Tributes paid to retiring Kildare garda sergeant

Tributes to a retired but highly admired court prosecutor came unusually, but perhaps rather fittingly, in the middle of a case hearing at Naas District Court last Thursday (3 April).

During a pause in a criminal case which involved a man attempting to eat a mattress in a garda station, defending solicitor Matt Byrne decided it was high time to remind Judge Zaidan that his friend and colleague in court for the past decade Sergeant Brian Jacob had officially retired after more than 30 years on the force the day previously.

“I really want to wish him well, and Nora and the three daughters, wish them all the best,” said the judge.

“He was the face of the gardaí here for ten or more years, and though we may have confronted one another a few times, we were on the same side,” he added.

“He was always being a solicitor without being a solicitor (representing the DPP in court) and I believe he may be branching out into more legal life.

“We’ll always remember his line ‘he was talking when he should’ve been listening’,” said Mr Byrne, referring to Sgt Jacob’s patient reply when asked why so-and-so was behaving in such a fashion on the public streets."

Seamus Boyle stood for the practitioners and remembered a fair and gregarious fellow court officer.

Solicitor Tim Kennelly added: “Brian had a tremendous sense of fairness. He is a virtuous man who excelled in prosecuting in the golden era of Hanahoe and Boyce. He will be missed.” 

This reporter spoke, remembering a warm and humane sergeant who offered more second chances to tip the balance in favour of so many who could have easily been convicted, and was a pillar of support to so many victims, particularly of domestic abuse.

Court proceedings soon resumed with a fine being issued in the above case.

But a last word to Sergeant Jacob. Fair winds, fine fellow, you have done your state some service.