I saw the advert in the paper. I made an application. I was called for a preliminary interview and then for an interview by a panel of three.

I was invited to join and did so in July 1982.

Start at 8 a.m. Crime analysis from the night before using the Garda PULSE system. Attend a management meeting with all of the supervisors at 10 a.m. for a half hour. Then travel to the stations within my District to supervise the various investigations underway and ensure all crimes are being followed up on correctly.

Most days I would approve completed investigation files prepared for court or for the Director of Public Prosecutions for decision. I would attend all major incidents, call out the State Pathologist and ensure the proper steps were being taken to enhance the prospects of the successful outcome of the case.

I liaise with the Superintendent, Detective Superintendent and Chief Superintendent on an almost daily basis. I am also responsible for the general administrative work in my units, drugs unit, crime task force unit and detective units throughout the district. I occasionally attend court to give evidence or object to bail in certain circumstances.

No two days are ever the same. Each crime is different and each injured party is different whether it’s a murder, a missing person, a robbery or a burglary. I usually finish my day’s work at 6 p.m. but frequently have evening meetings with personnel working on the late and night tours of duty.

• To make sure every crime is properly investigated and no stone is left unturned
• To ensure my staff have the proper training, equipment and transport necessary to do the job
• To keep Senior Management informed of what is happening
• To add value to any paperwork passing my desk
• To provide guidance to my staff when they require it
• To drive down crime rates and increase detection rates. This involves developing various strategies which will lead to the identification and arrest of offenders, and implementing them in the areas where crimes are occurring
• To authorise the fingerprinting and photographing of persons under arrest
• To travel to the various stations in my district and see that things are being done correctly e.g. that statements are taken or that exhibits are taken to the Forensic Science Laboratory
• To ensure that armed personnel are out each morning on patrol.

• Keeping up with the ingenuity of persons involved in crime and the latest crime trends
• Providing appropriate response levels to the various incidents occurring on a daily basis
• Prioritising the competing demands on the Garda service..

Cool is not a term I ever use. I imagine it's cool to be a Detective Inspector and it’s cool to carry firearms and drive unmarked Garda cars.

There is a certain level of respect that goes with the position. The position affords the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life with whom one can interact and network. It affords the opportunity to travel and attend various courses. I have traveled to London, Manchester, Paris and Scotland on investigations and courses which I imagine is cool.

It’s cool to be able to make a difference such as when you solve a crime, recover someone's property, arrest the culprit who has harmed someone or convict a person before the courts. Appearing on television on Crime Call or being interviewed on radio in connection with crime could also be categorised as cool, I would imagine.

• communicate
• delegate
• build teams
• train
• lead and instill confidence in my staff
• make speedy decisions
• learn new techniques
• develop I.T skills
• analyse information and act appropriately on it.