Garda whistleblower saga linked to former army officer’s resignation

Former Defence Forces officer Commandant Alan Kearney resigned after a two‑year ordeal that he says was triggered by his connection to a Garda whistleblower.

Kearney’s case came to public attention during his court‑martial in July 2024, when a member of An Garda Síochána sat in the public gallery despite the hearing being an internal Defence Forces matter concerning alleged ammunition storage irregularities.

The Garda in question had previously worked with Kearney in the army before joining the police and had reported major irregularities in the Garda armoury, seeking Kearney’s advice. Kearney claims this set off a “witch hunt” that damaged his career.

Political and Ombudsman involvement

Senator Michael McDowell referenced the case in the Seanad, noting that the whistleblower’s former commanding officer’s home was searched under the Offences Against the State Act and that the officer’s Garda security clearance was withdrawn, halting his promotion until the Defence Forces Ombudsman intervened.

Defence Forces Ombudsman Alan Mahon later sought to have Kearney’s promotion reinstated, arguing he had been the victim of an injustice, but Kearney ultimately chose to resign, leaving the Defence Forces without a highly regarded officer.

The article also mentions other Garda whistleblowers—Detective Superintendent Brian O’Reilly, former head of the Garda National Technical Bureau, and Dr Donal Corcoran, former manager of the force’s protected disclosure office—both of whom have faced severe professional repercussions.

The broader whistleblower issue dates back to 2019 and was highlighted during the Disclosures Tribunal held across the Liffey from Garda headquarters.

Source: Irish Examiner. Photo: Eddie O. / Pexels.