had been abducted by the terrorist organisation some three weeks' earlier.
Gary lost his life along with Private Patrick Kelly in Ballinamore, Co Leitrim on this day 41 years ago. Today, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris unveiled a memorial to Gary Sheehan and Private Kelly in the Co. Leitrim village just 350 mnetres from the local garda station.
P J O'Hanlon said despite the passing of over 40 years, Gary's life and the circumstances of his death should be remembered especially for the younger generation:
