PICTURES: 31 new honorary gardaí join the force as Little Blue Heroes light up Templemore

There was smiles and laughter in abundance at Templemore Garda College, as 31 new Gardaí were conferred as part of the Little Blue Heroes foundation, August 19. 

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Families and spectators were treated to a marching performance from the Garda class of 2025, intake 244 - who are set to graduate themselves on Friday, August 22. Children and teenagers with serious illnesses received honorary degrees and badges. 

Comedian and actor Pat Shortt was in attendance at the event representing the Blue Knights motorcycle club, to the delight of many parents along with the new honorary Gardaí.

Paw Patrol and Minnie Mouse also hit the scene and proved to be very popular with the Little Blue Heroes.

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The Gardaí have raised one million Euro for the Little Blue Heroes, according to the charity’s co-founder Alan Roughneen.

One parent said that while financial assistance for families with serious illnesses is a part of the Little Blue Heroes, the Gardaí are extremely subtle about fundraising, and never do so in front of the children. 

The charity also runs a buddy program, where an assigned volunteer Garda will regularly visit a family they are paired with. 

After a parade which featured motorcycles, Garda escorts and of course the new honorary recruits, Alan Roughneen gave a speech thanking the Little Blue Heroes for their “ongoing engagement and friendship with our Garda Buddies” saying that their effort is “what makes our honorary Garda program work”. 

The Little Blue Heroes Foundation was established in 2017, and is a charity led by Garda members, retired Garda members and people from local communities on a voluntary basis.