Ex-hurling star is new local garda boss

Reshuffle of senior gardaí in Tipp Division

A new superintendent has been appointed to Nenagh Garda District following a series of changes of senior officers announced last week.

Superintendent Oliver Baker will arrive at the end of this week to take over from Supt Andrew Lacey. Winner of two all-Ireland hurling titles with Clare, Supt Baker was formerly an inspector serving in the Laois/Offaly Garda Division.

He replaces Supt Lacey, who has been appointed to Roxboro Road Garda Station with responsibility for Limerick City South Community Engagement Functional Area (Operating Model). The Tipp Town native has been the most senior officer in the Nenagh district since November of last year.

Chief Superintendent of the Tipperary Garda Division Derek Smart is also moving on, having been re-appointed to Henry St in Limerick. His replacement will be Chief Supt Colm O’Sullivan, who this week takes on the new position of chief of the combined Tipperary and Clare divisions. He will be based at the joint divisional headquarters in Ennis.

Another new role of Regional Chief Superintendent has also been created for Tipperary, Clare, Limerick, Cork and Kerry. Supt Brian Sugrue, a Cloughjordan native, has been appointed as Regional Chief Superintendent, Southern Region, based at Thurles Garda Station.

The new appointments were discussed at last week's meeting of the Tipperary Joint Policing Committee, at which tributes were paid to Chief Supt Smart following his three years of service in Tipperary. Those present also welcomed Chief Supt O'Sullivan, who attended the meeting along with his predecessor.