Oldest ever recruit (51) graduates from Garda College: 'If you're able, why not? Give it a go'

"Jeremiah Burke (51) said he wanted to join the gardai when he was younger but missed the opportunity. He said he recognises it is going to be a "tough job", but said: "You're never too old. "If you're able, why not? Give it a go. I'd say to anybody out there, if you want to go for it - go for it." He added: "I've done it, anyone can do it.""

"Among them, Garda Amy Ni Riada was eager to get "stuck in" after trading in a career in the media to join An Garda Siochana. The former RTE journalist, from Castleisland in Co Kerry, said she developed a taste for working in high-pressure environments and a role with variety. She was inspired to join the gardai seeing the response to the November 2023 riots in Dublin."

Jeremiah Burke, 51, joined An Garda Síochána after the recruitment age limit rose from 35 to 50. He had wanted to join when younger but missed the opportunity and had previously worked in retail. He encouraged others to apply regardless of age, acknowledging that the job is tough but achievable. Burke described training alongside younger recruits as daunting but said he received strong support from his wife, two children and the College. The attestation included 194 gardai from Templemore, featuring career changers such as former journalist Amy Ni Riada, and represented the largest single attestation since 2019.

Read at Irish Independent