Kilkenny garda becomes the only serving member of the force to be ordained - 'I won't know if he's coming to arrest me or bless me'

"'Will that be three penalty points or three Hail Marys?' - a joke Garda Eric O'Sullivan will no doubt hear more often, now that his career is taking a dramatic turn."

"The Kilkenny roads policing member was just ordained a deacon during a ceremony at Waterford Cathedral by Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan, surrounded by his family, friends and fellow colleagues from the force including Inspector Shay Keevans who represented An Garda Síochána on Garda O'Sullivan's proud day."

Kilkenny roads policing member Eric O'Sullivan was ordained a deacon at Waterford Cathedral by Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan. Family, friends and fellow Garda colleagues attended the ceremony. Inspector Shay Keevans represented An Garda Síochána at the ceremony. Colleagues noted O'Sullivan's career change from policing to ordained ministry. Light-hearted remarks about his dual roles referenced policing penalties and religious devotion. The ceremony combined formal liturgical rites with the presence of uniformed colleagues, highlighting the intersection of civic duty and spiritual calling. The ordination marked a significant vocational transition and brought together both his professional and personal communities in celebration.

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