When Drew Harris was appointed Commissioner of An Gárda Síochána in 2018, it struck a chord with Sr. Enda Conneely, Dungarvan, Co Waterford. Because Enda, in 1959 came from west to east – Inis Oírr to Waterford – and because she knew no English, she found the transition very difficult for a while. She recalled that experience as she thought of Mr. Harris’ move from north to south. She felt he’d be lonely and that the adjustment would be difficult for him at the beginning.
Drew Harris and Enda Conneely
Reflecting on this, Enda decided to write to welcome him to the south. She also sent him a Mass Bouquet and promised that she would pray for him daily. Mr. Harris returned thanks to Enda for her kind words of welcome and for the Novena of Masses, saying that her prayers and support were greatly appreciated. He expressed “his feeling of honour at being appointed Garda Commissioner, his optimism about what could be achieved, saying that he wanted to make a positive impact on the safety and security of Ireland”. Following this exchange there was further correspondence periodically between Enda and the Commissioner. Cards were exchanged each Christmas.
And then we received some exciting news in the Dungarvan Mercy community in mid-February 2023 – we were informed from the Commissioner’s Office that Mr. Harris would be in Waterford later in the month and would like to visit Enda and the community. On Tuesday, February 21st 2023 Commissioner Drew Harris, his wife Jane and two Detective Gardaí Andrew and Alan, arrived just as we were finishing our lunch. They were happy to join us for dessert. There was great chat at all the tables and Enda felt privileged to be seated with the Commissioner and his wife, Jane.
Commissioner Harris presents Enda with medals and books
At the end of the meal, the guests and Sisters mingled and there was a great buzz in the dining room. Commissioner Harris presented Enda with a medal and two books commemorating the centenary of the founding of An Garda Síochána – one of the books concerned Women in An Garda Síochána. Numerous photographs were taken. The Commissioner expressed appreciation for the welcome he and his group had received and for the prayers on his behalf. He asked that we would continue to pray for him. For our part, we acknowledged the honour the Commissioner had bestowed on us by taking time out from his busy schedule to pay us a visit. It was a special and joyous day. All this happened as a result of the fact that Enda’s heart was touched; she wrote the letter.
Ena O’Donovan
Southern Province
