New book by former high ranking garda who served in Kildare

A new book is being published by a former Assistant Commissioner of An Garda Síochána who served in Rathangan and who passed away recently. 

On Duty: Reflections On A Life In The Guards -  a memoir by former Assistant Commissioner John O'Driscoll, is being published by Gill.

Mr O'Driscoll's son Seán said the book has become especially meaningful to his family due to his father's recent death as it captures the dedication, values, and insights the officer carried through his career in public service.

Seán added: "It provides a unique perspective on the responsibilities of his role and the path he took that led him to it.

"From policing the back streets of Dublin at the start of his career to working internationally to dismantle international criminal organizations in his later years, the book reflects the broad scope of his experiences.

"It also shares some of the most memorable cases he worked on over the years, giving a window into the challenges, rewards, and sacrifices that defined his life in law enforcement."

John O'Driscoll retired in 2022 after 41 years of service in An Garda Síochána.

He joined the force in 1981 and was originally stationed at Fitzgibbon Street Garda Station in Dublin’s North Inner City. 

He rose through the ranks, serving in areas such as the Garda National Immigration Bureau, Garda National Drug Unit and the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and was being promoted to Assistant Commissioner, Special Crime Operations, in 2016. 

He served in multiple districts around the country, including many years in the Dublin Metropolitan Area as well as time in Swinford, Co Mayo and Co Kildare.