Colleagues bid farewell to Gda Gilmartin
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Carolann Rooney, Rita Gilmartin and Niall Rooney at Canton Caseys. Thomas GibbonsImage 2 of 5
Marie Willoughby, Niamh Smollen, Rita Gilmartin and Catherine Tumelty. Thomas GibbonsImage 3 of 5
Rita Gilmartin and Pat McNicholas at the retirement party on Friday week last. Thomas GibbonsImage 4 of 5
David Conway and John McWalter with Rita. Thomas GibbonsImage 5 of 5
Rita Gilmartin with members of her family, Claire, Mick, Sam and Niamh, at her retirement do. Thomas GibbonsA career that has spanned five decades comes to an end with the retirement of Garda Rita Gilmartin, who has served in Mullingar since 1989. A woman who exudes kindness, compassion and good common sense, Rita has been a popular and effective member of the force who will be missed by her work colleagues and the public.
Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner at a function hosted by her colleagues to mark her retirement, Rita recalled joining an Garda Síochána in 1984. “We had the first married Ban Garda in the class,” she remarked.
When she graduated from Templemore, Rita was sent as a raw recruit to Ballyfermot and then to Clontarf, Dublin. She was transferred to Athlone in 1989 and came to Mullingar the following year.
Rita worked on the regular units in the force and in the traffic unit for 10 years before moving into the criminal intelligence section.
In 1988, Rita married Mullingar man, Mick Gilmartin. They have three children, Claire, Niamh and Sam, who are all actively involved in the community, as are Rita and Mick.
As she looks forward to her retirement, Rita thanks her colleagues and friends at Mullingar Garda Station, garda members and staff for their help and support down the years and wishes them well in their careers and health and happiness in their lives.
She also thanks the people of Mullingar for welcoming her “with open arms” and hopes that she served them well.