Jones family thank locals for their help and support
OFF DUTY GARDA SWEPT TO DEATH DURING FLOOD
The parents of the late Garda Ciarán Jones would like to offer their thanks to the people of Wicklow for their help and support over the past number of months.
The off duty Garda from Manor Kilbride was swept to his death in October of last year as he tried to warn motorists of the dangers of rising flood waters.
John Jones, Ciarán's father, says the family have been able to find some solace in the number of people who have offered them so much support.
'It meant a lot to me, Brenda (Ciarán's mother), his sister Michelle, his brother Alan and Ciarán's girlfriend Clare Kennedy that so many people made such efforts to sympathize with us and to pay tributes and respect to Ciarán.
'The depth and strength of the community support in Wicklow was shown by the number of people that rallied to help search for Ciarán initially and who visited our home and respectfully attended at his funeral services in the following days.
'It would be wrong of us to single out any individuals or businesses as we would be in danger of overlooking someone, the list was so long. We would just like to express our great appreciation for the selfless generosity that was extended to us on Ciarán's behalf by all the people across the county of Wicklow and beyond.'
The family have also spoken about the great honour Ciarán felt each time he pulled on the Kilbride or Wicklow GAA jerseys.
'As a lifelong member of the GAA Ciarán was very aware of its tradition in Wicklow and he was very proud to represent his county at every level. The overwhelming support from GAA clubs and members from every county in Ireland was a real tribute to Ciarán and a great comfort to us all.'
