On the 25th January 2013 Sergeant Frank Downes retired from An Garda Síochána after 30 years service. Frank joined An Garda Síochána on the 26th January 1983. Frank’s service over the 30 years was in Athy, The Garda College in Templemore and Newcastle West. He was promoted in 1995 to Sergeant and transferred to Newcastle West the same year where he served for 18 years up to his retirement. Frank has been very involved with the soccer club in Newcastle West where he trained the underage teams with notable success. He is also involved in the Community Council. A function was held recently in O’Grady’s to mark his retirement. Presentations were made to Frank on the night on behalf of the soccer club and his colleagues at Newcastle West Garda Station. We wish Frank health and happiness in his retirement and many successful Manchester United days.