The son of Garda Inspector Sam Donegan who was recently awarded a 'Gold Scott Medal' has paid tribute to his late father. Garda Inspector Sam Donegan is widely known for the role he played in leading an operation with Gardaí and the Irish Defence Forces along the Cavan/ Fermanagh Border back in 1972.
On the 8th of June 1972, information was received that a suspect device had been identified near Legakelly in Co Cavan. As Inspector Donegan approached the device to carry out an assessment, the device exploded and the Longford native died a short time later from his injuries.
Speaking on this morning's Joe Finnegan Show, Michael Donegan described his father as a "brave" man who led an "honourable" life before he was murdered "needlessly."
He added that his father died from "devastating injuries" at the age of 61, having served 34 years in the force. Speaking about the recent awards, Michael said; "His memory was acknowledged and respected, that in itself is such a meaningful thing for us to experience as a family.
"We know and we remember our father as brave and honourable, a man who lived a dignified life and who meant no ill to anyone yet suffered this terrible calamity needlessly."
