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Diversity in An Garda Siochana Ann-Marie McMahon

Emilia Gilroy, Garda

Emilia Gilroy is a Garda stationed in Tallaght, Dublin. She is originally from Poland and graduated from Templemore Garda College in 2015. As her career within the organisation progresses Emilia hopes to undertake a course in specialist interviewing.

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What were the main 'career decision' milestones in your life so far?

I graduated on the 11th of September 2015. I started working on the 27th of September in Tallaght Garda Station. Due to this fact there have been no major career decisions to date.

Who are the people who most influenced your career direction?

My husband, who taught me to never give up.

How did you go about getting your current job?

I applied in the last recruitment campaign in December 2013. I passed all assessments and test and was invited to Garda College in Templemore for a 34 week training period, which I enjoyed a lot.

Describe a typical day?

There is no such thing as a typical day in a life of a Guard. Each day is different as we are faced with different tasks, meet different people and given different responsibilities. Some days are very busy, while other are more relaxed. It’s a varied job and definitely not a boring one.

What are the main tasks and responsibilities?

Depending on the day I could be working in a Public Office, dealing with the members of the public. The main responsibilities there include taking reports and complaints, signing forms, giving advice.

Going out on the beat means patrolling the local area, chatting with the locals, calling in to businesses, keeping an eye on the elderly in the locality.

The cars on the other hand respond to all calls coming into the station. Gardaí in the cars could deal with anything from neighbours arguing to serious assaults or murder.

What are the main challenges?

Negative stereotyping towards Gardaí can be challenging, however if treated fairly people more often than not respond very positively.

What do you like most?

My favourite thing about the job is helping others. There truly is nothing like the feeling that you've done something to make someone elses life just a little better.

Is there anything that isn't great?

If there is something I don’t like about it, it would have to be the public scrutiny and negative perception. Saying that, it truly is coming from minority of people and most encounters are very positive.

What particular skills do you bring to your workplace?

Good communication skills. Resilience Ability to react quickly, remain calm and take positive actions. Ability to work as a part of a team and on my own initiative. Quick decision making.

What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?

In school I was not choosing any particular subjects to suit my career. I just did what I liked. When I went to college I studied Political science, but I never finished this course.

What is your education to date?

What aspects of your education have proven most important for your job?

Leaving Cert as it is the basic requirement for joining An Garda Síochána.

What have been the most rewarding events in your career so far?

It is probably safe to say that if people meet me they’re not having a good day. Being able to be there for them and make that day a little bit easier for them is the most rewarding part of this job. Equally bringing perpetrators to justice makes this career a very rewarding one.

What personal qualities do you have that helps you in your career?

-Ability to actively listen
-Being compassionate and understanding
-Being non-judgmental
-Assertiveness Capacity for multitasking

What is your dream job?

I want to learn as much as I can at the moment and this is my goal for the foreseeable future. In time as I gain experience I’m going to be in a better position to develop my career further.

Does your job allow you to have a lifestyle you are happy with?

I enjoy my work and I’m very happy with my decision to join An Garda Síochána.

What advice would you give to someone considering this job?

It is a very rewarding but also extremely challenging job. It requires a lot of resilience, mental strength, patience and compassion. It means seeing people at their worst in the most difficult circumstances.

It involves making difficult decisions, which will have life changing consequences for the offenders. If you think you have the ability to handle all that, it is a truly great job with amazing opportunities.

What are the three most important personal characteristics required for the job?

Honesty, respect and initiative.

What is your pet hate at work?

Bad attitude, lack of common courtesy and respect.

Have you undertaken, or do you plan to undertake any further training as part of your job?

As a new recruit I still have the whole career ahead of me and I hope to be able to undertake as much training as possible. In particular I’d like to do a driving and specialist interviewer’s courses.

What kinds of work experience would provide a good background for this position?

Any community based projects or Garda Reserves.

What is your current job title?

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