SPIDER O’Brien’s pub in South Street was buzzing with activity on Friday night as friends and colleagues of Garda Ger Feeney gathered together to celebrate his retirement from the force.

After a career spanning almost 30 years, most of which was spent within the New Ross town and district areas, Gda. Feeney is very well known within the local community.

That fact was highlighted by the number of well-wishers who attended his party on Friday night.

As well as being a highly respected member of An Garda Siochana, Gda. Feeney is also intrinsically linked with New Ross Celtic A.F.C. and in particular its underage sections.

He was instrumental in setting up the club’s underage girl’s section last which was a landmark move in the club’s history.

He is also well known in basketball circuits and was in charge of the New Ross Bullets from 1991 to 1999 and brought the squad to national prominence.

For the first time ever the club fielded U10, U12 and U14 girls’ squads.

Gda. James Farrell worked alongside Gda. Feeney in Ballycullane Garda Station for the last 10 years.

Commenting on his former colleague to The Echo, Gda. Farrell said: “Ger has served almost 30 years in the Gardai and in that time has given very good service to the local people.”

“He is very involved in community activities and particularly with the likes of New Ross Celtic A.F.C,” he added.

Significantly, Gda. Farrell said Gda. Feeney is “very well liked by young people in New Ross because he has a lot of contact with them and is able to make a good connection with them.”

“From the time he came to New Ross he has been actively involved in the community and that wont’ stop now just because he’s retiring from the Gardai,” he said.

“He’ll probably be even more involved now,” he added.

Gda. Farrell, who himself has been stationed in Ballycullane for 21 years, said his former colleague will be missed within the force.

“He was always involved with the youth and he will be missed as a member of the force.”