Popular Dermot hangs up uniform
GARDA MARKS RETIRES
GARDA DERMOT Marks one of the area's most familiar and respected figures has hung up his uniform. Colleagues and friends and local residents joined together to honour and wish him a happy, healthy and long retirement at a party in the local golf club.
Altogether he served 31 years in Garda Siochana, 24 of which he was stationed in Blackrock. During that time he earned a reputation as an efficient, fair and compassionate upholder of law and order that was always willing to provide any help he could to those in difficulty.
It was the one career that he wished for from when he was ten years old, influenced probably by his older brother Jim joining the force. The latter who attained the rank of Inspector is also retired, but the family link with the force is being maintained and extended with Dermot's son Ciaran a member. He is currently stationed in Monaghan where Dermot started off and spent seven years.
Reflecting on his time in the force, Dermot said It's been a very fulfilling career from start to finish. The job was very satisfying and there was great variety of work.'
He is a native of Cooley, a member of a large family comprising seven sisters and five brothers. Wife Annie (nee Fearon) hails from Carlingford. The couple have two other children, Aidan who is a personal trainer, and Fiona who is studying for her Leaving Certificate.
The family moved to the village and back beside the sea air that Anne and Dermot were accustomed to from their youth. The highlight for Dermot 'of my career was the day I transferred to Blackrock. I always enjoyed great help and support from the community and it was a very enjoyable place to work.'
He has seen a lot of changes in the physical landscape of the area and in the job. When I came there were three houses in Ard na Mara, and no Rathmount or Blackrock Cove. The swimming pool was there and no apartments.'
Haggardstown also has changed but the recession halted the major housing development that was planned for the like of Marlmount.
