Garda Tony Grey urged to receive Scott Medal for 2009 courthouse bravery

A former Garda who tackled a sword‑wielding teenager in Limerick Circuit Criminal Court on 7 October 2009 is being urged to receive the Scott Medal for Bravery.

Garda Tony Grey, a native of Cork and a third‑generation member of An Garda Síochána, retired last week after 13 years on the beat. On the day of the incident, Grey disarmed the teen, who was swinging a three‑foot sword at a person’s head, and placed him in handcuffs despite the packed courtroom.

Grey, who joined the force in 1996, said he would act the same way again and described his actions as simply doing his job. His colleagues, including the Garda Representative Association (GRA) and Inspector Gary Thompson, have called on Garda management to formally acknowledge the act, either through an accommodation or the Scott Medal, which can be awarded at any stage, even after retirement.

GRA spokesperson Garda Frank Thornton said it is disappointing that Grey’s bravery has not yet been recognised and stressed that such acts are an important part of the force’s tradition. He added that retirement should not preclude acknowledgment of Grey’s courage.

Source: Limerick Post. Photo: cottonbro studio / Pexels.